Nancy Rolig-Todd, left, of Marquette, and Mary Sischo, of Marquette, work out at a station during Monday’s New Year’s Eve Fitness Bash at the YMCA of Marquette County. The event allowed participants to take part in fitness activities, plus it was a fundraiser for the YMCA Youth Scholarship Program. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

By CHRISTIE BLECK

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — It wasn’t quite New Year’s Day yet, but participants in Monday’s New Year’s Eve Fitness Bash at the YMCA of Marquette County got a head start on starting off 2019 in a healthy way by trying out fitness activities.

The event also raised funds for the YMCA Youth Program Scholarship, which benefits children who might not have the opportunity to take part in programs like gymnastics, basketball or swimming.

Travis Alexander, director of personal training at the YMCA, helped lead the event, which included a variety of activities such as stepping, bouncing a ball against a wall and weightlifting that were part of the small group circuit training.

“Kids are coming in too with their grandparents and their parents,” Alexander said. “Trying to get everybody active, especially for the new year.”

Many new movements were to be taught Monday, he said.

“There will be agility with ladders, strength with kettle bells, strength training lunges, and then obviously we have a bunch of teamwork that we’re going to work through each round,” Alexander said. “So, that’s really fun. It brings the whole crew together.”

Another purpose of the event, he noted, was to educate participants about starting a fitness routine.

“Just starting a good habit and showing them what the YMCA is offering with the small group training sessions and utilizing a personal trainer if they need it for accountability, just a little bit more help through the new year,” Alexander said.

Kristen Gardner, of Marquette, has taken part in similar classes at the YMCA at 5 a.m. That might be a little early for some folks, but it appears to be working out for her.

“I’ve tried this a couple times now, and I think it’s an awesome confidence booster,” Gardner said. “Great coaches. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a really good workout in a short amount of time. After half an hour goes by, it feels like you only worked out for five minutes.”

John Berry, of Marquette, was another participant in Monday’s Fitness Bash.

“I am taking part to start off the new year by staying in shape, and no better time than to start right at the beginning,” Berry said.

The New Year’s Eve Fitness Bash, if nothing else, was a way for people try new workout movements in the company of others.

As Alexander said, “You’re working out as a community and as a team, not just by yourself.”

For more information, visit ymcamqt.org or call 906-227-9622. The West End YMCA facility in Negaunee can be reached at 906-475-9666.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.