Downtown YMCA gets brand-new fitness equipment

Lots of people are talking -- in breathless wonder -- about the new fitness equipment at the Boll Family YMCA. It's bringing Detroiters the latest and greatest in cardio and strength equipment, and that's exactly the goal, says executive director John Harris. "We want members, this community, to experience the latest, most well-made, most reliable, most functional equipment," he says.

The new Expresso stationary bikes feature interactive video screens with an online component that allows users to track their workouts and even compete with other cyclists. New Precor treadmills, AMT and elliptical machines have been installed along with new strength equipment from StarTrac.

Harris says that membership at the Y is strong, with 11,000 individual members. The childcare program has 75 children enrolled and the Y-Arts program is booming, with a choir, digital film and computer proficiency classes being just a few of the popular offerings. "We're doing some very, very cool things," he says. "It's far beyond just treadmills."

Upcoming events: Detroit Shock player Cheryl Ford will host a basketball clinic on February 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for boys and girls ages seven to 14. And Y-Arts presents Colors, an overview of African-American history told in song and dance, starting February 13.

Source: John Harris, Boll Family YMCA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh