The Greenville YMCA recently had four of its fitness staff certified and recertified.

On Jan. 3, 2000, the YMCA will offer a new fitness schedule that would include classes ranging from kickboxing to step aerobics.

The fitness instructors who became recertified were Kathy Pickens and Lisa Nimmer.

Litta Bledsoe and Christy Clark were certified as fitness instructors.

"In January, we're adding new classes for toning and stretching that will be set up in circuit format," Pickens said.

Circuit training will involve a variety of 90 second workouts during an exercise.

Various stations will be set up throughout the classroom.

Some of the exercises will include push ups, jumping jacks, jump ropes and the use of weights.

"The great aspect about the aerobic classes that involve circuit training is that you can work out at your own pace," Nimmer said.

"I feel that it'll be a fun and rewarding class for those who become involved."

Those interested in fitness classes can try a class for free the first time around to see if they want to become further involved.

The instructors encourage everyone to try it because it is set up for the whole family.

Nimmer is a certified kickboxing instructor through the American Fitness Aerobics Association.

"The kickboxing class uses martial arts, boxing, aerobic moves and other power moves to help get an aerobic workout while toning the body as well as improvng balance and flexibility," Nimmer said.

On average, one kickboxing session can burn 400 calories.

All the instructors attended a weekend certification course in Montgomery in which they eventually performed a routine en route to YMCA USA certification.

"We had a chance to be the students once again and we all got some ideas that can be used here at the YMCA," Clark said.

"Being

YMCA USA certified takes a great deal of effort," Bledsoe said. "However, we want to provide the best fitness atmosphere for our members."

The Y currently offers step aerobics, dance aerobics, circuit training and kickboxing.

Pickens said the Y gives the people what they want.

"We try to offer a little bit of everything at the Y," Pickens said. "People want different things from exercise and we try to have something for everyone, regardless of his or her fitness level.

"Focusing on developing positive life-long habits and building relationships with other class members is also what we do here."

Bledsoe said the Y has a family environment.

"At the YMCA, we offer great activities for the whole family," Bledsoe said.

"I feel that our fitness classes are examples of this family orientated activity."

Clark said that a variety of people should feel free to exercise at the Y.

"Our classes are geared towards everyone," Clark said. "Exercising is a great habit and it can lead to a healthier and happier life."

For information regarding the new fitness schedule and/or membership, call the Greenville YMCA at 382-0550.