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The Greenville YMCA is launching a new class in April.

The class – Pound Fitness will be taught by Kayla Simmons.

Simmons said the exercise is a full-body workout that combines Pilates, Yoga, and Callanetics.

“You burn 400 to 500 calories each workout,” she said. “It’s very interactive and fun.”

Those who participate use Ripstix, which are lightly weighted drumsticks that are specifically designed for exercising.

Pound’s website says, “POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.”

Simmons said the exercise uses a variety of country, hip-hop, and other music.

She’s been a certified POUND instructor since 2015 in Mobile and Huntsville but recently moved to Greenville.

She contacted Tina Caver of the YMCA to find out if Pound was offered. When she found out it wasn’t, she pitched herself.

Caver said the class is open to anyone over 12 years old who are members of the YMCA, however, this class will be opened up to non-YMCA members to try a class for $5, if the class is not filled by members.

Caver said the YMCA classes are still operating at 50 percent capacity and class attendees are spaced out 6-8 feet for protection.

Caver said that financial assistance is available for anyone who needs help.

“We raise money each year so that no family gets turned away and no child is unable to play sports,” she said.

Currently, the YMCA is operating on an abbreviated schedule due to COVID-19. Monday through Friday doors open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. On Saturdays, it is open from 8 a.m. until noon.

Pound will begin the first week of April and will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Currently, there are other classes available, too.

Helena Shirley teaches a Morning Movers class Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.

Heather Kendrick offers a Zumba class from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Vicki Neven offers Boot Camp Ab Blast on Monday and Thursday from 4:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.

Christy Bozeman offers a Zumba Strong class on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The YMCA is located at 177 Academy Dr. in Greenville.

For more information, call (334) 382-0550.