John E Alexander | South Wood County YMCA

Find Your Fitness

Our knowledgeable staff is available to work with members in our facilities, ensuring proper use of equipment to gain optimal results. We also partner with area organizations to be able to offer high-quality and unique programs, such as falls prevention with Aspirus physical therapists, cooking classes through our partnership with McMillan Library, and youth nutrition classes through our partnership with Extension.

Schedules
  1. Health & Fitness
  2. Find Your Fitness

Healthy Living Programs

Wisconsin Rapids Fall 2025 1

Stepping On:

Falls Prevention Program

Stepping on can help you avoid a dangerous and costly fall, so you can keep doing thr things you love to do. 
Join us on Fridays at the South Wood County YMCA in Wisconsin Rapids.

Sept. 12th – Oct. 24th, 2025
Pre-Registration required
888-486-9545

Rogue Club Challenge Flyer

Rogue 500 - 750 - 1000 - 1250 Club Challenge

You’ll have 1 hour to complete your 1-rep max in the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.
Your total combined weight will place you into one of the Rogue Club tiers:
500 | 750 | 1000 | 1250 lbs

Everyone who completes the challenge will have their entry submitted and receive an official Rogue Club T-shirt if they complete the total weight.

Did you know flyers 2

Pump It Up Program

Pump it up is an 6 week hypertrophy based program.
Grounded in principles of muscle growth, time under tension, volume and intensity to focus on gaining lean muscle and reshape your physique.
New or experienced lifter this class is for EVERYONE.

Wellness Center

Both locations are equipped with state-of-the-art Wellness Centers. It’s a great place for young (11 and older) and young-at-heart to begin practicing a healthy lifestyle. Our Wellness Centers are equipped with the latest cardiovascular and strength training equipment to meet your fitness goals. Both Wellness Centers have an inviting atmosphere, are spaced appropriately and have good lighting.

Matrix Orientations Available  

The Y offers a complimentary fitness orientation with our qualified, wellness staff for new members or for those members looking for a refresher on our equipment. This is an introduction to our cardio and strength training equipment to teach you how to use the equipment correctly and safely. Appointments can be scheduled at the Member Services desk.

Age 11-14: Orientation REQUIRED

Age 15+: Orientation RECOMMENDED

  • Once a Youth Orientation is complete, a note confirming completion will be put into the youth’s account.
  • All youth, 11-12 yrs, are required to have an adult with them at all times in the Wellness Center.

*See our Member Services desk for orientation times.

Community Health Programs

Programs and offerings for the community at the YMCA:

Prayer request and Bible verse

The Prayer board is located on the second floor near the stretching windows. Feel free to leave your prayer requests so we can pray for you!

Stepping On falls prevention classes

These are evidence-based fall prevention classes that happen twice a year. Stepping On can help you avoid a dangerous and costly fall, so you can keep doing the things you love to do. Hear from the Experts Physical Therapist Strength and balance Optometrist & Pharmacist Vision, hearing and medication increase fall risk. Community Safety Expert Avoid hazards in your home
Stepping On: Fall Prevention Program
Fridays | Sept. 12th- Oct 24th

** You do not need to be a YMCA member to attend.
Register by calling: 888-486-9545

Wellness Library

Members have the benefit of checking out our wellness-oriented books. There are adult and children’s books available. Books are located in the main floor lobby near the gym.

Parkinson’s Power

This class is facilitated by two physical therapists: Heather McCarthy from Marshfield Clinic, and Elizabeth Ironside from Riverview Aspirus Hospital. The class meets participants at their skill level and is open to caregivers as well. The class is free for members and $5 for non-members. The class takes place every Wednesday from 12-12:50pm.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Red Cross Blood Drive – Register ahead of time.

Upcoming Dates: Sept. 5th, 2025

IMG 1217
For more Information reach out to:

Jacob Klatkiewicz

Healthy Living Director

(715) 818-6015 | klatkiewicz@swcymca.org

Livestrong Program

livestrong pic 1

Livestrong At The Y

LIVESTRONG at the Y is a FREE 12-week program for adult cancer survivors. Our program is about saying ‘goodbye’ to being a patient and saying ‘hello’ to being a healthy, whole person again. In partnership with our healthcare partners, we are able to bring this program to our community at no cost.

  • FREE 3-month YMCA family membership to support their wellness journey.
  • Twice-weekly classes (75 minutes each) held year-round at the South Wood County YMCA

Contributions to our annual Partner of Youth campaign fund this free community program. $250 funds LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for one cancer survivor. Donate today and help rebuild someone’s spirit, mind, and body.

Hand photo

For more Information of Livestrong reach out to:

Livestrong Instructors Linda Wyngaard or Kristy Leach at (715) 818-9622