Healthy Living Resources
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.
- Health & Fitness
- Healthy Living Resources
Healthy Living Programs

Youth Strength and Development Program
Join our 8-week Summer Youth Fitness Program designed for kids ages 9-14! This program focuses on functional movement, free weights, endurance, and overall fitness, helping participants improve their athletic skills or simply learn proper exercise techniques. It’s also a great opportunity to build new friendships over the summer!
June 10 – July 31
(Can prorate, minimum 4 weeks)
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Perfect for young athletes or beginners looking to stay active this summer!
Community Health and ForeverWell Program
Programs and offerings for the community at the YMCA:
ForeverWell (55+) Group
As a leading voice on improving overall health, the Y accepts the responsibility to find ways to serve our aging population, not only for individual health and well-being, but for overall community health. The South Wood County YMCA encourages all adults to develop behavior that is crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, physical activity, and social interaction. This is member benefit and does not cost anything to participate.
Notable Events:
Coffee Club: Every Monday 11:15-12:15pm in the learning kitchen
Every Second Monday of the month, a guest speaker will come talk on common areas in health and wellness in the teaching kitchen from 11:15-12:15pm.
Visit our monthly newsletter for more information and events.
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
** 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 for up to 30 days. There are adult and children’s books available. Books are located in the front lobby next to the Community bulletin board. Please see front desk to check out books.
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.
Smart Start Weight Loss Program
Smart Start Weight Loss is a 10-week weight loss program that includes working with a trainer for exercise, stretching and behavior change discussions weekly. This program will include nutrition educational programs, group classes and be apart of a supportive community for an holistic approach to weight loss.
YMCA Strength Program
YMCA Strength program, led by Jacob Klatkiewicz, focuses on progressive overload training progression. This is a strength program to break plateaus and gain knowledge on strength training.
$40 Members | $60 Non-Members
Red Cross Blood Drive
Red Cross Blood Drive – Register ahead of time.
Upcoming Dates: Friday, June 13th, 2025

For more Information reach out to:
Livestrong Program

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.
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.

For more Information of Livestrong reach out to:
Livestrong Instructors Linda Wyngaard or Kristy Leach at (715) 818-9622
Purpose
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. Program participants receive a FREE 3-month YMCA family membership to help further their wellness journey.
Program
This research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.
Participants work with YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program is available year-round at the South Wood County YMCA. Classes are twice weekly for 75-minutes per class over a 12 week period.
Check your local Y branch for schedules and times.
Participants will be invited to participate in several components of the program, including:
- Group exercise classes
- Individualized training and exercise development sessions
- Social engagement activities, and
- Educational seminars and guest speakers
This program is recommended for survivors who have recently finished their cancer treatment. Enrollment will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits
Medical studies show that moderate levels of exercise help cancer survivors physically and mentally, increasing their overall quality of life. The YMCA’s goal is to support survivors through a program that provides them with a positive way to learn how to increase their physical activity.
Additional benefits will include reducing the severity of therapy and treatment side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self-esteem.
A final goal of the program will be to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Certified Instructors
Certified YMCA fitness instructors will deliver the physical activity portions of the program. Instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care.
More Health & Fitness
About
Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Wisconsin Rapids Hours
Monday- Friday: 5:00 AM- 8:00PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM- 3:00PM
Sunday: Closed for summer
Adams Hours
Monday- Thursday: 8:00AM- 7:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM- 5:00PM
Saturday- Sunday: Not Staffed
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601 W Grand Ave
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
(715) 818-9622
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