Our Mission...

...is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a powerful association of men, women, and children from all ages and from all walks of life, joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.

Strengthening the community is our cause – everyday we work side-by-side with our neighbors in communities across Greater Grand Rapids to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

We are dedicated to help you make healthy choices in your everyday life and have programs to help you reach your fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

Our Focus

  • Gardening is said to be one of the best exercises for bone health

    We knew Grandma was right on. Plant a flower or vegetable garden!

    Gardening is said to be one of the best exercises for bone health

  • A hard working adult sweats up to 4 gallons a day

    Whew, no wonder we go through so many towels at the Y!

    A hard working adult sweats up to 4 gallons a day

  • The beat goes on…

    During a typical human life span, the human heart will beat approximately 2.5 billion times.

    The beat goes on…

  • Your heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood each day

    That heart sure does a lot of work. Keep it healthy with aerobic exercises.

    Your heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood each day

  • There are 206 bones in the human body

    Keep them strong with strength training exercises and healthy eating.

    There are 206 bones in the human body

  • 25% of your bones are located in your feet

    Take care of your feet, wear socks that pull moisture away and make sure your shoes aren’t worn out.

    25% of your bones are located in your feet

  • You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV

    Turn off the TV, take a walk, and then go to sleep – think how many calories you will burn.

    You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV

  • Deep breathing gives you health benefits similar to aerobics

    Slow down. Take a deep breath. But, don’t forget to do aerobics to make your heart strong.

    Deep breathing gives you health benefits similar to aerobics

  • Diets are a part of life

    Take a healthy approach and combine exercise with healthy eating and you’ll do all right.

    Diets are a part of life

  • The average human body contains enough iron to make a small nail

    Hmmm, not sure what to say about this, but kind of cool.

    The average human body contains enough iron to make a small nail

  • The average human body contains enough fat to make seven bars of soap

    Yikes, that is kind of disgusting, but interesting.

    The average human body contains enough fat to make seven bars of soap

  • Each human nostril registers smells differently

    Smells in the right nostril are more pleasant than the left.

    Each human nostril registers smells differently

  • Apples are more effective than caffeine at waking you up in the morning

    They said an apple a day keeps the doctor away, now one more reason to start the day with an apple.

    Apples are more effective than caffeine at waking you up in the morning

  • The right lung takes more air in than the left

    Take a deep breath, fill your lungs and relax – you earned it!

    The right lung takes more air in than the left

  • Each pound above your ideal weight lowers your life expectancy by 34 days

    So, manage your weight through healthy eating & exercise. Our fitness coaches can help you!

    Each pound above your ideal weight lowers your life expectancy by 34 days

  • The most pushups ever performed in 1 day was 46,001

    Want to learn how to do the perfect pushup, ask any of our fitness coaches for show and tell.

    The most pushups ever performed in 1 day was 46,001

  • It takes about twenty seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body

    Faster than a speeding bullet!

    It takes about twenty seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body

  • The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime

    Wow, the heart sure gets a great workout. Make sure to keep it healthy by taking a walk or run today.

    The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime

  • Your skin is an organ

    This one just intrigued me!

    Your skin is an organ
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