The Bangor Region YMCA: A Community for Everyone!

When you think of the Bangor Region YMCA, what comes to mind? (Besides the YMCA song.) Do you think of swimming and going to the gym? Fitness classes? An early education and childcare center? Summer camps? Before and afterschool programs? Teen center? Swim lessons? A nonprofit organization? A support system? Friendships? A sense of camaraderie?

The Bangor Region YMCA is all of these things and so much more! Our Y is a community hub serving people ages 6 months to 102 years old from more than 23 towns and all walks of life. We offer a wide variety of programs and services to help fulfill the needs of the Bangor region—all while providing a fun, friendly environment where all are welcome and friendships are made.

When you sign up for a membership to the Bangor Region YMCA, you’re not only making a commitment to yourself to maintain or improve your health—you’re joining a community. The moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with a smile and a “hello” by our Welcome Center Associates who are ready to give you a tour on your first visit, get to know you, and answer any questions you may have in the future. And if this is your first time using cardio equipment, they’ll sign you up for a Free Cardio Equipment Orientation with a Certified Personal Trainer, which is included with your membership and a great way to meet other new members who are starting out.

In addition to having access to our Fitness Center, Weight Room, two swimming pools, and saunas in our locker rooms, your Y membership also includes unlimited access to more than 65 land and water fitness classes—with the earliest classes beginning at 5:45 a.m. and the latest classes beginning at 6:45 p.m. We understand that some people attending their first fitness class may feel a little out of their comfort zone, but both our members and Certified Instructors will welcome you with open arms and help you get set up for your first class. Take it from Patti Alquist, who has been a Y member for 17 years and shared her experience when she started taking our Group Power class a few years ago:

“It was very welcoming and everybody was so helpful and encouraging. My body changed; I didn’t expect that. I just wanted to get strong and fit again. I have four grandchildren and I like rolling around on the floor with them and I like playing with them. I like being silly and goofy with them without being afraid of being hurt, and I can do that now! All the muscles around my legs have gotten so strong from just learning how to balance better and my achy knees have gone away. My range of motions has improved for various things. It’s been spiritual, emotional, and strength-wise, it’s an amazing class.”

Taking fitness classes is a great way to meet new people and grow your circle of friends, not just with other members but also our Certified Fitness Instructors who work so hard to provide a quality program in a fun, and engaging atmosphere that makes you want to come back for more.

“I get so much out of the people who are here, [and] the instructors, too,” says Allison Valley who has been a Y member for nine years. “I’ve been through a lot the last few years and I may not know one of the member’s last names, but they know my whole life story. They’re there to check in with me and make sure everything is good; make sure things are going well. I think that part of it makes you feel like you need it. It’s not a dreading feeling going to exercise, because you’re going as a group, as a support system. You’re going to hang out with friends!”

The camaraderie and health benefits aren’t just within our fitness classes. Avid pool-goer Joe Pickering has been a Y member for 20 years, and says, “The Bangor Region YMCA has changed my life with the smiles I get when entering the Y, seeing the Welcome Center staff in the lobby, and the life changing activities and exercises the Y provides in the pool, gym, and such programs such as aqua fitness classes, 50+ ‘N Fit and the other multiple programs.”

Not only does your Y membership include everything Joe mentioned, but it also includes some of our evidencebased programs to help support those living with a chronic disease. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA for cancer survivors, Cardiac Disease Prevention & Rehabilitation, Arthritis/Bone Health, and our Neuro Health Program for Patients and their Care Partner all come free with a Y membership.

Robert and Deborah Harvey joined our Y’s Neuro Health Program for Patients and their Care Partners and benefitted beyond their expectations—both physically and mentally. “The exercise program is very well run and fits the needs of both the patient and care partner, with individual assistance as needed by the Certified Personal Trainers. Deb enjoys doing the exercises and I also look forward to the exercises and know that it has improved my balance. The discussions in the support groups are also very helpful emotionally and socially. We greatly benefit from this entire program.”

All of this is included in a Bangor Region YMCA Senior, Veteran and First Responder Membership for $41 per month. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. As a Y, we want to help all aging adults in our community have the same opportunities regardless of their financial situation.

For more information, stop by The Bangor Region YMCA at 17 Second St. in Bangor for a tour or call us at (207) 941-2808.