5 Heart Healthy Habits You Can Start at the YMCA This Month

February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to focus on building habits that support a healthy heart. At the YMCA, heart health is about more than exercise. It is about creating a balanced, active lifestyle you can sustain all year long.

Here are five heart healthy habits you can start today at the Y:

1. Get Moving Regularly
Cardio activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and group fitness classes help strengthen your heart. Whether you are just getting started or pushing toward new goals, the Y offers options for every fitness level.

2. Try Group Fitness for Motivation
Exercising with others keeps you accountable and makes movement more fun. From dance based classes to low impact workouts, group fitness can help you stay consistent while building community.

3. Build Strength, Not Just Cardio
Strength training supports heart health by improving muscle mass, balance, and metabolism. YMCA wellness staff can help you learn safe, effective techniques that work for your body.

4. Manage Stress Through Mind Body Practices
Chronic stress impacts heart health. Classes like yoga, stretching, and mindfulness based movement at the Y help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reset.

5. Make Healthy Living a Family Affair
When families move and eat well together, healthy habits stick. The Y offers family friendly programs that make it easier to model heart healthy behaviors for kids.

This February, take a step toward a stronger heart inside and out at the YMCA.