WARSAW — Kosciusko Community YMCA will be starting winter classes on Jan. 9.  Classes will run through Feb. 19. Classes for youth will include swim lessons, youth fitness and gymnastics classes for all ages. Registration for winter classes has started for everyone.

Classes that promote the Healthy Living aspect of your Y will include group exercise and Indoor Group Cycling, classes for older adults and water aerobics in both the Warm Water and Lap Pools.  Adult classes are included with a Y membership.  For a complete listing of times and descriptions visit online.

The Y wants to encourage the community to get screened for prediabetes by getting an A1c screen.  These will be offered for free by the Y from 11:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. This is a quick and easy test with results in less than 5 minutes.  Walk-ins accepted. 

To support those in our community going through cancer and their caregivers, the Y is hosting “Kathy’s Cancer Conversations,” a volunteer-led cancer support group meeting from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of each month  in the Parkview Center for Healthy Living inside the YMCA.  On Jan. 9, the topic will be “What Does Hope Look Like, Really?”  and on Feb. 13, they’ll look at therapeutic oils. 

English as a Second Language will be offered at the Y in partnership with Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church for those 18 and up on Tuesdays starting at 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 10. There are 5 different levels based on ability.  The class is free with an initial fee for the book.  Sign up at the YMCA’s Welcome Center. 

There will be a 5 on 5 Adult Basketball League starting between 7 and 9 p.m. on Thursdays at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA, Jan. 12-March 2. Teams should have 7-10 players.  Sign up by Jan. 5.

Pickleball will be starting up again on Jan.13.  There will be open play from 1 to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Y members can play for free.  Those who aren’t members would pay a small fee.

A CPR class will be offered to the community from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 18.  If CPR certification is needed for a job or if someone wants to be more prepared to handle an emergency they can sign up for this American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR class. The class will teach adult, child and infant CPR and AED use, but does not include first-aid.  This three-hour class provides a two-year certification. Please contact the Welcome Center to register by Jan. 15.  There is a cost for participation and certification.

The Adult Beginner Spanish course starting on Jan. 16 will be a basic course offering introductory Spanish for adults.  Participants will learn to listen, speak, read and write while enjoying the rewards of lifelong learning and gaining the skills to connect to the Spanish speaking members of the community.  The class meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 16-March 6, in the Multi-Purpose Room 2.  Sign up by Jan. 11.  A second Spanish Session will be offered March 20-May 15.

The YMCA’s 8 Weeks to Fitness will be starting on Jan. 24.  This program is designed to combine regular physical activity with the knowledge and understanding to maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of diseases and promote overall health. Personal trainers will help participants set goals and work with them through them and through weekly nutrition accountability for 8 weeks in a small group setting.  There will be initial blood work and follow-up blood work by Parkview Health included in the program.  Classes meet at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Participants choose how many classes to attend.

The Couch Potato Triathlon Fitness Incentive for Y Members is meant to keep participants engaged and active in their New Year Resolutions. This is a six-week program designed to help participants stay motivated through the winter months by completing a Triathlon at the Y- 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and 26.2 miles of running.  Youth ages 15 and under may complete half a Triathlon- 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling and 13.1 miles of running.  The Couch Potato Triathlon runs Jan. 24-March 20.