Editor’s Note: This column is written by Emory Smith, a YMCA staff member.

It is hard to believe that the summer break is over. With school starting back, your YMCA has a number of programs to help members of all ages stay healthy.

Youth and Teen Sports Agility Training is for the aspiring young athlete looking for ways to become more agile and have more endurance. The class links strength with speed of movement in order to create athletic power. The class includes flexibility, agility drills, dot drills, plyo boxes and running. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is for students in grades 4-12.

Homeschool Gym & Swim is back! Parents who homeschool their children often are at a loss for a way to offer quality physical education to the children. The Y solves this by a program run by a state-certified health and physical education teacher. The program emphasizes health and well-being as well as offering a chance for interaction with other homeschooled children of the same ages. Classes consist of games, movement education, character education and play. Each class ends with swim time in the YMCA indoor pool. This program is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Speaking of the YMCA indoor pool, the YMCA Barracudas Swim Team is coming off a very successful summer with the team excelling in area and state meets. The fall program begins in August. Swim Team is a way to learn to swim better and faster. The team competes in YMCA and Georgia Recreation and Parks Association meets. The team practices Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants must be YMCA members.

The Cass Kirbo Tennis Center is full of activity again with tennis lessons for beginners and intermediate players. The program teaches basic tennis skills and covers skill development, etiquette and court management. Junior Beginners practice Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Junior Intermediates follow from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Preschool tennis lessons are on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and are preceded by adult lessons from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sign up soon. The first session starts Aug. 12.

Women, there are three new classes for you starting in August. If you have children at home, we even have classes for you and your children. They are:

• Stroller Strides — Grab your strollers and your babies and let’s get moving! This is a total fitness program for moms that can be done with their babies. This is a 45-minute workout that includes cardio, toning, flexibility and core fitness. Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and begin Aug. 6.

• Mommy & Me Fitness — This is a 45-minute class tailored to the health and fitness of moms and their children through the use of song, movement and play. The child stays engaged while the mother takes part in full body workout.  Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and begin Aug. 6.

• Women on Weights (WOW) — This is a six-week strength training program this is specifically tailored for women. Learn the importance of weight-bearing exercises to a woman’s bone and muscle development as well as proper form and fundamentals. Learn how to incorporate strength exercises into your regular workout regimen in a small group setting.

If you need that extra motivation and inspiration in a small group setting, this program is for you. Free fitness evaluations are given when you start the class. This class is scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and starts Aug. 12.

Call the YMCA at (229) 243-0508 for more information on these and other exciting YMCA programs. And, keep watching for more information on our fall youth sports schedule.

Emory Smith is a staff member at the Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA. He can be reached at (229) 243-0508.