Pacific Palisades resident and former Olympian Kym Begel recently joined the Palisades-Malibu YMCA as the Director of Healthy Lifestyles. She and her family have been Y members since 2000. A world class track and field athlete for over a decade, Begel is the former Executive Director of the Carl Lewis Foundation and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sound Body, Sound Mind Foundation. In an effort to meet the needs of more Y members, Begel has expanded the group exercise schedule of classes and has opened a new Pilates studio at the facility. The transformation doesn’t stop there. Indoor cycling classes, with state-of-the-art stationery bicycles, will roll into the Y when a new Cycling Studio opens later this summer. “I am so honored that Kym has joined our staff,” said YMCA Executive Director Carol Pfannkuche. “Her expertise in fitness and her excellent reputation as a community leader make her a terrific addition to help us grow. We’re also happy to add highly skilled Pilates personal trainer Lauren Wing. She’s a Pilates Method Alliance Gold-Certified instructor, holding certifications in both the East Coast (Classical) and West Coast (Progressive) styles of Pilates.” Wing holds specialty certifications in Pilates for Golf and trained at the Titleist Performance Institute. She practices fundamental Pilates principles with her clients and can assist Y members with injury prevention and recovery. She is certified to teach Level V Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Spinal Reformer, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel and Mat Pilates. Y members can schedule private sessions with her for an additional fee. New fitness classes and instructors include: Zumba, taught by Audra Quinn. She comes to us after having been a group exercise instructor at Pepperdine University in Malibu. Zumba is a high energy, heart pumping, cardio workout. Ditch the workout and come join the dance party! Vinyasa Flow Yoga, (Contemporary, Level 2/3), taught by Ashika Gogna. She received her training and certification at Maha Yoga in Brentwood. This is a vigorous yoga class set to popular music. Gogna is excited to introduce this modern style of Yoga to Y members. Egyptian Belly Dance, taught by Richy Nedjat. This 2008 Palisades High graduate is a brilliant belly dance performer and choreographer. Egyptian Belly Dance is a fun and energetic workout that will fuel your spirit, mind and body. Come and learn about this ancient art form and the rich culture. Pre/Post Natal Fit, taught by Michelle Woolfson. She brings a wealth of experience to this class for mothers who are expecting or have recently delivered. This exercise class is designed to offer both physical as well as emotional support to women before and after childbirth. Toning and strengthening will be emphasized. The YMCA’s group exercise class schedule has been updated to include these new additions, so please visit the website at www.ymcala.org/palisades/ to see the new schedule or stop by the branch (821 Via de la Paz) to pick up a copy. Non-members can download a free seven-day guest pass and plan their health and fitness goals. Expanded ChildWatch hours include mornings, evenings and weekends. Summer is a great time to take advantage of this opportunity–kids have fun while you work out. The ChildWatch schedule is also on the website; advance reservations are recommended. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA and financial assistance is available for those in need, made possible by generous donors in the community. For questions, call 310-454-5591.
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