LAWRENCE, Mass. – The YWCA of Greater Lawrence is pleased to announce a new fitness program, sponsored by RYKÄ, designed for women aged 25 and older who want a comfortable, casual and friendly place to help them meet their fitness goals.

RYKÄ, the only performance athletic footwear company in the world dedicated exclusively to women, has funded 13 programs nationwide in a special community-based philanthropy program administered by the Women’s Sports Foundation.

The program will offer traditional and water aerobics, combined with health information to help women create a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity.

“RYKÄ is proud to recognize these organizations which share our commitment to inspire, empower and educate women to create healthier lives,” said RYKÄ President Mary Taylor. “The grant recipients represent a great cross section of the kinds of grass roots efforts that are making a real difference in the lives of thousands of women.”

“Support from RYKA will help the YWCA offer an affordable, relaxed and informative fitness opportunity,” said Associate Executive Director, Lee Woodbury. “What makes this program so special is the combination of information, friendly support and the physical activity itself. Women are balancing work, family and many stresses that prevent them from putting their own health and wellness at the forefront. This program will be a quick, fun and easy way to add fitness into women’s busy lives.”

The new program will kick off at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence on February 19th, beginning with Wednesday night programs of Aerobics in the gymnasium and Water Aerobics in the pool.

Wednesday Sessions, beginning February 19th:

Aerobic Fitness / Gymnasium: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Water Aerobics / Pool: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Adult Lap Swim / Pool: 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Classes will be on-going and participants buy ‘passes’ to cover participation per night: 5 nights for $15, 10 nights for $25 and 20 nights for $40.

To register in English, contact Michael Jordan at 978-687-0331, extension 28 or to register in Spanish, contact Diana Purpora, extension 34.

The grant is administered by the Women’s Sports Foundation and is one of 13 nationwide funded by RYKÄ to empower and enhance the self-esteem of women through fitness and health education. Three other YWCAs were also funded, in Plainfield, NJ; Salt Lake City, UT and Lancaster, PA.

The YWCA of Greater Lawrence is a United Way of Merrimack Valley member agency providing preschool child care, after school child care, domestic violence and rape crisis services, transitional housing and women’s health advocacy services.