Lake County Family YMCA Names New Health, Wellness Coordinator for Waukegan Y

Lake County Family YMCA has named Mayra Galindo as its Northern Lake YMCA health & wellness coordinator. A Gurnee resident, Galindo is responsible for fitness programming which includes group classes and personal training at the Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan. She has been a YMCA employee for two years and has been a Y member since age 10. “I’m the Mexican Jillian Michaels,” the bilingual Galindo said, adding that she admires the former “Biggest Loser” TV show trainer because Michaels is tough but compassionate. “There’s a time when you can push, and there’s a time to listen,” Galindo said. “I want to help people obtain goals, whatever they might be.” The two “loves in her life” are children and fitness. Galindo believes in educating the community about the importance of healthy eating and working out, which includes strength training. “In the Hispanic culture, there are a lot of tortillas and beans and other not-so-healthy foods. I learned how to eat a more balanced diet as an adult. If I can teach a child to make better food choices, that child teaches the parents and the grandparents, so I feel my connection to children is so important.” Galindo has another myth to help dispel: being skinny equates to being healthy. “I believe that we shouldn’t work out just to be a size. You can be a size 2 and have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. You should work out to feel good for yourself.” Galindo likes to mix up her classes so participants never know what to expect and, therefore, don’t become bored. She earned her Aerobics & Fitness Association of America certification in personal training and group fitness. She also has a Zumba license and CPR/First Aid certifications. The Northern Lake YMCA is starting a new punch-card system for fall. Members and the community can take it up a notch by purchasing punch cards that allow you to “mix and match” classes and times as you see fit. Class samples include spin, Zumba, boot camp, yoga, tone & abs, cardio kickboxing and a running club. Registration for the community takes place Sept. 4 – 7. For more information contact Galindo at 847-360-9622. ### The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Chartered in 1912 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills and Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan. To learn more, visit www.ymcalakecounty.org