GREENFIELD — Girls just want to have fun. But often, they’re too busy with school, work, or other daily tasks that leave little time for self-care and relaxation.
Thanks to Greenfield’s YMCA, women and children from “ages 10 to 100”enjoyed an afternoon of dance and exercise classes, massages and even a little shopping at the annual Girls Day Out event Sunday. The best part? It was all free.
Girls Day Out has been held by the YMCA for 12 years now, according to Fitness Director Jayne Trosin.
“We wanted to start a way for people to come into the Y,” she said.
This year’s Girls Day Out happened on the same day as a regional gymnastics meet in the building. At first, those at the YMCA were concerned that it would negatively affect Girls Day Out, but according to Trosin, the outcome was positive. The gymnastics meet brought in even more people, and after the meet, girls and their mothers were able to shop at vendors.
Forty-two vendors set up shop upstairs at the Y, and many women and children could be seen perusing the tables. Franklin County Technical School cosmetology students offered hair braiding and nail painting, while retail vendors displayed their products. Some vendors had food samples.
Group exercise classes, including Zumba, dance fitness and yoga, were offered at different times so that attendees could get a taste for what the YMCA offers.
In addition to these classes, attendees 12 and up were welcome to try scuba diving in the pool with instructor David MacDonald.
MacDonald has been an independent scuba instructor since 1982, and enjoys coming to the Y to teach classes. He typically teaches two days a week during April and May.
At Girls Day Out, he let participants try on scuba gear, including air tanks with mouthpieces.
According to MacDonald, Sunday’s scuba session was “more of an experience, and not a class.” This way, attendees could see whether they’d be interested in taking a scuba class later on.
Girls over 15 were welcome to soak in the Jacuzzi, swim in the pool and have a free chair massage.
According to Dawn Dorsey, health and wellness director, the event is designed to show women that exercise is fun, and that they can take the time to be active. It is also meant to show women that the YMCA is accommodating for people regardless of age, ability or body type.
Those interested in joining the YMCA pay monthly membership fees based on a sliding scale that can cover up to 70 percent of membership or program costs.