Lake Co. YMCA names new Health, Wellness Coordinator for Vernon Hills Y

Lake County Family YMCA has named Jaclyn Kling as its Central Lake YMCA health & wellness coordinator.

A Libertyville resident, Kling is responsible for fitness programming which includes group classes and personal training at the Central Lake YMCA, 700 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. She has a long tenure with the YMCA.

“At the time I joined about four years ago, my husband did not have a job. I had heard that the Y offers scholarships for those in need. I was so grateful for this opportunity for my family that even though I was hesitant at first because I was so out of shape, I made the commitment to come and use the Y on a regular basis,” Kling explained.

At the time, certified fitness instructor Anne McKenna, who still teaches at the Y, noticed that Kling loved the Zumba class and encouraged her to become certified to teach it. McKenna needed a substitute teacher one day and called Kling.

“I had told Anne, who is a phenomenal instructor, I was never going to teach, but once I subbed, everyone was so receptive and told me that I was an inspiration to them. If I can do it, you can, too,” Kling said.

She also earned her Aerobics & Fitness Association of America certification and has been teaching ever since. Her philosophy focuses on giving back to the community. Kling says when she's teaching (down to about eight classes a week), the focus is solely on participants, making sure they're doing the movements properly and helping them scale their intensity if need be.

“It's important to make participants feel appreciated and to let them know how important they are to me and the Y. I have a huge place in my heart for the Y. Truly, the Y changed my life. I would not be doing what I'm doing today had it not been for the Y.”

The Central 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 interval training, step & sculpt, Zumba, boot camp, yoga, muscle works and kickboxing.

Registration for the community takes place Sept. 4-7. For more information contact Kling at 847-367-6797.

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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