Did you know YMCA of Coastal Carolina members can access YMCA360 for free?
What is YMCA360?
This Video on Demand and Live Streaming service brings the Y experience seamlessly to mobile devices, TVs, streaming devices and the web, and will be included free with every YMCA membership.
YMCA360 is free for members!
YMCA360 is free for members. Members access it using the email address in our Member database.
With YMCA360, pursuing a healthier lifestyle is possible anytime and anywhere. Members will be able to view and participate in hundreds of group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes, cooking classes, remotely connect with personal trainers, view daily live fitness classes and so much more. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
YMCA360 Digital Membership
For those who prefer to workout from home, we offer a digital membership for $75/year!
At the Y, there are no strangers – only friends you haven’t met yet. While you improve your health and mobility through our fitness programs, you’ll also make new friends and find opportunities to strengthen the social fabric of your community.
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina partners with insurance companies to provide memberships
Seniors are a significant and valued part of our YMCA of Coastal Carolina community. Most Medicare Advantage and some Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap, include access to gym memberships. We have partnered with several programs to offer memberships at no cost to the individual with a qualifying plan. The insurance company pays a portion, and our Y subsidizes the other portion in order to ensure all have access to improve their health.
While each program operates differently, all offer multiple fitness options including access to gyms and at-home workouts at no cost to members.
Medicare Plans we accept
We accept the following Medicare plans:
Silver and Fit
Renew Active
Fiton Health
Ask your insurance provider for more details.
Join the Y!
Join the Y for fitness, fun, and community! Check with your insurance provider today to see if you qualify for membership through Medicare Advantage. Your journey to a healthier you starts here!
Check with your insurance provider about the three plans we accept.
Visit the Y. We have three convenience locations:
Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach, SC
Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA in Pawleys Island, SC
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA in Georgetown, SC
If you are eligible, bring a photo ID and your insurance documents (new Health Card, eligibility letter, Photo ID, etc.) The process is easy!
If your plan is not covered, we would love for you to be a member. We have a financial assistance program to make sure all have access to the Y.
Renew Your Membership: Current Medicare Fitness Members
REMINDER : Starting January 1, 2024, Coastal Carolina YMCA will need to verify/update your Medicare Fitness eligibility for 2024. To update your information, please bring all necessary documents (new Health Card, eligibility letter, Photo ID, etc.).
This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Thank you for your cooperation!
Have you ever had a habit that you just can’t shake? Or had a habit that you want to instill in your life, but it never catches on? One great way to be mindful of the habits you keep is journaling. The health and wellness realm is made up of exercise, nutrition, sleep, water intake, and relaxation/mediation time. Tracking each of these categories will aid in creating healthy habits, as well as getting rid of unhealthy ones.
That’s why we created our #HealthyHabits planner and tracker! Each month, we will be posting a new to do list and tracker for you to use to create your healthy habits in 2024!
Download the Healthy Habits Tracker + Planner for January
January To Do List: A plan to help you get 1% better every day with simple tips to start slow and remain consistent.
Make a Plan: When you write down a goal and schedule when you’re going to complete it, you’re much more likely to commit to it. Get into the habit of scheduling when you plan to workout, create a healthy meal plan so you don’t make last-minute unhealthy choices, sleep more, and drink more water.
Track your progress: check off your successes! You don’t know need to do it all at once. Start small. Focus on checking just one healthy habit each day, and add more healthy habits goals each week.
Get into the habit of tracking your progress
Get into the habit of writing down your daily habits using our tracker. Even if you didn’t hit your goals, it’s motivating to get into the practice of journaling.
A habit journal is a way to visualize your goals, whether they be daily or weekly. Having a list of tasks each day to complete serves as both a visual aid and motivation. Habits take roughly 90 days to form, so it is important to remember that you won’t be perfect! When life feels chaotic, logging any habit can give you a sense of control.
Before altering your habits, it is important to understand why you have the routine you do. The CDC says that reflecting is one important way to keep your eating and exercise habits consistent.
“The benefits of regular exercise are proven. It can do wonders for your overall health,” said Dr. James Turek, a family medicine physician at Tidelands Health.
In order to create healthy habits, journaling is known to help!
Find the time: Set goals + create a schedule
When you write down a goal and schedule when you’re going to complete it, you’re much more likely to commit to it. Get into the habit of scheduling when you plan to workout, create a healthy meal plan so you don’t make last-minute unhealthy choices, sleep more, and drink more water.
Attend our Tidelands Tuesday Talk: Learn simple ways to eat right and exercise more
What:Tidelands Health Registered Dietitian, Hope Brinkman, will share simple ways to eat healthier. Angie Hill, Senior Health and Wellness Director at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, will help you move more.
Are you looking forward to the New Year? 2024 is almost here! This year, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina and Tidelands Health will help you get 1% better every day in 2024 by creating consistent healthy habits.
What is it?
The Healthy Habits program includes 12 monthly goals that can help you be the best version of yourself and a Healthy Habits tracker to help you stay on track!
Each month, we’ll publish a new planner and tracker with the monthly goal for you to follow.
Get a 1% Better Every Day T-Shirt
The first 100 members who visit their Y on Jan. 1 will receive a t-shirt!
January Healthy Habits Tracker + Planner
For the month of January, simply track your progress every day. Start small: focus on checking off one or two healthy habits each day. Just get 1% better every day!
To help you become 1% better every day, we are offering the Healthy Habits Coaching program. The Healthy Habits Coaching program will add accountability and educate you on how to stay healthy. The Healthy Habits Coaching program will give you 4 sessions with a health coach. The health coach will guide you through a workout and meet with you monthly to assist in accountability, answer questions and progress you through your exercise program. Get pricing information + register here
Workout with YMCA360
All YMCA of Coastal Carolina members also have access to YMCA 360 to work out anywhere! This exclusive program provides educational videos on all aspects of healthy living. When you join the Y, our monthly emails are guaranteed to keep you motivated and in touch with your goals.
New this year: we are offering a YMCA360 digital membership for those who want to work out from home.
Join the Y
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be 1% Better Every Day!
NEW! You can work out from home with our new digital membership, YMCA360!
Mary is a member of the Myrtle Beach YMCA community. Mary suffered from a Transient Ischemic Attack and two Ischemic Strokes in April of 2022. She spent a month in rehab, setting goals and slowly regaining functions through various therapies. Mary looked to the YMCA for extra help getting her back on her feet. She practiced water aerobics and weightlifting with Dylan, a trainer for the YMCA. Mary continues to make impressive progress and says that “Every time I’m with Personal Training, Golf Therapy, staff or the many classes offered, I walk away with a new tool to help my continued journey to getting better!”
Mary’s Story
On Thursday evening, April 14th, 2022, I had a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), which passed by 2 a.m. and I was sent home believing everything was OK. On Friday morning around 8 a.m. I knew things were happening, so we went back to Waccamaw Hospital and that morning had two Ischemic Strokes on my left side, leaving me paralyzed (hence why I am called Lefty).
I was transferred to Rehab on Tuesday for 1 month and released on May 11th, 2022. While there I did Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech Therapy 3 times a day. Once released from Rehab, I started Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy at Tidelands Neuro Therapy from May 23rd through December 30th, 2022.
No matter where I did my rehab, I established goals for myself.
1) I never stopped exercising. Whatever the therapist taught me I wrote down and continued to work on (until today).
2) In rehab they asked what my goal was . . . I wanted to get out of the hospital; on May 11th, I walked out with my walker.
3) By July 15th, I was able to walk without my walker.
4) While still doing Neuro Rehab, around August 1st, I knew I needed to find more ways to help improve my recovery. I started Water aerobics at Healthpoint (which is now YMCA). NOTE: Around that same time, I traveled to New Jersey for 6 weeks and continued water aerobics at the YMCA in New Jersey.
Healthpoint/YMCA
Upon my return in October, I returned to the YMCA’s water aerobics.
Following my release from Tideland (Neuro) Therapy in December, in January 2023 I started Personal Training with Dylan focusing on exercises, weight training and various machines. I continued with Dylan through May.
I also did and continue to do online exercise programs. A major one was Jamber.com (hand yoga) and Motion Coach, which helps with all of the areas I continue to need help with (shoulder, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and balance).
In June, another goal was to get back to playing golf, so I started Golf Therapy with Richard Morris (which I’m still taking). A note to mention about this program is that I thought I was taking “golf lessons”, which turned out to be more therapy related exercises.
Interestingly, there is a saying in golf that no matter how you play, “you only need to hit one good shot during your game and that is enough to keep bringing you back to play another round. That is exactly how I feel about the YMCA. Every time I’m with Personal Training, Golf Therapy, staff or the many classes offered, I walk away with a new tool to help my continued journey to getting better.
Maria is a member of the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. When she discovered frightening news about her health, she made the YMCA a priority in her life. By taking classes and working with our trainers, Maria built up her strength. She says that her personal trainer Haywood pushed her “not only physically but mentally.” With all the YMCA there to support her, she lost 50 lbs!
Maria’s Story
She shares:
“In February of this year, I went to see my primary care physician to read my labs. He told me my glucose level was elevated. I immediately left his office and went straight to the YMCA to start my fitness and wellness journey. I signed up for classes like strength and stability, Zumba and Aqua Fit. I even took classes to learn how to swim. I started personal training with Haywood, who showed me how to safely use each machine and explained which areas of the body they targeted. He pushed me not only physically but mentally. The entire YMCA staff has been so encouraging, especially Trish who continuously motivates me each time I see her. To compliment my wellness journey, I took advice from my daughter who is a nutritionist. I started by eating more plant centered meals, reduced my sugar intake and stopped eating highly processed foods. I learned that not all carbs are created equally and get a good source of energy from complex carbs. In six months, I have lost a total of 50 lbs. by moving my body five days a week and sticking to my nutrition plan. My goal is to be mobile, healthy, and feel good for the longevity of my life.”
Teens and tweens can learn healthy habits and how to stick with them through an innovative, fun new program offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jill Aiken, pediatrics specialist with Tidelands Health.
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program, funded by a grant from the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, is designed to improve overall health by instilling healthy eating and exercise habits through a custom course tailored to each participant’s unique needs.
After an initial assessment, participants attend classes selected for them, as well as nutrition classes. Progress during the 12-week program is tracked through mid-term and final assessments. Participants also are given the tools to help sustain the progress they make during the program.
The program is open to children ages 9 to 17 and is offered at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA.
“Obesity is a growing problem in Georgetown and Horry counties,” Dr. Aiken said. “One third of school-aged children in South Carolina are overweight or have obesity. Some of the patients I encounter at Tidelands Health Pediatrics either don’t know they have the condition or need direction on how to improve their health. As the exclusive health system of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we teamed with the YMCA to launch the Teens and Tweens Be Well program to help make a difference. Collaboratively, we are aiming to address the gaps in our community and help children develop healthy habits by offering this innovative program.”
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program is $250 and includes a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Scholarships through the YMCA’s financial assistance program are available to cover the costs of the membership and program. The first cohort started last month, with the next one scheduled to begin in January.
“We are focusing on building sustainable healthy habits in the participants,” said Angie Hill, senior health and wellness director for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Each class will be a mix of education and fun designed to teach kids about nutrition and physical activity. Kids will play games teaching them how to identify healthy foods and participate in physical activities such as obstacle courses teaching fitness in a fun way. The activities will help them build lifelong healthy habits.”
For more information about the program, contact Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator, at 843-979-0263 or [email protected].
Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The two organizations work collaboratively on programs to improve the health and wellness of our region.
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About the YMCA of Coastal Carolina
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is a local nonprofit with three branches in the Grand Strand area: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The YMCA mission is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.coastalcarolinaymca.org
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
Kathryn has been a member of the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA since 2022. While recovering from health impacts from COVID-19 and being a new resident of the area, Kathryn found a wonderful community at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Kathryn says “My battle in regaining my health since COVID has been a long and sometimes painful one, however, Trish, Haywood, Michelle, Wes, and staff at this Y have helped me in this recovery more than I can tell you. I honestly don’t feel that I could have come this far without them.” The YMCA invests in you, your health, and your happiness! Kathryn says that joining the Y was “such a positive turning point in my life!”
Here’s what she says:
Katheryn’s Story
I wanted to write to let the board of directors know what a blessing the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA is to Horry County.
I moved to Myrtle Beach from Maryland in 2021/2022 after losing my partner, Steve, to COVID-19.
We both became ill with it at the same time in January 2021. I was quite sick with symptoms that left me with a 30lb weight loss, extreme fatigue and other long hauler problems. I was so sick with severe headaches and awful joint pain that I thought I would never get well again. I could barely walk even short distances and became extremely weak. I was pretty much bedridden for 3 months.
To make a long story short, my beloved partner passed away from COVID pneumonia in February 2021. My quality of life had already taken a huge low due to being sick with COVID; but, now losing my partner so suddenly devastated me.
Several months later, I began the very slow and painful journey of getting better. As I became a little stronger, my brother, David, suggested I leave MD and move south to a better climate and where my month would go further.
My brother brought me to Myrtle Beach in the summer of 2021 and I began looking for my forever home. I found a lovely condo at Magnolia Pointe and moved into it in January 2022.
I continued my journey to regain as much of my health as possible. I slowly built up more strength and began walking 5-7 miles per day on the waterway and trails. I love to swim and was thrilled with I learned about the Clarie Chapin Epps Family YMCA; that it had a lap pool and a gym. Even better, it was within easy walking distance.
I remember coming into the Y and how friendly and helpful the staff were. I was very happy to become a member!
This was such a positive turning point in my life!
I started swimming and using the gym. I signed up with Michelle who spent several sessions as my personal trainer. She worked on strength and balance exercises with me which I needed so much.
Several months have passes since first joining this Y. My battle in regaining my health since COVID has been a long and sometimes painful one, However, Trish, Haywood, Michelle, Wes, and staff at this Y have helped me in this recovery more than I can tell you. I honestly don’t feel that I could have come this far without them.
How far have I come?
On April 16, 2023, I’m so happy to say that, at age 65, I ran my first ever 5K race, placing 5th out of 14 other women in the 60-69 age group!! And I ran it in 34 minutes 45 seconds!!
I never thought after being so sick that I would ever be able to do half that much. Thanks to Michelle’s working with me and to the fantastic staff, I did!
I’m looking forward to continuing my membership at the Y and working on improving my health even more over time.
I hope the Horry County government knows what an asset the Claire Chapin Epps YMCA is to this community; and all the good it does those, like me, in restoring and maintaining quality of life.
Summer is in full swing, and households across the country are hosting delicious barbecues with their friends and families. However, as any dieter knows, it can be difficult to stick to a healthy regiment at large events with lots of food that is normally considered unhealthy. Believe it or not, it’s easy to alter your typical barbecue to include foods that are good for you. There are many steps that you can take to ensure that your next barbecue is both fun and nutritious for everyone.
1. Add Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables into a barbecue, for example, can make a big difference by changing what foods the guests put on their plates. According to the Penn State Extension, grilled vegetables are known to contain fiber, vitamins, potassium, and other nutrients that are important to any healthy diet. By increasing the number of vegetables at your barbecue, you can promote healthy eating styles and a good diet. Salads and fruits can also make great, healthy additions and are easy and cost-efficient to produce and provide.
2. Make Healthy Swaps
Substituting “traditional” barbecue foods with healthier alternatives is another great way to make your barbecue more wholesome and nutritional. According to the CDC, sugar-sweetened drinks like sweet tea, which are common at barbecues, can cause obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and more. Instead, consider offering water (seltzer, fruit-infused, etc.) as healthier options. Additionally, grilled chicken makes a great addition to the barbecue, as it fits in with other common meats while also providing its own health benefits. The American Heart Association says that chicken generally has fewer saturated fats than common red meats, making it an excellent alternative to the classic beef and pork cuts served at a barbecue. Even desserts can be substituted with fruits, which, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, reduce blood pressure and sugar intake. Hummus, pita bread, shrimp kebabs, guacamole—get creative with your menu items and spice things up to make your barbecues interesting and healthful. All in all, there are many different “food swaps” that will diversify your barbecue’s menu all while promoting a healthy diet for you and your guests.
3. Stay Active
Staying active at the barbecue is a great way to encourage physical exercise while still encouraging people of all ages to have fun. Classic activities include cornhole, ring tosses, shuffleboard, football, horseshoes, Bocce ball, and volleyball. Even less-intensive activities promote coordination and dexterity, whereas more exhaustive sports will promote muscle and cardiovascular health. Aside from being physically beneficial, these kinds of events give guests something to connect over and will likely make them even more eager for food once they’ve burned some energy.
Finally, maintaining good cleaning habits is essential for ensuring that your guests’ food is safe and delicious. The signature staple of a barbecue—the grill—can oftentimes be overlooked when cleaning up after a gathering because of the high temperatures that it is exposed to when it is used. However, harmful compounds can still build up on a grill over time, making a thorough grill scrub-down essential after any barbecue. Additionally, according to the American Heart Association, old chunks of food and residue from past barbecues can also cling to the grill, which is unsanitary and deleterious to the quality of food cooked during future grills. Consider using a grill griddle, which is easy to clean after a barbecue and prevents the flames from touching the food, reducing the risk of a carcinogen buildup in the meat. To ensure the health of your guests, be sure to clean your grill, in addition to silverware, plates, and other eating surfaces, between barbecues.
It’s time to dispel the stigma that healthy eating isn’t fun; there are many ways to step up your barbecue game to ensure that your guests are not only eating to their heart’s content, but also displaying beneficial dietary habits along the way. Get creative when deciding what nutritional foods to use that will diversify your menu—you’ll find yourself grilling delicious, healthy meals while making fun memories with your family and friends.
Patricia Pahmeier of Myrtle Beach was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. Over the next few years, she maintained her health through independent exercise. Then she found the YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s Power Thru Parkinson’s program.
“It gives us hope,” Pahmeier wrote in a letter to Tricia Harrison, director of the YMCA’s healthy living program.
Due to the impending Tropical Storm and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will delay opening hours on Friday, September 27th, 2024.
Friday, September 27, 2024: All three YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will open at 10 a.m.
Please stay safe and check our website for updates.
Updated Hours Today
We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today.
Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.
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