Group Exercise

At the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, we know that fitness involves more than just working out. It’s about making good choices every day to live well inside and out. You’re not only supported by our staff, but you’re also part of a community that helps you be your best self at every age!

We offer approximately 100 group exercise classes each week, all of which are free to our members! We have several different formats including: several Les Mills classes, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, Active Adults, Functional Strength, Barre, Pilates, Step, Zumba, Stretching and Cycling! We also offer a wide variety of Les Mills virtual classes. Located in Group Fitness Room 1.

Wellness Center

Our brand new equipment in our Wellness Center includes:

• Strength equipment from Matrix, Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Nautilus and PurMotion
• Cardio equipment from Matrix, Precor, Life Fitness, NuStep, Octane and Woodway curved treadmills; all cardio equipment has features such as touchscreens with programs, Netflix, scenic routes, Bluetooth, and more!
• Newly renovated group exercise rooms
• Trained Wellness staff on-site
• Personal Trainers available by request
• New Member Orientations available

Rules:

Dress Code: Members and Guests are expected to wear proper workout attire and proper footwear. (No swimsuits, sandals, or open toed shoes).

Must be 11 years old or older and have a fitness orientation to use the Wellness Center.

Personal Training

Personal trainers are available by appointment. Please call us for more information at (228) 875-5050.

Winter Classic Run/Walk

Partnered with the Gulf Coast Running Club, come out and join the fun! Started in 1988, the Winter Classic 10K and 1Mile Fun Run is in January each year.

Wesson Memorial Run/Walk

This annual memorial run is in memory of Ray and Ann Wesson, who were huge YMCA benefactors that tragically died in a plane crash more than 40 years ago. The first race started in 1980 and is a beautiful, scenic course that begins and ends at the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA. 

The race consists of a 2 mile run/walk and a ¼ mile children’s run and is held every year on July 4.

Move 2 Lose Weight Loss Challenge

In 2023, we held our first Move 2 Lose Weight Loss Challenge that took participants (members and non-members!) through 12 weeks of group personal training and 6 health and nutrition lectures with weekly weigh-ins to determine who would come out on top as the biggest loser! These challenges are typically held 1-2 times each year. Our last program ending in May 2024, participants lost 185 pounds! Next program – Coming January 2025, dates to be announced with registration opening in December 2024.