The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is launching the Gift of Health - an opportunity for new and current members to win one of 42 prizes offered at seven branches across Chester County. The program's goal is to help members stay healthy during the holiday season.

The YMCA is offering current members a chance to win one of 21 prizes this fall. One grand prize and two runner-up prizes will be offered at seven branches across Chester County - totaling 21 chances for current members to win. To be automatically entered into the drawing, members must have joined prior to Oct. 1 and must maintain an active membership through Sunday, Dec. 31.

A second drawing, with an additional 21 prizes, will be held for new members who join YGBW prior to Dec. 31.

To further support healthy habits, the Y offered health tips that may be used during the holiday season or when a person experiences a health plateau.

People may consider trying a different type of exercise than they usually do. For example, they may consider adding strength training using body weight, free weights or bars, which can help to accelerate metabolism and to build healthy muscle mass and increase bone density. Additionally, the YMCA offers a variety of group exercise classes that are included with membership; these classes include cycling, Pilates, BODYPUMP, Zumba and Aqua Fit. Those who may benefit from more personalized guidance and encouragement may sign up for one-on-one personal training or small group sessions.

When schedules become too hectic for people to get to the gym, they may use the YMCA's catalog of live and on-demand classes through the YMCA360 app. To learn more, visit https://ymca360.org/home.

People are also reminded to pay attention to what they're eating, as diet plays an important role in overall health.

Slowing down and relieving stress can also be key to getting out of a rut. Stress can combat healthy habits, making it harder to reach fitness goals. Starting a mindfulness practice may help people to slow down, de-stress and gain mental clarity.

To read more about pushing through a plateau, visit, https://ymcagbw.org/blog/pushing-through-plateau.

More details about the Gift of Health initiative are available at https://ymcagbw.org/gift.

To sign up for YGBW's newsletter, visit https://ymcagbw.org/newsletter-sign.