AUBURN — The Auburn-Lewiston YMCA is joining forces with the America On the Move Foundation to encourage members of the community to begin leading healthier lives by participating in America On the Move Week, in conjunction with the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA open house, from Monday to Saturday, Sept. 21 to 26.

According to research by the foundation, making two small daily changes – taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about a mile) and eating 100 fewer calories – can prevent the average annual weight gain of one to two pounds.

America On the Move Week at YMCA will provide individuals and families opportunities to begin moving more and making healthy choices. During the open house, the YMCA invites those interested to try any group exercise class, yoga, pilates, adult lap swim, open gym time, water aerobics or family open swim for free. Use of the fitness center, which includes nautilus equipment, cardio exercise equipment and a free weight room, is $3 for a day pass or free to any person coming in with a current member.

The YMCA will offer a variety of activities throughout the week including:

Monday, Sept. 21, a free Group Groove workshop at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Also on Monday, a 5K run/walk event will start at 5:30 p.m. at Festival Plaza, and will take participants along the same route as that of the Dempsey Challenge 5K.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, a free Silver Sneakers workshop, with Silver Splash from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Silver Sneakers from 10 to 11:15 a.m. and a luncheon for participants of either class at 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23, a free Group Power workshop, “The Best of Group Power,” at 9 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24, a free Group Groove workshop at 5:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25, a free Group Groove workshop at 5:45 a.m. and a free Family Fun Night with gym games and family swim from 6 to 8 p.m.

All workshops and the Friday night family swim are free and open to the public, but require preregistration.

As part of America on the Move, children in the YMCA childcare program will participate in a bike-a-thon at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21. The YMCA will also launch a week long School Age C.A.T.C.H. (Coordinated Approach To Children’s Health) Club.

In support of the Dempsey Challenge to be held on Oct. 4, all scheduled YMCA cycling classes during the open house week will feature a 10- and 25-mile virtual ride and those interested may try a class for free. Cycling participants must register 30 minutes prior to the start of a class.

For more information about America On the Move Week with the YMCA or information on any classes, events and activities planned during the open house, stop by the YMCA at 62 Turner St., call 795-4095 or visit www.alymca.org.