LEWISTON — The YWCA of Central Maine is offering several classes to cure the “winter blues” during the upcoming months. The Y’s goal is to help the community reach their physical fitness and weight loss goals with fun-filled programs for all to enjoy.

A six-6 week session of kickboxing will be held Thursdays, Jan. 30 through March 6, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the YWCA Wade Center.

Kickboxing is a great cardio workout that helps to relieve stress, tension and aggression. It will help tone and shape thighs, abs, arms, back, shoulders and backside. This is a co-ed class open to adults of all ages.

Participants will learn basic boxing and kickboxing techniques. Basic equipment that will be used includes jump ropes, resistance bands, medicine balls, agility mitts and kicking shields. Students should bring boxing or bag gloves.

The cost of the kickboxing program will be $55 for YW members; $65 for nonmembers. Classes will be taught by instructors from the Phoenix Karate Academy.

Dog training is back by popular demand. Certified dog trainer Marty Neely will offer a six-week session of one-hour training classes beginning Monday evenings, Jan. 30. He has more than 25 years of dog training experience. Classes for puppies or dogs that have never had training will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., and classes for intermediate or advanced dogs will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. The fee is $100 per session. Basic obedience and problem behaviors will be addressed.

Local art teacher Kelsey Rodrigue will offer a five-week session of children’s art classes. This session will focus on projects based on creations from various famous artists. This class allows children to show their creativity and imagination through their art creations. Classes will be held at the YWCA on Monday evenings.

Session 1 for children ages 5-7 will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Session 2 for children ages 8-12 will run from 5:30 to 6:30. The cost is $50 for YWCA member, $55 for nonmembers.

Little Sparks Toddler Karate was created exclusively for children ages 2-4. This is a half-hour class full of fun and learning. This program helps toddlers to develop listening skills, teaches them how to follow directions and take turns. The students also work on balance, tumbling and basic karate blocks, as well as stranger danger self-defense. The six-week program will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 25 through March 1. Cost is $60 for nonmembers, $50 for members, plus an additional uniform fee.

Children’s Karate is geared toward kids ages 5-12. This class will focus on providing tools for the child to grow into a strong role model. Participants are taught that karate starts and ends in self-defense and it should never be used to harm others. They are also taught the importance of leading by example, building their self-confidence and the self-confidence of others. This class includes one additional class each week at the Phoenix Karate Academy Dojo in Auburn.

The six-week program will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 25 to March 1. The cost is $100 for nonmembers, $90 for members, plus an additional uniform fee.

Both children’s and toddler karate classes are taught by Donna Harris of Phoenix Karate Academy. She is one of the founders of Pinan-Do Karate which translates to “Peaceful Way.”

All classes will be held at the YWCA of Central Maine. Call 795-4050 to register.