AUBURN – The YMCA has announced a nutrition basics workshop as part of its Wellness 101 monthly series. The class is for anyone with questions regarding nutrition and eating habits.

The same class is being offered at two times. The first will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 10, and the second from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register at the front desk.

Participation is free to YMCA members and non-members. Classes will be held at the YMCA at 62 Turner St. Alice Efland and Patricia Caldwell will lead the workshop.

Efland, a student at Springfield College, is working at the YMCA this summer as an intern. She is majoring in applied exercise science with a minor in psychology. She is a 2004 ELHS graduate and a member of her college gymnastics team, which was nationally ranked as high as second in Division III this past year. As a freshman, Efland qualified for the NSGA national championships in Lacrosse, Wisc.

Caldwell is the wellness coordinator at the YMCA, where she has worked since 1986. She is a registered nurse, cardiac rehab nurse specialist, exercise specialist and is certified in polarity therapy bodywork and integrated yoga. She is also a certified Pilates and group power instructor.

Both have extensive education and experience in nutrition and helping individuals find ways to make healthy eating part of their lifestyle.

The YMCA’s Wellness 101 series introduces the principles of several wellness issues that face society today. The YMCA’s goal is to help individuals in the L/A community make informed and educated decisions on healthy lifestyles.

Call the YMCA at 795-4095 to register or for more information.