Train smarter, not harder with EGYM Smart Strength at the YMCA of Greenville. | Photos provided by YMCA of Greenville
Looking for a workout that keeps up with you? Enter: EGYM Smart Strength — a tech-savvy strength training system that’s now available at the Life Center YMCA (and coming to the Prisma Health Family YMCA) in Greenville. It’s designed to guide you rep-by-rep through circuit workouts tailored to your goals + progress, every time you hit the gym.
How it works
EGYM Smart Strength tracks your stats, so all you have to do is bring the muscle. After a quick orientation with a coach, you’ll get a free wristband and complete a strength assessment to set up your ideal resistance level.
From there, it’s easy. Just tap your wristband on each machine, and the smart system automatically adjusts the weight, range of motion, and program to match your needs. It even tracks every rep for you in the EGYM app so you don’t have to.
Custom training programs
Whether you’re training for a marathon or looking to get in better shape in the New Year, this smart circuit offers personalized workouts for all kinds of fitness goals, including:
General fitness
Weight loss
Muscle building
Athletic (boost power + decrease risk of fall)
Immunity boost (gentle reentry to exercise after time off)
Body toning (define muscles)
Metabolic fit (improve muscle endurance)
Rehab fit (low-intensity training for injury recovery)
Psst… The machines regularly adjust to your progress, so every session matches your current fitness level.
Training methods
EGYM Smart Strength uses four training methods to keep workouts effective and interesting:
Regular: Steady tempo with light-to-moderate resistance
Negative: Lighter lifting phase and heavier, slower lowering phase for strength
Adaptive: Weight decreases as you fatigue
Explonic: Quick, explosive movements for building power
Want to give it a try? EGYM Smart Strength is included with a YMCA of Greenville membership.
Holiday Cactus Garden Workshop | 6-7:15 p.m. | Sun and Soil Plant Parlor | $42 | Create and learn how to care for a cactus garden that includes three cacti and your choice of decorations.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Neighborhood Night | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Upcountry History Museum | Free | Enjoy a free visit to the museum and learn about the Upcountry.
Ornament Wonderland | 6-8 p.m. | Gather GVL | Free entry | Kids can decorate a free ornament (while supplies last) to take home while parents eat and drink.
Friday, Dec. 6
First Fridays Yoga | 12-1 p.m. | Good Art Co. | Free | Enjoy a free yoga class in the gallery.
Sithmas | 5-10 p.m. | Liability Brewing Company | Free entry | This annual seasonal beer release party features Star Wars-inspired brews and cocktails.
🎭 How to snag tickets to some of Greenville’s top shows for less
Presented by Metropolitan Arts Council
With an ArtCard, you can get two tickets for the price of one. | Photos by GVLtoday
Calling all theater lovers. If you want to see great shows without breaking the bank, we’re here to let you in on a little secret. Enter: The ArtCard from the Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC), your ticket into local venues for less.
What we tried:
We recently visited MAC on Augusta Street downtown to see how it works. With a $50 donation, we received an ArtCard, giving us access to BOGO tickets at seven of Greenville’s top arts venues, including:
Move over, Starbucks, there’s a new coffee shop in town. Java spot Meeting Grounds will take over the Starbucks location at NOMA Square (inside the Hyatt) in 2025. You can grab a coffee, a snack, or some local goodies. (Upstate Business Journal)
Number
$4.9 million. That’s how much the renovation at the 6,000-sqft Nicholtown Community Center will cost. Upgrades include a new multi-use field, outdoor fitness + playground equipment, and new basketball hoops.
Plan Ahead
We hope you’re hungry. Comal 864 and Little Secret GVL are pairing up for a Third Coast Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 8. Featuring Caribbean, Mexican, and Cajun-inspired dishes, this dinner only has ~20 seats, so snag your spot before they’re gone.
Closing
Grab your perfect buns and head to Perfect Buns in Camperdown before Sunday, Dec. 22 when it closes for the season.
Try This
Spice up your holiday season with the Not-So-Merry Murder Mystery Dinner at The Dapper Dog. On Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m., figure out whodunnit while you enjoy appetizers + a prime rib dinner.
Asked
Picture this... It’s the holiday season and you’re craving a sweet treat because, well, you deserve it. Where are you going and what are you getting? A seasonal coffee? A scoop of holiday ice cream? It’d be really sweet if you let us know.
Fun Fact
GVLtoday does not have paywalls because we believe access to essential local news is priceless. You can support our free, daily newsletter with a donation. Think of it like buying us coffee — or tea, if that’s more your style. Thank you for your support.
Wellness
Brrr… It’s getting cold outside. If you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), changing seasons can cause a flare-up of symptoms. The good news: There are ways to manage them. Learn more.*
Featured Deal
Are your home’s floors already freezing? If yes, it’s probably time to check the insulation in your crawl space. Bonus: You could save hundreds in energy costs, and your insulation work could qualify for up to $1,200 in federal tax credits for 2024. Schedule your free inspection.*
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
Health
Discover the secret to hearing every detail with the Horizon IX by hear.com. These discreet, rechargeable hearing aids deliver sound so clear and natural, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. With phone connectivity, award-winning service, and flexible payment options, join the 425,000+ customers who love them.*
Category
History
Let’s make our mark
Let’s get ready to make (unofficial) history. | Photo via Proxi
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the GVLtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
Medusa Tree | “The Medusa Tree is an historical site and popular destination in Greenville loved and photographed by many. This tree embodies the beauty of nature.” — Shannon F.
Girl on a strider bike statue | “This statue was commissioned by non-profit Bike Walk Greenville in 2018, and donated to Greenville County.” — Frank M.
It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor.
🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates.
🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial.
🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking.
🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
Personally, I think the chair on which my cat, Soy Sauce, jumped on my lap for the first time should have an unofficial historical marker, but I might be a little biased.
