Members of local YMCAs will now be able to work out at other Ys throughout Southeastern Massachusetts under a reciprocal membership agreement announced by the organization.

Beginning this week, any person or family who joins the Y in Attleboro or North Attleboro could also visit the Y on Cape Cod, in Quincy, Fall River or other Ys serving over 50 communities, said Duane German, CEO of the Attleboro YMCA and Ed Hurley, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.

The two Ys have partnered with four others in Southeastern Massachusetts to provide the service.

They include the Cape Cod YMCA, Old Colony YMCA, South Shore YMCA and Southcoast YMCA, and will allow facility access to each other's members under a one-year test agreement.

YMCA officials said the aim of the cross-membership strategy is convenience and to remove a barrier for those who want to participate in Y programs for recreation and health. "This agreement will allow our members access to additional full service YMCAs across Southeastern Massachusetts, adding significant value to their current membership," Hurley said. "Providing value to busy families and individuals is important to all partnering associations, and I'm happy to have worked with my colleagues to ensure visiting members are welcome guests at our individual YMCAs."

German said the underlying objective of the new program is "the YMCA commitment to helping families and individuals in their pursuit of improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In an increasingly mobile lifestyle this partnership enables people to choose their home YMCA, yet allows them the freedom and convenience of any of the partnering YMCAs wellness facilities."

Visiting members to a participating Massachusetts YMCA simply present a valid YMCA membership card and photo identification to have facility access.

The access is intended for the use of all standard facilities, typically swimming pools, gymnasiums, racquetball courts and wellness centers.

Certain limits and restrictions apply. Members should visit their local YMCAs for partnership details.

German said individuals and families could benefit from the program in a variety of ways. Commuters would be able to take advantage of Y facilities either where they work or where they live, and families could participate in YMCA programs in more than one community without having to pay for multiple memberships.

German said discussion concerning reciprocal memberships among a large number of YMCAs started about a year ago.

While such an arrangement is unique in this area, German said a similar agreement linking YMCAs has been highly successful in Connecticut.

The one-year agreement will be reviewed next summer to decide whether to continue or extend the arrangement.