Category: healthy living

Smart Start to the New Year

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

At the start of every year, many people make resolutions to improve their fitness and overall health. However, as the year progresses, the majority of these resolutions fall by the wayside. Why is it so hard to follow through with fitness plans? Here are 10 reasons why people typically don’t follow through with their New Year’s Resolution fitness plans:

  1. Unrealistic goals: It’s important to set achievable and measurable goals that are realistic for your fitness level.

  2. Lack of motivation: Lack of motivation can also derail progress. Finding an activity or workout routine that you enjoy can help keep you motivated.

  3. No accountability: Joining a fitness group or hiring a personal trainer can help keep you accountable.

  4. Overtraining or injury: It’s important to listen to your body and take rest days when needed.

  5. Boredom with routine: Mixing up your workouts or trying new activities can help keep things fresh and exciting.

  6. Time constraints: Finding ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine

  7. Lack of support from family and friends: seeking support from like-minded individuals can help.

  8. Financial constraints: affordable options available such as outdoor activities or at-home workouts. The YMCA also offers financial assistance

  9. Poor nutrition: Eating a balanced diet and fueling your body properly can help improve fitness levels.

  10. No clear plan or guidance: Seeking guidance from a professional or researching workout plans can help set you on the right path toward achieving your fitness goals.

It is important to note that all of these reasons are valid and can be difficult to overcome alone. This is where the YMCA Smart Start program comes in.

This free program pairs Y members with a trained wellness coach who will work with them to set SMART goals and determine the best path for them. The program creates a stress-free environment where members can share openly with staff. Each thirty-minute appointment consists of a 1 on 1 conversation about the member, instructions on basic workouts or fitness equipment, and an introduction to the FREE Ask the Registered Dietitian program.

At the end of each session, staff will advise members on their suggested next step, which could include a referral to a group exercise class, a FREE personal training or MX4 interval training demo, referral to a chronic disease prevention or management program, a FREE Fitness 101 session, a referral to an aquatics-based program such as group fitness or swim lessons, or a FREE second or third Smart Start Appointment.

 

No matter the reason behind the decision to improve fitness and overall health, the YMCA Smart Start program will help identify the reasons and determine the best path. The program offers accountability, support, guidance, and the opportunity to work with a partner in the fitness and wellness journey. Studies show that only 30% of those who set out on a fitness or wellness journey alone achieve their goal. However, 70% of those who work with a partner achieve success. Let the YMCA Smart Start program be your partner in this journey.

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10 Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight and How the YMCA can Help

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for both physical and mental well-being. It can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Here are ten benefits of maintaining a healthy weight, along with ways the YMCA can help you achieve your weight goals.

1. A Healthy Heart

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The YMCA offers various cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, cycling, and running to help improve your heart health.

2. Increased Energy Levels

Carrying excess weight can make you feel sluggish and tired. The YMCA provides group fitness classes, such as yoga, HIIT, and dance classes, to help boost your energy levels and improve your mood.

3. Better Sleep

Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your sleep quality. The YMCA offers various relaxation classes such as meditation and mindfulness to help you sleep better.

4. Reduced Risk of Diabetes

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes when you maintain a healthy weight.  The YMCA offers diabetes prevention programs that teach healthy lifestyle habits to help prevent diabetes.

5. Stronger Bones and Joints

Staying in a healthy weight range can help reduce the risk of joint pain and improve bone density. The YMCA provides strength-training programs that help build muscle and improve bone health.

6. Improved Mental Health

 A healthy weight can also mean a healthy mind. Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The YMCA offers various programs such as counseling and support groups to help improve mental health.

7. Increased Self-Esteem

Maintaining a healthy weight can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. The YMCA offers various programs such as sports leagues and group fitness classes to help build self-confidence.

8. Reduced Risk of Cancer

 According. to the CDC, being overweight or obese can be linked to cancer.  Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. The YMCA offers cancer survivorship programs that provide support and guidance for those who have battled cancer.

9. Improved Immune System

Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your immune system and reduce the risk of illness. The YMCA provides various programs such as flu shot clinics and health screenings to help boost your immune system.

10. Longer Life Expectancy

With so many reduced risks of illness, you can live a long life! Maintaining a healthy weight can help increase your life expectancy and improve your overall quality of life. The YMCA provides various programs and resources to help you maintain a healthy weight and live a longer, healthier life.

Maintaining a healthy weight is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being. The YMCA offers various programs and resources to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. By taking advantage of these programs, individuals can improve their overall health and quality of life.

My Y Story – Cathy Leonard

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum
“In Jr High, I was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and the therapy for this was swimming. I joined the West Toledo YMCA and began working out with the swim team. Hated every minute of it but became an excellent swimmer.
 
Fast forward to adulthood and having my own children, I knew I wanted my kids to learn to swim so we joined the Wolf Creek YMCA.
 
While enjoying our family membership I started taking water fitness classes and even became a water fitness instructor. I wanted to help the aquatic department so I became a lifeguard and swim instructor. With this knowledge, I was asked to help open the Fort Meigs YMCA , and became the aquatics director.
 
From there, I became a lifeguard trainer and swim instructor trainer. My childhood experience with the Y, brought me to the Y as an adult which, in turn, led me to the most rewarding career”
 
– Cathy Leonard,
YMCA of Greater Toledo Association Efficiency Director

EVERYONE HAS A Y STORY

Share yours today!

SHARE CONNECT BELONG

By listening to each other’s stories, we’re able to catch a glimpse of all the hope, strength, and determination across the YMCA and how everyone’s living the Y’s values.

My Y Story – Ken Howard

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I joined the Y in February 2023, and started taking the Silver Sneaker land classes. After a few months, I had a follow-up appointment with my endocrinologist and found my A1C had lowered significantly along with my blood pressure. I am very happy with the positive health results I have had as a result of attending these free classes.”

– Ken Howard, Eastern Community YMCA member

My Y Story – Maryetta Betz

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I have Parkinson’s Disease. Before coming to the Y, I had very limited mobility and bad balance, requiring me to use a walker at all times. I joined the Y and started participating in The Healthy Living, Parkinson’s Class. I started seeing improvements in my health and went from using a walker to a cane. I also added Balance and Brain classes to my schedule. My balance and mobility have improved so much and now I am no longer reliant on my cane.”

– Maryetta Betz, Eastern Community YMCA Member

Wellness Challenge

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

Wellness Challenges are Good for You

Participating in exercise challenges can have a positive impact on mental health. It can help in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Moreover, exercise challenges provide a sense of achievement and improve self-esteem. Social interaction and a support network are additional benefits of participating in exercise challenges that can contribute to overall well-being.

During the month of May, YMCA members can participate in a BINGO Wellness Challenge.

The BINGO squares can be completed by completing a variety of YMCA activities or practicing healthy habits such as;

How to Play:

  • After completing an activity, have you square initialed by a YMCA employee
  • Turn completed cards into the Member Service desk
  • Members can submit more than one card (submit as many as you’d like)

Are you ready to join the challenge? Download your BINGO card today! 

Full Disclaimer

WIN BIG

 

  • Complete 5 squares in a row to be entered to win a $10 Mud Hens gift card

 

  • Complete all 25 squares and be entered to win a FREE Month of Membership

 

  • All Entries will be entered for a chance to win a 1 Year Free Membership to Imagination Station, awarded to 1 Lucky YMCA Member
 
BINGO Card

Mental Health Awareness & Resources

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

The YMCA is committed to helping building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our programs and facilities clearly help people exercise their bodies, which also benefits their mental and emotional states. Our programs bring people together to achieve personal goals in group settings. We’re social beings, and this too helps our mental health.

In the month of May, we will try to raise awareness of the mental health crisis – worsened by the pandemic. We aim to raise awareness of resources for those dealing with mental health challenges, as well as their loved ones.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better
lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness

United Way 211 Hotline 
United Way 211 is a free and anonymous information and referral service available to anyone in Lucas, Ottawa or Wood County with a health or human service need. 211 has a database of over thousands of different health and human service resources for residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in Ohio, and Lenawee and Monroe counties in Michigan.

988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to call any time
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and
crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United
States.

YMCA360  
Free on-demand and livestream video platform (website and app) available to YMCA members;
the “Mind & Body” videos/classes may be of particular interest.

Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio 

The Area Office on Aging promotes the health, well-being and safety of older adults, persons
with disabilities and family caregivers to foster independence.

Lenawee Department on Aging 
Monroe County Commission on Aging 

Ripple Effects of Mental Illness

Having a mental illness can make it challenging to live everyday life and maintain recovery. Let’s look at some of the ways mental illness can impact lives — and how the impact can ripple out.

  • People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
  •  32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020 (17 million individuals)
  • The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have a mental illness (6.4%) compared to those who do not (5.1%)
  • High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers
  • Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

Source: NAMI.org


If you’re struggling mentally, or know someone who might be, take the first step by raising your awareness and understanding of mental health and the resources in our community that can help.

Find Your Fun, Find Your Y at Healthy Kids Day!

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

YMCA Storer Camps, and the Eastern Community and West Toledo YMCAs will each host an event in honor of the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day®.  The West Toledo YMCA will kick off Healthy Kids Day® on April 29 at 10 am, and YMCA Storer Camps’ event to follow at 1 pm. The Eastern Community Y’s event will be held on May 3 at 5:30 pm.  These free events will feature various family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season.

In celebration of this annual kick-off to summer, we are sharing a list of five activities we encourage you to share with your kids. The goal is to have them try something new at the Y by promoting a variety of opportunities to get involved in the active play – hopefully, this will inspire a lifetime love of physical and mental activity! Share these opportunities with your children and inspire them to “find their fun” by discovering an activity they love!

Find Your Swimming Skills with Y Swim Lessons

Each year the Y teaches hundreds of children to swim. This helps them find their CONFIDENCE, teaches a lifelong skill, and introduces them to lifelong fun. Visit this link to learn more about Y swim lessons.

Find Your Adventure with Y Summer Camp

Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At the YMCA of Geater Toledo, every day is a new adventure! Whether experiencing the wonder of YMCA Storer summer overnight camp or having a blast with new friends at summer day camp, many children and teens find their ADVENTURE with the Y. Visit our summer webpage to learn more about Y summer camp.

Find Your Passion with Y Sports

Youth sports are just the start of something bigger– besides teaching healthy living principles, they also teach the value of teamwork, help fuel determination, and build character. At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we have several sports programs to help keep children active while igniting their PASSION for something greater. Visit the youth sports and programs webpage to learn more. 

Find Your Voice with Y Teen Programs

We believe young people have the power to change the world. Our teen and young adult programs are designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to lead positive change in the community and beyond. Visit the Y Achiever’s webpage to learn more about Y teen programs.

For more information on Healthy Kids Day, visit ymca.org