GET READY FOR SUMMER AT THE YMCA!
Summer is right around the corner and if the current warm weather is any indication, we are in for a fabulous season. The YMCA of Greater Boston– a leading nonprofit that strengthens community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility– supports individuals of all ages to strive for better health of spirit, mind and body and recently reduced membership rates to increase the number of people it serves. In many ways spring and summer–and not just January- are ideal times to get healthier. Joann Donnelly, YMCA of Greater Boston’s Executive Director of Healthy Living suggests a few tips to get the whole community ready for summer:
- Get Fitter and Healthier: Although the new year in January often triggers people to make resolutions for better health, spring time is terrific time of year to make health changes. Warmer weather, longer daylight, and increased availability of fresh fruits and vegetables are all potential health benefits of spring time. And, the Y’s 8000 Calorie Lose It! Challenge is a fun and simple challenge beginning in April to help you jumpstart your fitness and confidence for summer by helping you burn 1,000 calories per week.
- Stay connected and re-connect with family: The Y is the best value around for the whole family. Research shows that without access to activities that stimulate the mind and body, kids are more prone to gain weight in the summer months. With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to begin exploring the Y and the many opportunities – including family gym games, workouts, swim time (all included in YMCA of Greater Boston membership), youth and adult sports- to help the whole family get and stay fit and healthy through the summer months.
- Try something new: Now is the time when families begin to think about and prepare for a break in the school-year routine. And at the Y we know that when the school year ends, many kids lose exposure to activities that keep them moving and learning. While some people feel anxious in the face of new routines, this is also a great time to try new activities that can last throughout the summer months. Now is a great time to get you and your family in shape for that adventure vacation you have been planning, or for a weekend of hiking or boating.
- Get support and make a friend: The Y offers new members 3 free Get Started appointments. These appointments are designed to help new members get maximum results and a have a good experience at the Y. By coming to the Y regularly, members also increase their chance of connecting with other Y members who share similar goals and can offer support. Partnering up with someone who shares similar goals – such as get fit for summer - and who is highly motivated can create friendships and better results.
For more information on the 8,000 Calorie Summer Shape Up Challenge or how the Wang YMCA and Huntington Avenue YMCA can help you live healthier, visit ymcaboston.org or email info@ymcaboston.org.
