Letter to the Editor

A ‘Y’ membership strengthens us all

In times of need, people need a place to go where they can feel supported, improve their well-being and create meaningful experiences in their lives. We know this can happen when people not only become part of an organization, but join a cause that benefits them as well as their neighbors.

YMCA participant Tabitha Fredricks was happy to share with me her meaningful YMCA experience. She says, “The YMCA has been a blessing to me and my son, Collin, in many ways. When he first started school, I was nervous about just ‘anyone' watching him. With the Y offering before- and after-school care, I was able to send him to the Y instead of to a stranger's home. I have peace of mind each day knowing he is safe and well cared for. At the Y, my son, who is a bit shy at times, has been able to make friends more easily. Another blessing for us by becoming involved in the Y has been the financial assistance program. Without it, my son would not have had the opportunity to spend a week at Camp Potawotami. I appreciate that the YMCA is all about family, kindness and Christian values. I have worked with many different members of the Y, and each and every one of them is heaven-sent and makes you feel like a part of the YMCA family.”

At the Y, we exist to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Last year, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne helped thousands of children and adults take charge of their health, spend quality time together as a family, develop relationships with neighbors, learn new skills, improve their grades, and enjoy a laugh with staff and other members.

During September, the YMCA invites residents of northeast Indiana to “Try the Y” for free for one week and see the impact of joining the Y. Residents are encouraged to stop into any YMCA branch in northeast Indiana to see what the Y has to offer.

To learn more about the impact we're making in northeast Indiana and to get involved, call 1-260-422-6488 or visit fwymca.org for more information.
Jeff Taner, chairman and CVO, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne

Fort 4 Fitness

Race Weekend is Here!

The first three years of this annual event were spectacular as local health and fitness organizations joined with Fort4Fitness to celebrate Northeast Indiana’s commitment to healthy living and lifestyles.  2011 promises to be bigger and better!  Make your plans to join us for this weekend of fun and fitness in the Fort on September 23-24, 2011!

There's something for everyone at the Fort4Fitness Fall Festival.  Several events make up the Fall Festival, each of which offers an opportunity for participants to enhance their lifestyle through healthy activities or information.

The Fort4Fitness Health Festival is a 2-day event, held at Parkview Field.  The Health Festival is open to the general public free of charge and features both local and national exhibitors who are there to provide attendees with information on health, wellness and exercise.

Merchandise vendors are also a part of the Health Festival, along with entertainment and featured speakers throughout the event.  The Friday night Health Festival also serves as the location for packet pick-up for Saturday's races, and hosts the conclusion of the Kids & Seniors Marathon.

Kids Marathon - Parkview Field
6:30 pm Friday 

Seniors Marathon - Parkview Field
6:30 pm Friday

4 mile Run/Walk - downtown Fort Wayne         
7:30 am Saturday


Half Marathon - downtown Fort Wayne             
8:00 am Saturday                                           
                                               
10k Run/Walk - downtown Fort Wayne            
9:00 am Saturday                                               

Mileage Club

 

This after school walking program allows elementary students a chance to enjoy time with friends, set goals, have incentives, and get some exercise! Mileage Club is based on individual performance and not on competition. Children become fit and learn to change activity behaviors by setting and achieving personal goals. Your child will have the opportunity to walk two days a week for 22 weeks after school. Permission forms can be picked up at your school office or at the YMCA.

Ages

1st grade through 4th grade

When

Week of 9/26 through Week of 3/13

(Specific dates are on the permission form)

Where

Lancaster Elementary School

Bluffton Elementary School

Southern Wells Elementary School

Contact

Wells County YMCA at (260) 565-9622

Cost

Free

Get to Know Your YMCA

YMCA Quick Facts

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the foundation of communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Our Mission

To put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Promise

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has made a promise to our community to turn no one away due to the inability to pay.

Our Cause

Strengthening the foundations of community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grown and thrive.

How We Do It

We are the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through our three areas of focus, the Y nurtures the potential of every child and teen, improves the nation’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

Our Impact

The Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne (as of 2011):

Member Statistics	Facilities
Members Served: Over 45,000	Membership Branches: 6
Adults: Over 26,000	Public Service Branches: 2
Youth: Over 9,000	Resident Camp: 1
Teens: Over 6,000	Counties Served: 3
Seniors: Over 4,000
Volunteers: 369

Fresh Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 pounds plum tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

Preparation

• 1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining tomato mixture. Stir in salt and pepper. Ladle 3/4 cup soup into each of 6 bowls; top each serving with 1 tablespoon yogurt and 1 1/2 teaspoons basil.

Go to full version of

Fresh Tomato Soup recipe

Fall I 2011 Programs

Healthy Living                                                                     

Group Exercise Classes

See Schedule for details.

Getting Started

This one-on-one orientation includes a goal setting session with a Y staff member, which will help you to determine what success will look like for you at the Y, connect you to Y programs and classes, acquaint you with the facility and equipment, and answer any questions you have or wouldn’t think to ask about your membership.  Participants will receive a $30 Y Rewards card for attending Getting Started. 

Dates/Times:      Please see Welcome Desk

Cost:                 Free

Wellness Consultation

Members are encouraged to schedule a FREE wellness orientation to learn proper use of the equipment as well as learn about the different services offered within the Wellness Center.

Date/Time:         Private Appointments can be made at the Welcome Desk

Cost:                 Free for all members

From the Inside Out – A Weight Management Class

Get connected with a small group of individuals just like you.  Nutrition, calories, food labels, protein, and so much more all play a role in your wellness and the health of your body.  Nutrition Counselor, Michele Bowling, will walk you through different aspects of health so that you can have the potential to reach your wellness goals.   Join us every Wednesday for support, information, encouragement, and guidance for your journey to wellness. 

Dates:               Fall I (September 14 – October 26)

Days & Times:    Wednesdays       5:30-6:30 pm

Cost:                 Mbrs          $45/Session

                        Non Mbr     $65/Session

Private Nutrition Coaching

Meet with Certified Nutrition Coach, Michele Bowling, for an individualized nutrition counseling session.  Contact Lauren Almdale at 260-565-9622 or lauren_almdale@fwymca.org for more information or to schedule an appointment with Michele.

Date & Time:              At your convenience

Cost:                         Initial Meeting            Mbrs          $40

                                                                NonMbr      $80                       
                                Follow Up Meeting(s)   Mbrs          $20

                                                                Non Mbr     $40

                                6 Sessions Package     Mbrs          $100
                                                                Non Mbr     $200

Personal Training Sessions

Start your workout program off right by working one-on-one with a Certified Personal Trainer.  An individualized program will be designed to help reach your health and wellness goals.   Contact the Welcome Center to schedule your session.

Date & Time:      At your convenience

Cost:                 Mbrs          $40/Session

Personal Training 101

This personal training package includes a fitness assessment and two private personal training sessions.

Date & Time:      At your convenience

Cost:                 $80

Girls’ Night Out

Calling all women! Come celebrate womanhood with friends, fitness, and fun! The Y, along with Bluffton Regional Medical Center, Purdue Extension, and the City of Bluffton, is excited to offer this 2^nd annual event aimed at celebrating you! The evening will include a 2 mile walk/jog, a delicious dinner by Lighted Gardens, demonstrations featuring tips and tricks to improve women’s wellbeing, raffle drawings & goodie bags, and a Zumba party. All fitness levels are welcome and no experience is necessary to take part in Zumba. Registration will be taken up to the day of event. Registrations after 9/24 and on event day are not guaranteed a goodie bag. Come join us!

Date:                Friday, October 15

Time:                5:00 pm (see registration form for a timeline of activities during event)

Location:           4-H Park in Bluffton

Cost:                 $15 prior to 9/24

                        $22 between 9/25-10/7

                        $28 after 10/7

Cycle Cinema

Join the Y for a recreational indoor ride, accompanied by the movie Soul Surfer, the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through the love of her family, her sheer determination and unwavering faith.  If you have been thinking about trying cycling, this low-key event will be a great time to become acquainted with the bike.  Come early to receive helpful instruction on bike settings and general cycling principals.  Snacks and water will be provided and Child Watch will be available.  Space is limited, so sign up at the Front Desk today!

Date:                Friday, October 7

Time:                5:30 pm

Cost:                 Mbr           $2.50

                        Non Mbr     $5

Family Programs

Moms’ Morning Out

Mother’s, bring your babies, toddlers, and young children and come laugh and learn together: breastfeeding, discipline, coping, health tips, and more.  The group is facilitated by Lynne Apple, Lactation Consultant and Parenting Instructor.  Child Care for ages 6 weeks and older is included. 

Dates:               Ongoing throughout the Year – Join us anytime!

Days:                 Thursdays

Times:               10:00-11:30 am

Cost:                 Mbr           Free

                        Non Mbr     $1 per week

Youth & Teen Programs

Youth Fit

Open to ages 11-14 and consists of two one-on-one training sessions with a Wellness Staff member to learn proper cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.  Completion is required prior to youth 11-14 utilizing the Wellness Center.

Days/Times:       Appointments can be made at the Welcome Desk.

Cost:                 Mbrs          $35

ZumbAtomic®

Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), ZumbAtomic classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love ZumbAtomic because of the effects it has on kids, increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination.

Days:                Tuesdays (September 13 – October 25)

Times:               Little Stars (Ages 3-5) 9:30-10:15 am

Cost:                 Mbrs          Free

                        Non Mbr     $2/class

Tumbling

Classes will run 7 weeks at a time.  Staff are able to pick up/drop off at our Child Watch, if needed.

Little Bodies In Motion (Pre School ages 3-5)

Come learn the beginning stages of tumbling at the YMCA!  Classes will focus on gross motor development by practicing forward & backwards rolls, various jumps, hand/eye coordination, and other large muscle movements.  These skills are practiced through repetitive movements as well as activities and fun games.

Dates:               Fall I (September 15 – October 27)

Day/Time:          Thursday    9:30-10:00 am   

Cost:                 Mbr           $20/Session

                                Non Mbr     $40/Session

Rollers (Ages 5-8)

This fun and active class gets children moving their bodies by practicing the basics of tumbling in an age-appropriate way. Lessons include instruction on cartwheels, balancing, correct tumbling form, flexibility, bridges, and kick to full handstand. Activities include repetitive skill practice and games that reinforce tumbling movements.

Dates:               Fall I (September 14 – October 26)

Day/Time:          Wednesday 5:15-6:00 pm

Cost:                 Mbr           $20/Session

                        Non Mbr     $40/Session

Mileage Club

This after school walking program allows elementary students a chance to enjoy time with friends, set goals, have incentives, and get some exercise! Mileage Club is based on

individual performance and not on competition. Children become fit and learn to change activity behaviors by setting and achieving personal goals. Your child will have the opportunity to walk two days a week for 22 weeks after school. Permission forms can be picked up at your school office or at the Y.

Dates:               Week of 9/26 through Week of 3/13 (specific dates will be on permission form)

Cost:                 Free for all students

Safe Sitter

Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized course designed to train youth who may be caring for a younger sibling, neighbors, or friends.  Students learn the basics of caring for a young child including age characteristics, how to identify an emergency and when to get help, first aid, preventing problem behavior, basic rescue breathing and CPR, and much more.  Pre-registration is required.

Ages:                11-14 years

Dates:               Fall I (September 12 – October 24)

Day/Time:          Monday 6:00-7:00 pm

Cost:                 Mbrs          $50

                        Non Mbr     $75

FREE Family Activity!

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REGISTRATION bROCHURE HERE!

Ossian Days Dash

5 K RUN/WALK

Saturday, September 10, 2011

PLACE:

213 South Jefferson Street, Ossian, Indiana 46777

Behind the Ossian Elementary School

TIME:

7:30 am Race Registration & Packet Pickup

8:30 am Start of the race

10:00 am Awards

RACE DISTANCE:

5k = 3.1 miles

ENTRY FEE:
$15.00 early entry fee until Monday, August 29th (Early entry guaranteed shirt)

$18.00 entry after August 29th and race morning

AGE DIVISIONS:
Men & Women: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39,

40-49, 50-59, & 60 and over

AWARDS:
Awards will be given to the overall Men and Women winners and the top 3 finishers in each age group.

PROCEEDS GO TO: PSI IOTA XI GAMMA ZETA & NORWELL ELEMENTARY SHOOL

How to Pick the Best Workout Music

Listening to music while exercising can make or break your workout plans. It's common to see people wearing headphones while training - walking in the park, running in their neighborhood, participating in a group fitness class or lifting weights at the gym - to help keep them energized and motivated. Many fitness facilities provide an upbeat soundtrack, too. Finding the right music to help you get through your workout depends on the type of exercise - and your personal music preferences.

Step 1

Pick upbeat, positive and fun music to use for cardiovascular and strength-training exercises. In general, high-intensity, endurance and resistance exercises require using a lot of energy and muscular strength. Choose songs that motivate you to keep pushing through an intense workout. Consider "Fitness" magazine's summer 2010 picks: "Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris for cardio, and "Carry Out" by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake for strength training.

Step 2

For more relaxing exercises including yoga and Pilates, choose soothing instrumental tracks, nature sounds or classical mixes. Music helps you focus on transitioning from one pose to the next, "Women's Health" magazine notes, suggesting a mix of regular constant rhythms and drum beats to help perfect your poses and deep breathing. Consider "The Sea Morcheeba" or "Sweet Lullaby Deep Forest."

Step 3 
Select songs that are five minutes or longer If you are working out for 30 minutes to one hour, knowing that you have to listen to 10 to 12 five-minute songs versus 20 three-minute songs to get through your workout sounds much more appealing. Also consider arranging your music time according to the level of intensity. Interval training, a combination of high-intensity and low-intensity intervals, is one example. Put together a playlist alternating fast and slow beats to help you know when to switch your interval pace.

Step 4
Organize your music into different categories or folders: cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates and interval. Whenever you train for a particular form of exercise, you can easily retrieve your workout music without skipping around to find songs.


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/212828-how-to-pick-the-best-workout-music/#ixzz1XApo3781

Group Exercise - Saturday, September 3rd

We hope you are looking forward to the start of the NEW group exercise schedule on September 12th.  If you haven't already picked up a copy, be sure to do so at the Front Desk.

Before Zumba starts back up on Saturday mornings, come visit tomorrow as Holly Mitchell leads a combo Step Fit class that will give you a total body workout that will be sure to leave you feeling energized for the long weekend ahead!

Y Volunteer

Take an active role for our community.

Across the United States, more than 500,000 business leaders, community advocates, parents, teens and individuals who want to give back and support their neighbors volunteer at the Y. That’s because in the greater Fort Wayne area, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver positive, personal and social change.

With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Y volunteers give men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

Y Volunteers:

• Lead our Boards of Directors and committees
• Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community
• Coach sports teams and teach many classes
• Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices, and the pursuit of higher education and goals
• Extend a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier
• Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community
• Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. Take an active role in strengthening our community. For information on how you can volunteer with the Y, contact Wells County YMCA at 260-565-9622.