News Archives - Page 3 of 18 - South Sound YMCA

Category: News

In the final installment of his “Active Grandparent Hypothesis” video series, trainer Steve Messman highlights the work of another one of his clients. At 78 years old, Ron is keeping active to hike, remain stable, and have more stamina. With clients of his ranging from 65 to 82, he’s seen first-hand the progress anyone can make with just a little hard work.

“Many of my customers have come to me exclaiming how they can suddenly feel real muscles in their legs,” Steve says in the video. “You can definitely get stronger… It takes work. It takes sweat. It takes dedication.”

By taking Steve’s advice our bodies can remain strong and agile well into our golden years!

We all know that staying fit and exercising is important. We also know that staying motivated to work out on a regular basis can be hard. That’s why finding a good workout friend is one of the smartest fitness moves you can make. Working out with a friend can give you:

1. MOTIVATION
When you work out by yourself, it’s easy to lose motivation. A buddy will support you and cheer you on to help you reach your fitness goals.

2. ACCOUNTABILITY
It’s easy to bail on your own workout. But it’s much harder to ditch a workout when you know you’re going to be letting someone else down. Having a reliable workout friend will help you stick to your goals.

3. FRIENDLY COMPETITION
As humans, we like to be competitive—even if it’s simply good, friendly competition among friends. A friend will challenge and push you to do more than you might do alone.

4. COMPANIONSHIP
Working out can be boring, especially during long cardio sessions. Having a friend to talk with while working out will make the time go by faster.

The Y is a special place for friends old and new. Friends who help you stay motivated, feel supported, and amplify the fun.

When you share the Y with your circle of friends and they join, you can earn: $50 Y credit!
And your friend will enjoy: Access to all 3 local Y facilities and a new workout friend!

To receive the $50 credit, a referral card will need to be completed in house at one of our three South Sound YMCA branch locations between April 1-April 30. Once joining fee is paid on the new membership, it may take up to 3 business days for the credit to appear on the current member’s account. Credit may be used for membership dues or program registration.

Exercise late in life can help you live longer

Steve Messman, one of our YMCA personal trainers, has always said in many of his videos and to all of his personal training clients: “It doesn’t make any difference how old we are. It doesn’t make any difference what condition we are in. We can all start somewhere, and we can all get stronger.” The Active Grandparent Hypothesis bears that out. We human beings were made to be active. We were made to be active well into our old age. We need to be as active as possible in order to live longer and healthier lives.

Judy is 80 years old. But guess what! She is definitely not ready to quit. Judy knows that a person can be active at any age; a person can be healthy at any age. Exercise, regardless of what you are able to do, is essential to a person’s well-being.  Don’t be ashamed that you can’t do twenty pushups or a half dozen pullups.  Just know that the best thing you can do is to be consistent in your efforts to get out there and try. Work within your capabilities. Do what you can. Before long, “what you can” becomes more, longer, farther, easier. Judy is living proof. We should all be following her perfect example.

Continue reading “Physical Activity – It’s Important”

Let’s Talk Healthy Fats! 

By Lesli Baker 

My name is Lesli Baker, and I am the Health and Well Being Coordinator for the South Sound YMCA!

I am a Certified Nutritional Therapist and Movement Therapist as well as a Yoga Instructor, specializing in Trauma Sensitive Movement Therapy.

One of my biggest passions is also exploring, reading, and researching new and interesting ways to use food and nutrition to help to maintain and promote good health and well-being. When it comes to eating healthy and delicious, the possibilities are endless!

 

Continue reading “Healthy Fats”

Exercise late in life can help you live longer

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

Steve Messman, one of our YMCA personal trainers, has always said in many of his videos and to all of his personal training clients: “It doesn’t make any difference how old we are. It doesn’t make any difference what condition we are in. We can all start somewhere, and we can all get stronger.” The Active Grandparent Hypothesis bears that out. We human beings were made to be active. We were made to be active well into our old age. We need to be as active as possible in order to live longer and healthier lives.  Lisa, the subject of this video, is living proof. She knows she is getting older, and she is doing everything she can to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Lisa works hard at staying healthy. She breathes deep and fast during her routines, and she even sweats a little. We should all be following her great example.

 

Continue reading “Physical Activity – It’s Important”