Study after study has proven that writing SMART goals, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-sensitive goals is the best way to have success. That includes fitness!
Taking care of your brain
The increased attention that’s been paid to brain health and concussion prevention in recent years, is truly positive. Our brains control the rest of our body, brain health is step 1 in overall body health.
Advanced Body Analysis
Have you ever wondered how many calories you need to lose, gain, or maintain weight? Knowing this information can help you set health and wellness goals. Knowing your body composition can help you dial in even further and track progress on and off the scale.
Water Safety at the Y
The Bible: God’s Letter of Love
It is His letter of love, to you, from cover to cover.
Gator Team Spotlight: Cash Walz
His commitment and consistency have earned him recognition from both USA Swimming and the Y National Swim Programs. Cash is on the Gator Swim Read More
GOODBYE Summer, HELLO Back to School
Here are helpful reminders to ensure the students in your life thrive during the school year:Read More
Y Team Spotlight – Greg Gack
He was just a teenager when he walked into the YMCA and got his first job, mowing lawns, changing air filters and cleaning bathrooms in Salina, Kansas. Today, Greg Gack serves as executive director of one of the leading YMCAs in Minnesota. His vision is what led to the new St. Cloud YMCA facility and the growth of many youth and community programs. So how’d he get here? Here are a few key steps over his 30-year-career and what he learned along the way:
The first step
7 Ways to Tell You’re Pushing Too Hard
With trainers and group exercise instructors telling you to “Push harder!” all.the.time, do you ever wonder how hard is too hard? Well, you should.
If you take it too far, too often or for too long, here’s what you might see:
- Regression in performance and/or gains. You can actually lose that lean muscle you’ve have worked so hard to build, endurance you have been building, and even confidence in yourself.
- You can get injured. Over-exhaustion leads to poor form which can lead to injuries. Not fun!
- Bigger issues like Phabdomyolysis, where the muscle breaks down and releases nasty toxins in your body that make you very, very sick.
How can you tell if your pushing to hard? Here are 7 ways to tell:Read More
6 Natural Energy Boosters
Do you ever look at your kids and wish you had their boundless energy? I do – every.single.day. When I first meet with my personal training clients, almost every single one of them say they have little to no energy. They work all day and come home with no energy left to give to their family. They want more energy to play catch with their kids, go on family bike rides, and to generally feel better. We may never know where kids get their endless energy, but these 6 tips will help you increase your energy levels so you can show up the way you want to in your life.
1. Minimize stress
I know this is easier said than done, but minimizing your stress is an effective way to take control of your energy levels. There are stressers that we cannot avoid, but there are a great deal of stressers that we can avoid. For instance, if you get stressed out by seeing friend’s Pinterest-worthy birthday parties or beautiful vacations on Facebook, maybe it’s time to take a social media break. If you find yourself stressed after spending time with certain people, consider the adverse effects it’s having on your health – and energy levels. Pay attention to what you’re spending your time and stress on, and make changes if you can. Engaging in stress-relieving activities can also improve energy levels. Practices like yoga and meditation will help you manage your stress, which will improve your energy.