Category: Blog

Location Hours Updated For Fall

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Downtown Location
Monday – Friday: 6am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm

County Location
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 5:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am-1:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Eastside Location
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 5:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Glenwood Location
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 5:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

New Summer Classes

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Our new Summer Classes are in full swing. With both indoor and outdoor options, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Eastside YMCA beginning the Week of June 13th

Tabata:  Tuesdays @10am

Kettlebells:  Wednesdays @10am

Cardio Kickboxing:  Thursdays @10am

Kids Boot Camp:  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays @10am

Glenwood YMCA

SOULstrength:  Wednesdays @9:30am

Rep Reebok:  Thursdays @9:30am

County YMCA

Water Aerobics:  Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays @10am at the Edinboro Legion Pool

Walking Wednesdays:  @10am at Goodell Gardens

Balance:  Wednesdays @11am at Goodell Gardens

Yoga:  Saturdays @10am at Nature’s Outlet

Yogilates:  Sundays @11am at Goodell Gardens

Why Social Wellness Matters

Posted on Updated on by Tammy Roche

Curious why Social Wellness is important? Believe it or not, healthy relationships are a vital component of health. The health risks associated with being alone or isolated in one’s life are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure and obesity. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, our friends at the Capital District YMCA share that in addition, research shows that:

  • People who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
  • The heart and blood pressure of people with healthy relationships respond better to stress.
  • Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine system and healthier cardiovascular functioning.
  • Healthy social networks enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases.

After taking into consideration the serious effects that a lack of social wellness can have on your overall health, here are some tips that can help you obtain excellent strength in this dimension.

  • Practice self-disclosure.
  • Learn what your personal needs are and pursue people who can meet them.
  • Make effort to contact and see people who are supportive in your life.
  • Visit neighbors, friends, and family frequently.
  • Attend a wellness event.
  • Join a club or organization that interests you.
  • Volunteer and give back to the community.
  • Accept invitations to get-togethers with friends and family.
  • Articulate thoughts effectively both in public and personal conversations.
  • Think before you speak and be tactful.

There are many opportunities here at the Y to strengthen social connection and share hobbies and interests. Or, you may connect with opportunities in Erie County at Get Connected.

Tips for Walking with Kids

Posted on Updated on by Tammy Roche

National Walking Day is April 6, 2022 and taking a walk with your kiddos is an easy way to get the whole family involved and strengthen family connections. Our friends at the YMCA of San Diego County offer the following tips:

  1. Keep kids safe while walking out to the park, have kids hold your hand a ring walking rope.
  2. Play the “What Am I” Game while you are walking! A player chooses any object and says “What am I?” The other players ask questions to guess the object, but only yes or no responses can be given to the questions. For example: Can you be eaten? Can you be found in a house? Do you use electricity?
  3. Exercise and count: Count all the things that you find along your walk. Try to pick a theme such as Trees, Flowers, or Dogs. At the end of your walk, review what you saw and number of things you counted. 
  4. Sounds: while walking the kids can practice listening; listen for sounds during your walk try to identify the sounds you hear.
  5. Safety Talk: talk about the importance of safety before going on your walk. Teach the kids the importance of staying in line or holding hands with a friend. Set rules for children to follow to keep the, safe.
  6. During your walk you can sing a song; this will help kids enjoy their walk and keep them connected to you.
  7. Going on a Walk! Kids like to learn and explore something new; take a walk to the Farmers Market, Post Office, Fire Department or Library. Talk to them about what they will be doing before going on your walk, talk about the different thing you saw during your walk and when you arrive. After your visit you can talk to the kids about what you saw and can also create an activity that reflects the place you visited.
  8. Pack a bag: be prepared and pack a bag with some safety and useful items. EX: Bring snacks, water, wipes, first aid kit, cell phone and extra diapers for your little ones.
  9. Know your places: inspect the place before taking the kids so that you know the best route and what to expect during your walk.
  10. Make it fun: to make the walk fun, kids can pick a move that can be imitated by everyone in the family while walking. Ex: one person can say let hop with one foot, bark like a dog, or clap your hands twice.

USE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR TO REFRESH YOUR HEALTHY HABITS AS A FAMILY

Posted on Updated on by Victoria Stilson

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, The YMCA of Greater Erie is offering tips to help families in the Erie Community incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

· Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family, choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and backpacks.

· Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and your bodies moving.

· Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation, and clean-up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

· Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone, or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

· Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 175 YEARS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE Y

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

On June 6, the YMCA marks 177 years as a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through programs and services designed to foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Here are five past notable events and achievements that demonstrate the Y’s commitment to the communities it serves:

1. American Institutions: Celebrations such as Father’s Day, and organizations like the Peace Corps, all have their roots at the YMCA.

2. Summer Camp: The oldest known summer camp, Camp Dudley, first opened in 1885 and countless numbers of boys and girls have since learned the skills and wonders of camping through the Y, developing critical skills and making memories along the way.

3. Innovating & Inventing: From James Naismith’s invention of basketball to instructors creating racquetball and what would eventually become volleyball, the Y has a rich tradition in

activities that are played by millions of people around the globe. One Y staffer, Robert J. Roberts, is credited with inventing the term “body building.”

4. A Nobel Peace Prizewinner: YMCA leader John R. Mott was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for the Y’s groundbreaking role in raising global awareness and support and for the organization’s humanitarian efforts.

5. Furthering Education: The Y is credited with spearheading the first public libraries, night school for adult education and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

The Y Today

The effects of COVID-19 reached across the country, closing the doors to every single one of the 2,650 YMCAs across the country. However, the Y was able to do incredible work over the past year, thanks to our staff and volunteers.

When schools and childcare centers first closed their doors, the Y offered emergency childcare services to essential workers at nearly 1,400 locations. As shelters struggled to offer socially distant beds, the Y provided space for people facing homelessness to live and sleep safely. As seniors felt the effects of social isolation, the Y provided wellness checks and connection to our most vulnerable. As unemployment rose hunger increased, the Y answered the call by providing food—through grocery boxes and prepared meals for the whole family—at over 1,300 locations. And as schools transitioned to remote schedules in the fall, forcing parents and caregivers to juggle child care and work, the Y stepped in again and established virtual learning centers to provide children with a safe place to learn.

A lot has changed since George Williams and 11 other young men gathered in London in 1844, but the heart of the Y’s work remains the same. We’re one of the oldest nonprofits in the United States and rely on members and donors to continue our work. Thank you for your continued support!

School Wish Lists

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Help support the staff and families at Harding School, Pfeiffer Burleigh School and McKinley School with a much needed School Supply Collection.
Take a shopping trip on their Amazon Wish Lists – help their teachers keep their classrooms fully stocked and provide families with the supplies they need to keep their houses healthy and safe.

Harding List ➡️ https://bit.ly/HardingWishlist

Pfeiffer Burleigh List ➡️ https://rb.gy/x1ds4u

McKinley List ➡️ https://rb.gy/ib0iqf

Highmark QUAD Games Goes Virtual for 2020

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

The Highmark Quad – The Virtual Edition
When The Quad Father started the first Games in 1983 his goal was create the region’s premier fitness program with four year-round events designed to keep you and your family in great shape; while having fun.  That mission will not change in 2020!  It just may look a little different than in years past.

This year the Highmark Quad Games has been challenged — to pivot with the current health crisis and Erie County’s cancellation of all summer events, so we are going virtual!

Each of our events will take place over 8-14 days and participants can ride, run, swim, ski any course available, or the actual Quad event course, then submitting a time through Big White Trailers virtual submission form.  Certain aspects of past events will be replaced with new and exciting editions to make this year’s events still fun for all!

Supporting the YMCA of Erie
All proceeds from this year’s events will continue to benefit the YMCA of Greater Erie and their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and financial assistance program.  Since 1860 and throughout the Y’s history, the Y have been called upon to provide critical services during challenging or uncertain times. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our Y closed its physical doors and pivoted operations very quickly to meet emerging community needs like essential childcare for the “life-sustaining” workforce, emergency meals for children living with food insecurity, operation REACH to touch populations to reduce social isolation and launched a virtual platform to provide at-home tips and resources for all.

Before You Begin Health & Safety – 
The Highmark Quad is here to help you focus on what matters most: your health, your family and friends, and your community. Your health and safety is very important to us. 

  1. Review national CDC guidelines on safe bicycling, running, swimming and skiing during COVID-19.
  2. All registered participants will need to complete a COVID-19 participation waiver and accept the added question – acknowledging that all courses are open to traffic without aid stations or fire/police.  Racing will not be encouraged by the Highmark Quad on any race course without traffic control.
  3. Even with social distancing measures, it’s still best to fly solo for the time being. But share your plans with friends or family before going on your ride.
  4. Make sure you have all that you need while out. Check your equipment before you leave the house – are tires inflated, is your bike running smooth. While bike shops are considered “essential businesses”, not all shops have stayed open. Some have limited hours. Plan ahead. Make sure your toolkit is properly stocked to handle any roadside repair that might come up.  Be sure to wear all the appropriate equipment, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
    • Additional details will be sent out relating to each event – run, swim, and ski.
  5. With hospitals and healthcare professionals overworked and overwhelmed as it is, take this time to keep your mind fresh and body healthy and active without going overboard. 
  6. We’re all going through a lot right now. A friendly smile or wave to fellow riders or pedestrians will be appreciated. Remember, we’re all in this together. 

Participation Fee
$35 for Quad Series and $10 for each individual event.  If you previously registered for the 2020/2021 Quad Games at a higher price, you will be contacted by email with options for adjusting your cost.

Overall and Age Group Awards
Due to safety concerns we will not be offering overall and age group awards in 2020.  We don’t want to encourage racing on open race courses without proper aid stations, fire police and traffic control.  We will be offering appropriate competitions and fun contest at each event.

Participant and Championship Shirts
2020 participant shirts can be purchased at our online apparel store.  Anyone who completes all four events will earn a Championship shirt (at no additional cost).

The Bike Event (July 1 – July 12)

  • Course: participants can ride any 12 mile course they please, including completing 12 miles on a stationary bike.  The Quad Bike course will be marked and participants can ride complete their 12-miles on the original course.  Please note that the course will be open to traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations.  All riders must follow regular traffic laws.
  • Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form.  Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on July 12, 2020.  You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
  • After-Party: The Crossroads Diner in Edinboro will be donating a free takeout meal – burger and fries – to all registered participants.  A meal voucher will be emailed to each registered participant prior to July 1, 2020.  Please give them a lot of love on all our social media accounts!
  • Contests: Win gift certificates to the Crossroads Diner or the Quad Apparel Store, a Summer Access Pass to Mt. Pleasant, Quad Swag or a free registration for our 2021/2022 Quad Games.
    • Strava Segments – top rider and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by July 1 or find them on Strava)
    • Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – while enjoying this year’s course (at a more casual pace) enjoy the scenery and have some fun!  Take photos or selfies at the following locations and post on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to tag the Highmark Quad.
      • The starting line….can you find it?!
      • A picture next to the 2nd largest sycamore tree in PA (hint – at the end of the first Strava segment)
      • Can you find a peacock? Or two? Please be respectful of the owner’s property and take your picture from the road. (hint – red barn)
      • It’s not time to ski yet, but take a selfie in front of the Mt. Pleasant sign! Get really adventurous and hike to the top of Chestnut (ski slope) for a little extra work out!  Tag Mt. Pleasant in the post for a chance to win a Summer Access Pass.
      • Little White Church – Washington Valley Christian Church (hint – it’s a little off the course but visible around mile 5.5).  Can you find it?!
      • The finish line – the most glorious site around!
      • A selfie in front of the Crossroads Diner Sign while you are picking up your FREE burger and fries after your ride. Tag the @crossroadsdiner when you pos this picture on Facebook for a chance to win a gift certificate to their restaurant.
      • Best costume – take your fun to the next level and dress up for your ride.  Take a selfie and share on our Facebook page! 
      • Family – Invite your family to join the fun or snap a family selfie (before, during or after the ride)
      • Riding Solo – stay safe and enjoy a solo ride.  Take a selfie of yourself enjoying the ride or click a picture of your beautiful bike.

RULES: This year’s Highmark Quad Bike course will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control.  We ask that you don’t race but enjoy a ride while following all traffic rules.  No aid stations or assistance will be available on the course. Be respectful of neighbors and property along the course.

  • Post selfies to the Highmark Quad Facebook page or tag @highmarkquad to be entered into prize drawings for the scavenger hunt/photo contest.
  • Please be respectful or property along the course.  While taking pictures stay on the side of the road (or in a safe area) while not disrupting the property owners or property; but also be aware of traffic.
  • Be safe and have fun!
  • RaceJoy: We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored by UTZ Snacks) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course.  Please use all safety precautions when using this app.
  • Safety: All Quad courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control or aid stations.  Please abide by all traffic rules.  Do not race on an open course.  Be sure to carry your cellphone with you, in case of an emergency. Be sure to take any additional equipment with you – water, sunscreen, etc.

The Run Event (September 6 – September 20)

  • Course: participants can complete any 5 or 3.1 mile course they please, including running/walking on a treadmill.  The Quad Run course will be marked and participants can complete their run on the original course.  Please note that the course will be open to traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations.  All participants must follow regular traffic laws.
  • Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form.  Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on September 20, 2020.  You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
  • After-Party: TBD
  • Contests: TBD
  • Strava Segments – top runner and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by September 6 or find them on Strava)
    • Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details TBD
  • RaceJoy: We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored by AXA Advisors) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course.  Please use all safety precautions when using this app.
  • Safety: All Quad courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control or aid stations.  Please abide by all traffic rules.  Do not race on an open course.  Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.

The Swim Event (TBD – October or November)

Due to the uncertainty of access to pools these details are subject to change. 

  • Course: participants can swim 100 yards at any open facility.  If pools are not open, we may change this event to 100 yard rowing competition.  This event is subject to cancellation.
  • Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form.  Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on TBD.  You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
  • After-Party: TBD
  • Contests: TBD
  • Safety: Always swim with a buddy and follow all rules of the facility you are using.  Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, cellphone, etc.

The Ski/Snowshoe Event (January 1 – February 14)

  • Course: participants can ski or snowshoe any 5 or 2.5 mile course they please, including the original course at Wilderness Lodge.  The Wilderness Lodge Quad Ski and Snowshoe courses may not be marked but a map will be provided along with other area courses (example: Wainer Park).  Please note that the course will be open to other skiers/snowshoers with no aid stations.  All participants must follow rules of the trails they are on.
  • Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form.  Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on February 14, 2020.  You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
  • After-Party: TBD
  • Contests: Strava Segments – top runner and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by January 1 or find them on Strava)
    • Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details TBD
  • Safety: We always recommend that you ski/snowshoe and follow all rules of the facility you are using.  Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.

Additional Details

If at any time our area moves into a phase that would allow us to host onsite events with all appropriate safety measures in place, we will consider adjusting our event(s) plan.  Please Like us on Facebook or check our website often for the latest Highmark Quad announcements.

http://www.highmarkquad.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Highmark-Quad-–-The-Virtual-Edition-05202020-FINAL-1.pdf

12Bursts – Daily Dozen Challenge

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Doctors recommend 60 minutes of physical activity a day for all of us! 12Bursts breaks that activity up into 5-minute ‘Bursts’ of heart-pumping fun. Bursts can be a great way to break up homeschooling classes and encourage a healthy routine.

Visit 12Bursts.org each morning for the day’s Daily Dozen. The Daily Dozen is a list of 12 5-minute burst activities that changes each day. Track your progress by checking off each Burst as you complete it. Once all 12 bursts are completed, that day’s challenge has been won! See how many days in a row you can complete the Daily Dozen. And watch for new challenges that will be coming soon!