The Greater Scranton YMCA Recognizes Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown that physical activity and social connectedness reduce the risk of cognitive decline? At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we promote the importance of physical activity at any age! Just a little bit of activity can go a long way in helping improve brain health. Check out some of the great offerings at our Y below, which can be used a great start on anyone’s health and wellness journey: SILVER SNEAKERS & SENIOR YOGA Silver Sneakers focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a Silver Sneakers ball. Often, a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support. Silver Sneakers is offered twice weekly. Senior Yoga is a specialized form of yoga perfect for older adults. This class is offered once a week at the Greater Scranton YMCA. SHALLOW & DEEP WATER EXERCISE Shallow Water Exercise class is a fun way to use the resistance of the water to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Classes are a light to moderate aerobic workout. Deep Water Exercise class provides a great opportunity for people of all fitness abilities. This type of workout is non-weight bearing, which means it’s gentler on your body while remaining extremely beneficial to it. Shallow and Deep Water Exercise classes are offered weekly, as well as an Arthritis Water Exercise class. PICKLEBALL Pickleball is a fun and active way for adults to socialize. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Paddles and balls are provided. Those interested in playing can join during open play time, which is offered three days a week at various times. Registration is not required. ENHANCE®FITNESS Enhance®Fitness is a proven, community-based fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. The program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging. The Greater Scranton YMCA offers Enhance®Fitness sessions throughout the year. For more information, visit the Y online. PERSONAL TRAINING Training with our certified personal trainers is a great way to get in shape safely, efficiently and effectively. Personal trainers provide the motivation necessary for individuals to achieve their goals with regular fitness testing, personalized programming and accountability. In addition to classes and programs, beginning at 5:30 a.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA serves fresh coffee daily and invites members to connect and socialize in our welcoming teaching kitchen and café space. For more information about wellness programming at the Y, as well as class schedules, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/. For questions, please contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Rally for the Y Fundraiser The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce our very own Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, will again participate in the Expresso Bike Challenge: Rally for the Y fundraiser. The 2021 Rally for the Y fundraiser will take place throughout the month of April, with funds raised benefitting the 2021 Annual Support Campaign. Brandon will ride as many miles as he can on the Expresso Bike throughout the month. Last year, he logged 300 miles on the bike and raised $3,000. This year, his goal is to raise $5,000. In addition to what Brandon raised, Expresso will donate $0.10 for every mile he rides. “In this line of work, raising money for those in need is very important,” said Brandon. “Giving those who are less fortunate a chance to come be part of our YMCA where they can make new friends and feel like they belong is an amazing feeling. The fact that I am able to raise money while exercising is an added bonus.” Funds raised for the Annual Support Campaign support the Y’s financial assistance program. Last year, the Y awarded $373,275 in scholarships to children, adults and families from our community, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. We believe that together, we can provide a Y membership for those struggling with chronic disease; child care for parents who need to go to work; a safe, nurturing space for kids to attend school remotely; and outreach to seniors who are feeling isolated. To support the 2021 Rally for the Y fundraiser, simply visit us online and choose the 2021 Rally for the Y campaign. If preferred, you can also mail a check to the Y. Please note Rally for the Y on the memo line and mail to the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely Street, Dunmore, PA 18512.
