March is National Nutrition Month
Excerpt taken from "4 Healthy Eating Strategies for National Nutrition Month" by Marci Allen, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Member Engagement at YMCA of the USA.

Healthy Eating Strategies:

  1. Make a choice, and then make another. Rather than focusing on being "on a diet," try to think of your nutrition as lots of individual choices. Focus on every meal (or snack) you eat as its own individual choice. This way, you're in control and if you choose something you know isn't healthy, then be sure to savor every bite and then choose healthier for the next few decisions.
  2. Plan ahead. Take about 20 minutes during the week to plan out all of your meals for the week--before you head to the grocery store. Include lots of easy options and sometimes prepare a few things on the weekend to help make it easy during the week.
  3. Eat food, real food. The concept of "clean eating" has been gaining traction for over a decade and has become a major movement, driven by people from all walks of life who want to feel good about the food they are putting in their bodies. Try to stick to the outer perimeter of the grocery store where you'll find produce, meat and dairy--rather than pre-packaged foods that will require checking the ingredient list.
  4. Decipher the ingredients. The only real way to know what something is made of is to read the ingredient list. If it lists a bunch of ingredients that sound like chemicals, chances are it doesn't qualify as "real food."

Spring Youth Program Registration
Spring Session: March 26 - May 5

Registration Begins:
  • Lincoln Y Members - March 20
  • Non-members - March 22

View your Y's Youth Programs brochure for full class descriptions:
Swim Lessons
Water safety, acclimation, development and stroke mechanics are taught in a variety of levels as your child progresses through the aquatics program. Adult lessons are also available at many of our Y locations .

Stingrays Swim Club
A fun swim team without the element of competition.

Gymnastics
A variety of levels offered from tumbling to basic gymnastics.

Homeschool/Youth Gym
This school-year program offers physical-education style classes for ages 4-12.


Jumpin' Juniors Youth Gym
Physical activities program for ages 3-6 that incorporates lots of movement through games.

Northeast (Currently Enrolling)

Champions Youth Gym
Physical activities program for ages 6-13 highlighting sports and team building skills.

Northeast (Currently Enrolling)

Speed & Agility Training (March 19-April 25 Session)
Teaches youth skills including proper running mechanics, plyometric skills and movement efficiency that will help them excel in their respected sport(s).
Copple Family (Currently Enrolling)

Youth & Family Fitness (March 26-May 5 Session)
Family Yoga (ages 3 & up) available at Copple Family (registration coming soon)
Family Fitness (ages 3 & up) available at Copple Family (registration coming soon)
Youth Boot Camp (ages 6-12) available at Copple Family (registration coming soon)

Nama-Play Kid Yoga Workshop (March 10, 10:00am-noon)
Themed workshop featuring a book reading or craft, yoga and snack. Geared towards preschool and early elementary-aged youth.
Fallbrook (Currently Enrolling)
Youth Fitness Training
Open to current Y members ages 12-14 who would like to learn safety and proper technique in using all workout area equipment.

Copple Family | Fallbrook | Northeast (Currently Enrolling at These Locations)
Babysitter Training
For ages 10-15, this community education program covers child safety and basic care techniques for infants and children.

Copple Family (Currently Enrolling)
Child Care Programming
Fun Themes in Child Watch (Child Watch is included with all Family/Household memberships)
Did you now that your Y features fun crafts and activities to coincide with a monthly theme for the kids? Coming up in Child Watch:

This Month: "Dr. Seuss"
April: "Small Hand Can Change the World"
May: "Weather Watchers"
Before and/or After School Care
Supervised care to keep you child active and productive.


Summer Day Camp
Keep your kids healthy, active and safe all summer long.


Kids Night Out
Kids will have a fun-filled, supervised time at the Y, while their parents/guardians enjoy spending time outside the Y.


Fundays - Check out our Spring Break offerings!
A licensed child care program offered on some Lincoln Public Schools non-school days.

Y Happenings
We're Lucky to Have You!
YMCA Member Appreciation

We love our members and as a token of our appreciation, we'll be distributing fun treats and giveaways at our YMCA membership facilities for St. Patrick's Day.
Challenge 4 Change:
Y Member Fitness Incentive
Now - April 7

It's not too late to participate in Challenge 4 Change! Be sure to pick up a Punch Card at the Front Desk. Complete all 21 punches to win a Challenge 4 Change t-shirt! (For ages 14+)
Dine Out for YMCA Strong Kids at Buffalo Wild Wings
Wednesday, March 21 - All Day

Enjoy a meal (or two!) at any Lincoln Buffalo Wild Wings location on March 21 to raise funds for the YMCA Annual Campaign-Strong Kids. Mention that you're there to support the YMCA and 30% of your ENTIRE purchase will be donated! Dine-in and takeout sales included.

Educator Appreciation
March 10-25

All educators and their immediate family/household* are invited to Try the Y for FREE! Present your educator ID at any YMCA of Lincoln branch between March 10-25 to begin your one-week pass. Plus, join the Y during your one-week trial and enjoy No Initiation Fee!**


*Up to two adults in the same household and their dependent children.
**No Initiation Fee waiver not available online.
Women's Wellness Weekend
May 19-20 at YMCA Camp Kitaki

Be adventurous or simply relax in a peaceful forest setting. Enjoy a nature hike, read by the fireplace, or make s'mores by the campfire. Ride a horse, get moving in Group Exercise classes, or challenge yourself with the Tower Climb or Zip Line. Make crafts, experience our outdoor music playground, canoe, kayak and more!

Give the Gift of Wellness or Treat Yourself!
Spring Activities for
Kids & Families
Various Dates & Locations

Please Note: All YMCA of Lincoln locations will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday on April 1, 2018.
Easter Egg Hunt
Cooper
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Egg Hunts at 10:30am & 11:30am
Registration info coming soon!

Race Against Time featuring Minute to Win It Challenges
Copple Family
Thursday, March 22, 2018
5:30pm-7:30pm
Open to the public and no pre-registration required.

Safe Swimmers Start Here
Water Safety Event with Swim Lesson Instructors on hand to help families decide what swim level is right for their child(ren)
Copple Family
Monday, March 19, 2018
5:30pm-7:30pm
Open to the public and no pre-registration required.

Downtown
Saturday, March 31, 2018
6:30pm-10:00pm (Note: New Start Time)
Open to all 5th-9th graders. Event is FREE and you do not need to be a Y member to attend.
Fallbrook
Monday, March 19, 2018
Egg Hunts at 6:15pm & 6:45pm
Registration info coming soon!

Northeast
Friday, March 23, 2018
6:30pm-8:00pm
Free for Lincoln Y Members and $12/family for Non-members.

Silent Auction
Northeast
Monday, April 2 - Saturday, April 21, 2018, at noon
Open to the public.

Cooper YMCA
Saturday, April 28, 2018
10:00am-1:00pm
Open to the public and no pre-registration required.
Health & Wellness
Group Exercise Class
Highlights of the Month
A place to belong and reach your goals...

  • Core & More: A class focused on strengthening the abdominal, back and gluteal muscles using a variety of equipment.
  • Power C.S.I. (Cardio, Strength, Intervals): Challenge yourself with innovative, full-body strength exercises, core training and unique free-weight and body-weight resistance combinations between cardio intervals for an ultimate dynamic strength and total-conditioning workout. Cardio may include jump rope, kickboxing or other body-weight aerobic activity.
  • Turbo Kick: This class is a combination of intense kickboxing moves as well as dance moves all perfectly choreographed to high energy and motivating music. It's the ultimate cardiovascular challenge that's a unique blend of intervals, strength/endurance training and a relaxing cool-down. No prior kickboxing experience required.

or download your Y's Group Exercise schedule for March:

Health & Wellness Program Highlights of the Month

  • Pickleball (available at all Lincoln locations): Be sure to checkout our gym schedules for drop-in Pickleball times.
  • Masters Swim Team (available at Downtown & Northeast): This top-notch adult swim team is great for those who are looking for fun, fitness or competition. Training includes stroke technique, endurance, speed and strength training.
  • Barre (currently enrolling at Cooper, Downtown & Fallbrook): These different Barre class offerings (Barre Boot Camp or Barre Express) feature the ballet-based workout combined with strength training and core work.
  • Vitality Group Training (available at Fallbrook): This strength training series for women teaches proper form, how to break through fitness plateaus and challenge your body while making new friends at the Y.

Know Your Numbers
Offered for FREE the second Friday of every month at all Lincoln Y locations (select times), Know Your Numbers is a chance to have your blood pressure, resting heart rate, body composition and body mass index checked by one of our Wellness Specialists. Learn more
The YMCA of Lincoln offers community-based healthy aging and chronic disease prevention programs and services that support people in changing their lifestyles, managing stress levels and adopting beneficial fitness and nutrition behaviors at every stage of life.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA : an evidence-based, 12-week program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. A supportive, certified instructor leads a small group through cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises. This program is currently in session through April 7, but participants may join anytime. The next session is April 23–July 13 with registration beginning March 26. 

Delay the Disease : assists those with Parkinson’s disease in how to manage their symptoms and maintain quality of life. This empowering program provides participants with skills to assist with motor control, ease of movement, confidence and independence. 

Enhance®Fitness : a senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help active, older adults continue to be more energized and empowered for independent living. 

Both the Delay the Disease and Enhance®Fitness programs are currently in session through May 4, but new participants may join at any time. The next session is May 7-August 24 and enrollment is currently open. These classes are FREE for Lincoln Y members and available to non-members for a nominal registration fee.
Specialized Trainings & Workshops Offered throughout the Lincoln YMCA

YMCA Camp Kitaki
March Madness

When: Friday, March 23 - Sunday, March 25, 2018
Ages: 7-14
Registration Fee: $125

Are you ready for an adventure? YMCA Camp Kitaki has been invaded by a devious Leprechaun who has hoarded all of the Kitaki gold. Come meet the rest of your new adventurer friends, plan your gold raid and see if you can liberate the booty from the clutches of the Leprechaun!

Summer Camp 2018 is Over 82% Full

We love seeing the growth people experience while at summer camp. Whether a first-time camper or a staff member with years of experience, YMCA Camp Kitaki is a place for learning and becoming your best self. As kids grow at camp, the program grows with them—offering new challenges and experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Spring Round Up

When: Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29, 2018
Ages: 7-14
Registration Fee: $125

You won't want to miss this weekend full of fun in the spirit of the Wild West! We will have a rootin' tootin' good time with trail rides, horse trivia, contests and more! Make new friendships as we gallop into summer and enjoy the great outdoors!

YMCA Youth Sports
Bring Your Passion to Our Mission
Now Hiring for Summer Positions
We're a cause driven organization: we don't just show up, we show up with purpose.
We are welcoming: we're are open to all.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.

Join us this summer and help transform lives.

Multiple positions available:
  • Summer Lifeguard
  • Swim Lesson Instructor
  • Summer Day Camp Staff
  • Housekeeping Support Staff
  • Gym Supervisor
...and many more

Apply online today at ymcalincolnjobs.org!