In keeping with the Oregon Health Authority’s guidance, masks at the Y will be optional starting Saturday, March 12.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, your Y has followed public health experts’ advice regarding operating a health and wellness facility throughout a pandemic. While we relied on their expertise, experience and epidemiological backgrounds, we also understood that there was no guidebook with clear directions. We are grateful for their insight during this difficult time.

We know that the lifting of the mask mandate brings feelings of joy, apprehension and even confusion. The Y will continue to be a place where all are welcome, and our programs will continue to reflect the community’s broad range of opinions about masking: for example, virtual classes on the Virtual Y Hub and seasonal Outdoor Studio group exercise will remain a stable part of our offerings.

Please note that our child care programs follow guidance from state and local school officials and may not always align with the rules and protocols for our fitness members. As of this writing, the Y’s preschoolers and staff members will continue to wear masks. Thank you for your understanding. 

With the lifting of the mask mandate and related emergency order, the Y plans to open the saunas and the women’s steam room in early April. Unfortunately, the men’s steam room is permanently closed due to unresolvable facility damage.

Reserving a spot in your favorite class will get easier with capacity limits increasing:

And you may have noticed that as of Feb. 24, all the cardio- and strength-equipment is open in the Health & Wellness Center.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA to Welcome New Class

After almost two years of pausing our cancer survivorship program, your Y is relaunching LIVESTRONG at the YMCA March 28!

Join Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Yaakov Levine on Friday, March 18, for one of our monthly virtual nutrition talks: “Fight back against stress!” While it's impossible to remove all stress from your life, incorporating a few specific nutrients into your diet can help you deal with life's many stressors.

Can’t make it live? The recording is available on the Virtual Y Hub.

With the lifting of the mask mandate and related emergency order, the Y plans to open the saunas and the women’s steam room in early April. Unfortunately, the men’s steam room is permanently closed due to major leaking.

As of March 12, the Hot Tub and Small Pool will no longer require reservations or have time limits (the hot tub recommended soak time is 15 minutes for health reasons.)

The Keep Moving aqua-aerobics class is back in the Small Pool from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This instructor-led class in our warm-water, small pool will get you walking, swimming, stretching and feeling great for many years to come.

Check out Red Cross class offerings for Spring:

Last chance to sign up for the 100-Mile Swim Challenge! Registration closes March 15. Thank you, sponsors!

Play hard and have fun! Registration for Spring basketball and soccer is open for kids as young as 3 to teenagers in 8th grade!

Lane County Medical Society’s magazine Medical Matters featured a story about Y volunteers Dr. Paula Ciesielski, a retired internal medicine doctor, and Dr. Tom Ewing, a Planned Parenthood physician. They explain what the Y means to them and their vision for the new Y. 

Open for Business, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s online magazine, focused on the new Y’s ability to create connections among people—a critical mental and physical health component.

Community Rec Magazine featured your Y’s vision for the future flagship facility!

KEZI 9 News checked in with your Y about the lifting of the mask mandate lifting, in accordance with the Oregon Health Authority.

KVAL News highlighted the incredible challenges in providing child care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join in the fun: Wear green to the Y on Thursday, March 17, and earn a special St. Patrick’s Day guest pass for a friend!