Last updated 3 days ago
#1 - Because Friday is Bike to Work Day in DC. Last year 10,000 bikers pedaled to work in celebration of Bike to Work Day.
#2 - Can we say freebies? With over 70 Pit stops throughout DC, MD and VA, bikers can stop on their way to work for refreshments, t-shirts and even a chance to win raffle prizes.
#3 - Exercise and commute at the same time. Biking to work is a great way to get a good workout in during your commute to work. Like running, biking is a perfect solution to an impactful cardio workout. And in the morning too? Even better, as mornings are the best time to workout.
#4 - The weather will be perfect. We've had some up and down weather these past few weeks. On Friday, the weather should be nice out (predicted to be in the 80's). So catch a breeze and enjoy some sun first thing in the morning. Perfect way to start the day.
#5 - Help the environment and save a bit. Take a breather on the gas you would normally use in your travels to work, if you normally drive. Riding your bike would help the environment and even your pockets, because you can save a few dollars and go green all at once.
Last updated 15 days ago
May is National Meditation Month. Stop stressing and start meditating today. Here are some helpful tips, benefits and pointers.
Embed This
Last updated 22 days ago
Today marks the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day, our initiative to improve the health and well-beings of kids everywhere! 19,000 + Ys across the country are taking part in this Healthy Kids Day, at their local branches that have created programs, activities and all out fun for kids and their families.
Clowns, healthy snacks, face painting, self-esteem workshops, obstacle courses, live music, and much more are a few things you can expect from our branches collectively.
Grab your little one by the hand, print this handy schedule, and take them to visit one of these Healthy Kids Day events TODAY! Here's to your chance to get a jump on summer!
***BONUS: Meet our Guest Blogger, Jessica Reinhart. Jessica is a health and nutrition expert, specializing in wellness counseling and services (she also has some nifty - and tasty recipes to share). One of our favorite articles from Jessica is all about the kids. The first piece we will feature:"Introducing New Foods to your Kids," will be the perfect read for parents who want to guide their children into adopting healthy eating habits. This might help with all those healthy recipes you will pick up at HKD. Perfect timing, right? ***
We are so excited to feature Jessica and her tips to living healthier. Want to read more? Look forward to her guest feature monthly, on our Y Blog and visit her site here to learn more about her personal story.
Last updated 23 days ago
Happy National Volunteer Week everybody! This is the perfect time to recognize the people who do great things through service: our volunteers, who give their time and energy to serve others! Yesterday we spotlighted Kathy, today - it's Kevin's turn.
Read how Kevin Beverly, YMCA Board Chair gives us his thoughts on why volunteering at the Y matters:
"Organizationally it touches so many people in the community. The Y gives people a place to go that they don't feel out of place, whether they need financial assistance, or want to be a part of something....everyone is welcome at the Y. Having grown up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I was always aware of the importance of having that 'family feel.'" Even though we are volunteering to help others - I find my volunteerism helps me as well. It's a fulfilling and humbling experience that everyone should take part in."
This is your chance to get involved today and help strengthen your community! Again, a huge thanks goes to all our YMCA volunteers and mentors!
Last updated 24 days ago
Happy National Volunteer Week everybody! This is the perfect time to recognize the people who do great things through service: our volunteers, who give their time and energy to serve others!
First up: Kathy Martin, board chair and one of the recipients of our Volunteer of the Year (2012) award. She took some time to share with us a little bit about the essence of volunteerism.
Why do you volunteer your time at the Y? The mission of the Y encompasses so much of what is important for taking care of our youth- physical fitness, confidence, social interaction, and responsible behavior to name just a few. I believe in the idea that it takes a village to raise our children well and this idea of community caring is what makes the Y and their approach to youth and families so special.
Why is volunteering important for the community in which we live? To have an idea about what could make our community a better place is great but it's nothing without the necessary people to execute that vision. Volunteers are the heart and soul of any good community project!
Tell us a little bit about your professional career, aside from being a board member. Professionally, I am a stylist and personal shopper. I feel really lucky to have a job that I'm passionate about and I get a lot of satisfaction from helping someone gain confidence through feeling good about their personal style. As great as that is, however, my biggest satisfaction comes from my other full time job- raising my kids. They have a lot of energy so I love that there is a Y right down the street where they can burn some of that off.