YMCA of the North Blog

The YMCA empowers kids and teens to make healthy choices by offering programs that make fitness and nutrition fun.

Runners and walkers of all ages braved the rainy Minneapolis morning Saturday to participate in the Fifth Annual Y Run.

When it comes to weight loss, most people have to find their own niche. Tim Harriger searched for that niche for many years. He was overweight for most of his life before losing 300 pounds.

Read about how the YMCA is among the top competitors for childcare in the Twin Cities.

Keeping healthy habits over time isn’t easy—but it is worth it.

YMCA hires Bob Elfstrand for Vice President of Mission Advancement

City again this year looked to laughter to deepen ties between residents and public servants by hosting an event at the Maplewood YMCA.

Watch the YMCA host the Youth in Government Model United Nations in Minneapolis.

Watch how U of M students partner with the University YMCA to launch a pop-up food pantry at the U.

Wellness is a gift that keeps giving—and you deserve it.

Try this workout at home.

Tip: Feed your gut foods that support digestive wellness, improve your mood and help you reap the full benefit of the nourishing foods you eat.

The slow carbs in this flavorful curried lentil soup will feed the healthy bacteria in your gut and the spices will boost your immune system.

Tips for your family to stay motivated—and sane—during the last weeks of school.

Spring into action while doing your spring cleaning—or doing housework anytime during the year.

Tip: Learn how to choose among the many different cooking oils available for nourishing food that tastes great! 

You can vary the flavor of this colorful and quick salad meal by choosing one of three dressings.

Find inspiration in one member’s lifelong relationship with the YMCA.

DoSomething.org, a nonprofit dedicated to enacting social change through young people, reports that young people who volunteer consistently score higher on scales measuring life satisfaction, civic engagement and academic success than those who do not.

Happy St. Patricks Day! Celebrate the holiday with your family and friends with some healthy homemade goodies, festive crafts and today's bonus code.

How to get involved with the community outdoors this spring

Recharge your spirit through giving back as a volunteer at the Y Run or Color Run.

The Y is so much more than a gym—explore all the different ways our movement is invigorating our community.

Soft call out/reminder for the upcoming Y Run on April 15.

Instructors at the YMCA in Shoreview are teaching kids how to swim and potentially save a life.

Try walking these routes in your community to gear up for the Y Run. 

If you’re training for the upcoming Y Run, these easy no-bake snacks are the perfect fuel to help you get through your workouts. Packed with healthy fats, slow carbs and protein, these will provide you with sustained energy to keep you focused so you can finish strong.

This recipe is versatile—the carrots can be grilled, broiled or roasted and you can serve them either hot or at room temperature. This dish is as nutritious as it is tasty, since the beta-carotene in carrots (a form of vitamin A) is a potent antioxidant for your eyes.

Tip: Combat digital eyestrain and preserve your vision for the future with foods that feed your eyes and promote eye health. 

Tip: Optimize your training for the Y Run by fueling up with foods that sustain your energy, promote muscle building and repair, and keep you feeling your best all the way to the finish line. 

Find out what to prepare for and expect in specialty fitness classes like Boot Camp and Kettlebells.

Make the most of break without having to factor in all the travel time—stay local and have a great time.

Think you’re just not cut out for mindfulness? Try on these transcendental tips for size.

When it comes to getting healthy and fit, most people have to work hard at it. With chronic illness stacked against her, YMCA Personal Trainer Regan Birr has had to work extra hard. She hasn't let that stop her from getting in the best shape of her life.

YMCA life coaches partner with state and counties to help them thrive

Five steps to start planning summer fun

Beat the winter workout blahs with water-based exercise

Get into the game with team sports

Tip: Don’t avoid fat in your food – choose healthy fats that nourish you, support your health and comfort you through the cold days of winter. 

Fondue is a cold weather favorite and this one is zippy, while being rich and creamy due to the addition of the beans. It tastes great served with whole wheat bread chunks or veggie sticks.

This salsa has a refreshing flavor twist with its emphasis on mango and avocado instead of tomato. The lime juice keeps the avocado from turning brown so it works well while for a sports-focused gathering where people are grazing for several hours and the healthy fat in the avocado helps people feel full so they may eat a little less!

Tip: Stave off the winter blues by loading up on foods that elevate your mood, fight depression, prevent seasonal affective disorder and add color to the dark, cold days of winter. 

Earlier this month, I was at the kickoff dinner for the Y’s Youth in Government Model Assembly.

Learn about the very real benefits that walking can bring

Tip: Make a smart start to the new year by creating a personal wellness plan and taking baby steps toward sustainable lifestyle change.

This recipe is quick and easy, because you can take advantage of baby steps, like using previously cooked, frozen chicken breasts and frozen, chopped vegetables.

Healthy habits to build into chilly, dreary days

Five tips for getting in a great workout when there are more people at the gym

This recipe gives you lots of options: cook extra and you will have a key ingredient for a couple of meals during the week!

Tip: Staying motivated once the novelty of making changes wears off can be challenging.