COMMUNITY CLASSES AND EVENTS

Conquering the Winter Blues presentation 

Join us on Monday, December 11 and learn how to Conquer the Winter Blues 

Join Aaron Cadayong in this captivating presentation on overcoming the blues that accompany the long days of a Minnesota winter!

Who: YOU! Free to community members!
When: Monday, December 11 from 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Fergus Falls YMCA Community Room
Child Watch is available until 12:00pm space is limited. Please reserve your spot by emailing familylife@fergusfallsymca.org
Refreshments will be served.

Lifeguard Certification Class

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding classes are designed to teach you not only the basics in water safety but also the proper protocol when dealing with any emergencies around water. The Red Cross blends both traditional lecture style along with crucial hands-on training in order to teach you effective techniques to deliver prompt care to those in need. Learn how to respond safely and efficiently to water emergencies with lifeguard classes from the American Red Cross.

PREREQUISITES: 
Waterfront Lifeguard:

1. Swim 550 yards (22 pool lengths) continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits. 
3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Start in the water at the shallow end of the pool, and swim to the far end of the pool. Retrieve the 10-pound brick off the bottom of the deep end and return to the shallow end of the pool while swimming on your back with both hands on the brick. Upon arrival at the shallow end of the pool, exit the water without using the steps or ladder. Goggles are not allowed for this skill.
4. Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4-7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.

Questions on upcoming classes? Contact Eric at 218-739-4489 ext. 211.
 

S.A.I.L. (Staying Active and Independent for Life)

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness is the single most important activity adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling. The entire curriculum of activities in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program can help improve strength and balance, if done regularly. The class consists of 24 one-hour long sessions. Participants must commit to at least 16 of the 24 sessions to register. Free for YMCA members AND Non-Members.

Class options include virtual AND in person at the YMCA. Contact Blake at 218.739.4489 ext 205 for more information.

Living WELL with Diabetes

Join us for a class on learning how to live your best life with Diabetes. In six, 2 1/2 hour sessions, you'll learn about: 

• Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, including fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, depression, anger, fear, and frustration.
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
• Healthy eating
• Use of medication
• How to better work with health care providers

Check back for upcoming classes! Free for YMCA members AND Non-members. Register at the YMCA and call Blake for questions at 218-739-4489.
 

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is a set of eight coordinated movements, practices in slow, flowing motion. These movements help older adults gain good body alignment, improve their balance, and reduce the likelihood of falling. Research shows the people who complete the program are half as likely to fall and are less fearful of falling. 

If you are an older adult, able to walk, canes and walkers are OK, and are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength, please join us in improving your balance while practicing the relaxing, fun art of Tai Ji Quan! For more information or when the next classes will be held, contact Toni at the YMCA!

• Check back for more information regarding upcoming classes!

Healthy Cooking Class

Member Fee: $10  Potential Member Fee: $15
Registration is required in advance.

Come and see how easy it can be to make a healthy and delicious meal with chefs from local restaurants and delis.  Participants will help prepare and sample the food and will go home with recipes. If you have questions, call Blake at 218-739-4489 ext. 205 or email him at blake@fergusfallsymca.org. 

Check back for more information regarding upcoming classes!

Diabetes Prevention 

The YMCA offers on-going education and support for individuals with pre-diabetes through the I Can Prevent Diabetes program. Contact Toni Hagen, Health & Wellness Director, for more information on this program. This program is grant-supported and free for members and potential members.

Contact Blake for more information on upcoming classes. Must register at the YMCA.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

Living Well with Chronic Conditions is designed to improve the self-management skills of people living with ongoing health issues. Conditions like arthritis, mental health conditions, chronic pain, cancer, or diabetes can cause those affected to lose physical conditioning and suffer health problems over many years. This program teaches new strategies that will give participants the confidence, motivation, and skills needed to manage living with a chronic health condition. Free for YMCA members AND Non-Members.

For questions on upcoming class options, please contact Blake at 218-739-4489 ext. 205