YMCA of the North Blog

Watch how the Jennifer Menk, Senior Director of Fitness for YMCA of the North demonstrates exercises that help deal with stress.

Watch over 700 youth from across the state of Minnesota participate in the 2018 Youth in Government Model United Nations.

The "Century Club Tour" is a challenge for families to bike 100 miles over 10 days. Watch Kris Laudien decided to join in on the fun.

The YMCA of the North will bring together nearly 800 students in grades 7-12 at Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations April 5–7.

In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.

Balance and Flex Together improves your stability, strength and focus.

Get our head-to-toe tips on preparing for the Y Run.

Spring into wellbeing with events and activities around the metro

For many parents, planning their kids' summer break is a mind-boggling affair.

Come for affordable swimming lessons, stay for the humanity

Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in color provide vital vitamins as well as minerals for energy and fiber for digestion.

Do a little spring cleaning on your schedule to work wellness into your life.

The YMCA of the North is partnering with the Minnesota Youth Leadership Council and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to host the first ever Foster Child and Youth Day on the Hill on March 12 to advocate for foster child and youth rights.

The Kidarod, a winter foot race for kids, is taking place Feb. 24 at Fish Lake Regional Park.

R.I.P.P.E.D. is a unique drop-in Group Exercise class that provides results and inspires community.

Jazz up these tasty burgers with a variety of condiments, including sauerkraut and kimchi, fermented foods that contain the healthy probiotics so many of us lack in our daily diets.

Tip: Eat probiotic-rich fermented foods – like yogurt, kimchi and kefir – daily for better digestion, decreased inflammation, a balanced immune system, improved mood and a healthier weight.

Homemade yogurt is a cost-effective way to enjoy the probiotic benefits of yogurt without the extra sugar and fillers found in many commercial brands. It’s easy to make and you can garnish with a variety of toppings.

The YMCA of the North offers a variety of classes specially designed for seniors that include aerobics, yoga, strength training and more.

Watch Twin Cities Live reporter Kelli Hanson try out the Queenax workout at the new Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae.

Watch how the new Douglas Dayton YMCA in Gaviidae uses virtual reality for fitness.

New downtown YMCA opens in Gaviidae building.

Watch the celebration of the new downtown YMCA opening in Gaviidae building.

Fourth Annual Kidarod at Fish Lake Regional Park on Saturday, February 24, from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

The YMCA of the North (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will be offering discounts on YMCA Summer Programs during Rally Days from Thursday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 6.

These nachos are simple and satisfying. The filling can be mixed ahead of time and the actual dish can be layered and baked in small batches so they are warm and crispy for the game day crowd.

Children explore the wonders of their world and grow into confident kids

Tips for using a rowing machine

Ages 65 and up can get started with Silver Sneakers Classic class

Your Y membership is valid at most YMCAs in the U.S.

Over more than a half century, Dayton donated or raised around $60 million for YMCA buildings and programs.

As a culture, we are facing all kinds of challenges: The 24/7 news cycle, the expectations of bosses that are ever-increasing, family life demands and much more.

According to the National Mentoring Partnership, youth at risk for falling off track are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college and 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions when they had a mentor in their lives.

George Family Foundation is a partner behind the first-of-its-kind center focusing on self-care.

Watch a group from Youth in Government stop by the WCCO studio to discuss Model Assembly.

The Minnesota YMCA will welcome 1,500 students in grades eight through 12 to the Minnesota State Capitol January 4-7 for the Youth in Government (YIG) Model Assembly.

The YMCA of the North has several tips to help community members renew their commitment to health and wellness in 2018.

This easy, tasty appetizer is a fun local twist on a perennial favorite and there’s a simple onion dip to go with it. Of course, in the best Minnesota tradition, it’s on a stick!

Tip: Chef Marshall’s nourishing takes on traditional party foods help you host a delicious party that your guests will love and will leave you all feeling great! 

The renowned CATCH curriculum helps kids learn healthy habits.

The Blaisdell and Hiawatha sites of the YMCA will hold its 47th Annual Operation Holiday Baskets with Roosevelt High School on Friday, December 22.

The Forest Lake YMCA will host a gift drive and community potluck as part of its veterans outreach program on Wednesday, December 20.

An estimated 40 million adults in the United States live with anxiety disorders – and only one-third of these individuals receive treatment.

The YMCA of the North is exploring a number of locations and partnerships in the West St. Paul and surrounding northern Dakota County region to develop a new state-of-the-art YMCA that better serves the community for today and tomorrow.

The University YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host two events in recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November.

You don’t need to find new time in your schedule to practice this well-being booster.

Apples and carrots are a wonderful combo that is a welcome addition to a holiday buffet.

Tip: Skip the New Year’s resolutions – these smart tips for holiday eating will help you celebrate a guilt-free season that gives you a great start to the new year!

The YMCA swim curriculum makes it easy to know where to start.

The Center for Law and Social Policy reports that on any given day, approximately 57,000 youth in the United States are in juvenile detention and correctional facilities with hundreds of thousands more on probation. Youth of color are disproportionately represented in this population.