Program changes and cancellations
All regular programs and swim lessons are CANCELLED except those listed below.

Please note: program areas close 15 minutes prior to the building close. Program spaces
are not available 15 minutes prior to adult classes and 45 minutes before
some children’s classes to allow for program set up.

Please refer to the chart below to see if your swim lesson time will be changing.

Swim lesson time blocks

Reminders

• If your child is currently registered in swimming lessons, you do not need to register them again.
• If your child’s membership will be on hold, or if you miss three consecutive classes, you will need to register again.

For more information, please contact Wendy Huang, Supervisor, Aquatics, at 905-845-5597, ext. 307 or wendyhu@oakville.ymca.ca.

From an anatomy perspective, there is no such thing as lower or upper abs, however, the rectus abdominis has more than one function at a time: to stabilize your pelvis with the lower region of your abdominals and to flex your trunk with the upper region.

Training your abdominal muscles should be treated like training any other muscle group.
They need recovery time too. And remember, you’re also training your core when you’re doing other exercises or classes.

So plan it!  Add abdominal training to your routine two to three times per week, and remember to take a look at your overall routine to be sure you aren’t overdoing it.

Try this sample routine: 

Rectus abdominis – The most superficial and generally responsible for that ”six-pack ab look”

Tip: The 6-pack ab look is “made in the kitchen”! Healthy eating is key for that effect

Sources
Refs:  1.    COFE Weight Training Manual, 2007

May 1 to August 31

We’re excited to offer students a YMCA Summer Membership for $45/month! This special membership offer* provides access to all our member programs from the beginning of May to end of August at a low monthly fee. There’s never been a better time for students to try the Y!

Check-in using foursquare and receive a FREE Student Day Pass.
Hurry, the check-in special is for a limited time!

*Please note: Member Connect is not provided for student memberships. Student I.D. card required. The membership fee must be paid in full at time of joining.

For more information visit Student Membership.

The YMCA offers many options to get you moving, both inside and out. Why not welcome warmer days with a walking or running clinic? Great for all fitness levels, a walking or running clinic is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get fit, and it provides numerous health benefits like lowering blood pressure, maintaining a healthy body weight and even reducing stress levels. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothes!

You don’t even need a YMCA membership!  YMCA registered programs are available to everyone. There may even be YMCA programs running in your neighbourhood.

Starting this month at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA, we have a 5K Running Clinic, an Indoor/Outdoor Triathlon Clinic, a second Outdoor Triathlon Clinic and Nordic Pole Walking. For those in the Oak Park area, there’s a 5K Run/Walk clinic and other programs like Adult Yoga Fitness and Boot Camp to get you moving at the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre, located at 2200 Sawgrass Drive.

If a running or walking clinic isn’t for you, the Y has more than 30 programs that do not require a YMCA membership to participate in, and new spring sessions begin this month!

Here`s one more reason to get active this month: the YMCA’s Try the Y promotion returns from April 15-28 offering a FREE two-week trial pass to see how a YMCA membership can help you create a healthier lifestyle! Pick up a pass to try out some of popular YMCA programs at no cost!

So come on! What are you waiting for? Check out the Y to spring into action and get moving towards a stronger, healthier you!

The YMCA of Oakville is seeking applicants for one upcoming opening on the Board of Directors.  We are especially interested in applicants from diverse backgrounds with expertise in any of the following areas:  fundraising, facility development, youth engagement and education.  If you are interested in serving your community through the YMCA, consider getting involved as a YMCA board member.

Directors are approved at the YMCA of Oakville’s Annual General Meeting to govern the association on behalf of the community. This is a volunteer position that will involve approximately five to eight hours each month. Directors meet monthly for board meetings and are required to participate in board committees. Board members are also encouraged to attend YMCA events.

The Board of Directors is ultimately accountable for all matters relating to the YMCA of Oakville. However, its primary responsibilities are as follows:

1. Provide a link and liaison with the community.
2. Ensure that the YMCA of Oakville’s By-Laws remain current and relevant.
3. Ensure that the YMCA’s vision and strategic plan are consistent with the organization’s values and mission.
4. Ensure that the annual operating plan is consistent with the YMCA of Oakville’s long-term vision and strategic plan.
5. Support and assist in the development of philanthropic resources and fundraising efforts for the YMCA.
6. Monitor CEO performance. Recruit and hire, and terminate if necessary.
7. Understand and influence, where necessary, public policies that affect the YMCA.
8. Govern, acquire, liquidate and provide control over all properties and assets of the organization.  
9. Report to the community, YMCA members and participants at the Annual General Meeting.
10. Ensure that there are systems and procedures that regularly solicit, welcome and respond to concerns raised by all YMCA stakeholders.

Candidates should submit their resume (2 page max.) along with a cover letter which states why they want to be a volunteer board member and what they can bring to the YMCA of Oakville to:

Alison Williams, Manager, Human Resources, careers@oakville.ymca.ca,
410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, L6K 1K7 or fax to 905-842-6792. 

The deadline for submission is Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by 5:00 p.m.

The YMCA of Oakville is also seeking volunteers to serve on the following board committees: philanthropy, governance, finance, and facility development.  Please contact Darryl McKenzie, President and CEO at darrylmc@oakville.ymca.ca for additional information.

The YMCA of Oakville values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

Did you know that we have more than 30 programs that do not require a YMCA membership to participate in, and that our new spring sessions begin this month? Check out the following programs and register today!

• Nordic Pole Walking - Apr 16, Tues. 1:00-2:00 p.m. or Wed 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• 5K Running Clinic - May 11, Sat. 9:30 a.m.
• Indoor/Outdoor Triathlon clinic - Apr 7, Sun. 8:15-10:00 a.m.
• Outdoor Triathlon clinic - May 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• Family Zumba - Apr. 6, Sat. 11:00-11:45 a.m.

We also have new spring sessions at the Oak park Neighbourhood Centre:

• Adult Boot Camp - Apr. 8, Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Adult Yoga Fitness - Apr. 10, Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Note: Register for both Adult Boot Camp and Adult Yoga Fitness for just $150, plus get complimentary child care during any of the adult programs!
• Adult 5K Run/Walk clinic - Apr. 8, Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Adult Zumba - Apr. 10, Wed. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Let’s get moving and spring into action today!

Oakville, April 5, 2013 — Living a healthy, active lifestyle is one of the most rewarding things you can do and now the YMCA of Oakville is giving members one more reason to get active. Launched on April 3, 2013, members will have the opportunity to earn AIR MILES reward miles for visiting the YMCA and registering for summer day camp.

On February 20, 2013, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced its commitment, along with YMCA Canada and the AIR MILES Reward Program, to support children and families as they strive to live more active lifestyles. Now, just in time for spring, this partnership rewards those families who focus on physical activity. YMCA Members who are also AIR MILES Collectors will earn one reward mile for every four visits to the YMCA in a month and have the opportunity to earn 50 Bonus reward miles when they register a child in a summer day camp.

“AIR MILES is proud and excited to bring forward a variety of ways that YMCA members can earn reward miles by doing activities they will enjoy while also improving their health,” says Angela Simo Brown, General Manager, AIR MILES for Social Change. “A healthy lifestyle is important, and something we think deserves that extra reward.”

The YMCA of Oakville is pleased to be participating in this innovative program to promote healthy living with partners AIR MILES Reward Program and the Public Health Agency of Canada,” said Darryl McKenzie, president and CEO. “We are excited to offer AIR MILES reward miles to our members and hope to inspire Oakville families to get and stay active.”

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting children and families across Canada in their efforts to live more active and healthier lives,” says the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, federal Minister of Health. “We can achieve these goals by working together to encourage Canadians to be more active in their communities. Healthy living is everyone’s business.”

For more information about the YMCA and AIR MILES partnership, please visit airmiles.ca. 

The Y delivers programs and services in 50 locations in Oakville.  As a charity that strengthens community in spirit, mind and body, the Y has been part of Oakville for more than 50 years and has made our community stronger by helping people reach their full potential. Last year more than 25,000 people participated in YMCA of Oakville programs. The Y is open to all and donors to the YMCA Strong Kids campaign help ensure that everyone in the  community has the opportunity to benefit from participating in a YMCA program by regardless of their ability to pay. Financial assistance is offered.

But not every family can afford to provide these things for their children. The generosity of donors to our YMCA Strong Kids campaign makes it possible for those with financial limitations to access YMCA programs that help develop their spirit, mind and body – like Taekwondo!

You can help by making a gift or by raising funds for our Kick-a-thon. To find out more, visit Kick-a-thon.

From April 15-28, 2013, drop by to get your FREE, two-week trial pass to experience some* of the benefits of a YMCA membership. But that’s not all! This is also a great time to discover programs you can take advantage of without a membership.

Did you know we offer summer camps, P.A. Day programs, fitness classes, running clinics, swim lessons, aquatics leadership and first aid and CPR training courses, youth leadership and more- all available to you for a fee and with individual program registration. Membership is not required.

Mark your calendar to visit us this month and learn how we can help you achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.

*Valid only at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA. Limit of one trial per person, per year. Try the Y trial passes include access to YMCA of Oakville drop-in programs, pools, Adventure Centre and adult access to the Wellness Centre.