SUPPORT OUR ANNUAL
STRONG KIDS CAMPAIGN
Financial assistance keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most. We count on the generosity of our members and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in our own neighborhood.
JILL WILLS
NAMED EMPLOYEE
OF THE QUARTER
Jill Wills plays an important role in the Y’s Group Fitness Department. This past summer she assisted in implementing one of our most successful programs, Zumba. She volunteers countless hours preparing her group fitness classes, including Boot Camp, Cardio Explosion, Hip Hop, and Michael Jackson. She continues to find fun ways to put a spin on exercise with themed classes and fun music. She also takes the extra time to make creative, eye catching marketing flyers and posters. Jill lives the YMCA mission and values, and incorporates them into all she does here at our Aberdeen Family Y. Congratulations, Jill!
EMERY'S STORY
"We love having Emery here at the Y. He is always in good spirits and excited to partake in work and exercise. His motivation to keep a healthy body is outstanding. We could all use a little bit of that!" – Lee Isaak, Director of Member Services, Aberdeen Family Y
Nineteen year old, Emery Long Crow has always been interested in physical activity. As a student at the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI), Emery’s PE teacher first introduced him to weight lifting. This sparked a curiosity to try other forms of exercise, including track/field and swimming. Emery's "Individualized Education Program" team recognized these interests and recommended that it would be good for Emery to be engaged and active in the community by joining the Aberdeen Family Y as a personal fitness program and as an area of work.
Emery began working for the Aberdeen Family Y in the summer of 2010. As part of the "Project Skills" work experience program, Emery assists in cleaning the pools, activity center and the community rooms. Emery says he enjoys the Y because in addition to his work opportunities, he gets to participate in many forms of exercise. He loves all the options! His favorite things to do are walking the track, using the elliptical and swimming. Pictured at top left is Emery swimming in the Special Olympics here at the Aberdeen Family Y.
"Emery genuinely enjoys work at the Y and being in the community. Many thanks for your (Aberdeen Family Y) support and efforts on his behalf." - Mark Krogstrand, SDSBVI Principal
CHECK OUT THE Y'S
HOT NEW CLASSES
WARM WATER STRETCH
Some of the many benefits of warm water exercise include:
- Calming & relaxing
- Increased range of motion due to relaxed muscles
- Increased circulation & decreased swelling in joints
- Reduced joint compression from pull of gravity
- Increased muscle strength from water's resistance
Click here for dates and times.
YOGA SCULPT
Yoga Sculpt is a unique combination of Power Yoga and strength training. It is a high-energy, fast paced flow that will tone and shape you with traditional yoga postures and weight training as well as connect the body to the mind and spirit through Ujjayi breathing techniques. Will include beginning and intermediate hands-on posture breakdowns.
Click here for dates and times.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
GROUP FITNESS
THANK YOU TO OUR "AEROBATHON" PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS, & DONATORS!
Our 21st annual Aerobathon was a huge success with 63 participants and
$2,306.05 raised to go towards our Group Fitness Department. This year's theme was the "Fitness Marathon". Look for this event again next year!
Big thanks to the Airport Café & Travel Center for donating the Flat Screen TV that was given away.
MICHAEL JACKSON DANCE CLASSES!
In March, three "MJ" classes were held with maximum participation from our members.
Jill Wills & Lauren Emerson led these classes in full "MJ" style.
CELEBRATING ST. PATTY’S DAY! Kristin’s Thursday morning Zumba class was very festive on March 17. It's always a party at Zumba!
