Stronger Together

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has found a creative way to reenergize its community that may be feeling down due to the coronavirus pandemic through a free, six-week STRONG challenge designed to help transform their spirit, mind and body.

“Now, more than ever before, we need to recharge and refocus,” said Jorge Perez, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, in a press release. “The COVID-19 pandemic has worn us down. It’s isolated us in so many ways. This challenge provides an opportunity to get active and healthier by yourself or as a strong family.”

Community members can opt-in to the free challenge by texting STRONG to 844.889.6222. Each week participants will receive three texts a week filled with motivation, challenges, workouts and more. Some activities that will be featured include live Zoom classes, Couch to 5K, body weight circuits, outdoor yoga and more. The program started on August 17 and the first week was centered on setting fitness goals. The first challenge for all participants was to move their bodies for 20 minutes, five days a week.

Additionally, to help encourage members, the Y created an accountability system through creating a “Strong Tracking Sheet” so participants can keep track of their goals. Bridget Behrmann, the association director of wellness and member engagement for the Cincinnati Y, said this is because you are 50% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

The Y also recommends all participants have an accountability partner who can help you stay motivated for the full six weeks, as well as joining the Facebook community group to share struggles, failures and success with everyone participating.

The coronavirus pandemic has created various problems for community rec centers and their members. Between stress, being cooped up inside and other challenges, the Cincinnati Y wanted to create this program so members could reset, challenge themselves, have fun and discover what it means to be “STRONG.”

“It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals and feel better and stronger,” said Perez.

You can find more information here.