Y Life Birmingham by Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA

YLife Birmingham

September-October 2012 Volume 7, Issue 5

HOW TO

Be A Coach Be A Reformer

Have Your Name Live Forever

Mentor A Young Person

Serve Like A Pro

Benefit From Yoga FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY

PUMPKIN PATCH HARGIS RETREAT October 15-29, 2012 • Children Grades K- 3 “Open to the Public” Day on October 27 • $9.50 per student includes lunch, hay ride, storyteller, petting zoo, snack, and a pumpkin to take home • $6.50 Adults • FREE to teachers Contact us today to reserve your spot 205-678-6512 hargisretreat@ymcabham.org

LifeNotes

YLife

JAMES N. LOMBARD

Bir mingham

1946-2012

September-Octoober 2012, Volume 7 Issue 5

YMCA of Birmingham

President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Birmingham James N. Lombard served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham beginning in 1996. During his 16-year tenure, the association expanded and grew through building two suburban branches (Pelham and Hoover), by renovating the former Phillips High School Gymnasium into a downtown youth center, through major renovation of the Shades Valley facility (Homewood), by acquiring Hargis Retreat center (Chelsea), and by opening two community branches in collaboration with local cities (Fultondale and Irondale).

Officers Chairman Phyllis Hall vice chairman Joseph Mays, Jr. treasurer Michael Temple secretary David Woodruff

Lombard (far left) with friends.

But it might have been the acquisition, in 2005, of the Baptist Medical System-owned SportsFirst, five facilities that included Greystone, Mountain Brook, Trussville, and Vestavia, and quadrupling the operating budget – to over $24 million – that was the most transformational. At the time, Lombard said that the purchase would “allow us to bring services to people who have long sought the YMCA.” A graduate of the University of Oregon, Jim served the national YMCA movement for more than a quarter of a century, beginning in camping. Prior to becoming President of the Birmingham YMCA he served for two years as its Senior Vice President for Operations, as Vice President and Branch Executive with the Atlanta YMCA, and Branch Executive with the San Francisco YMCA. He had also been a partner in Del Madera Properties in California. Lombard had an extensive knowledge of organizational leadership, facility planning and development, staff and volunteer development, fiscal management, fund raising, and a profound commitment to the mission of the YMCA. His financial leadership had the association’s programs grow while improving member satisfaction and growing volunteer involvement.

Board Members Tracey Adams Anthony Berryman Cecil Bostany Elizabeth Carpenter Denise Dauphin Sarah Duggan Andy Easterling Mike Ermert Courtney French Eric Frye Ann Haas Phyllis Hall Roderick Hawkins Robert L. Holman Wayne Houston Mallie Ireland Lynn Jones Anthony A. Joseph Robert E. Kelly Scott Kenny Tom L. Larkin John Lauriello Harrison Manning

Joseph Mays, Jr. Ann D. McMillan Dan Monroe John Ott Leigh Davis Perry Rick Player Henry Ray, Jr. Emily Rushing Lloyd Shelton Reeves Sims, Jr. Stephen Smith Walker Sorrell Cedric Sparks Andra Sparks Michael Suco Britney Summerville Michael Temple Chip Watts Tommy Wells Greg Weyandt Sally Hartley Williams David Woodruff

Board of Trustees Chairman Anne Huckstep vice chairman Bill Clark

Joe Bluestein Frank James Allen Rushton James W. Shepherd Judge Scott Vowell Interim President and CEO Norman E. Joyner

He was a graduate of Leadership Birmingham, had served as Chairman of the Steering Committee of Youth Leadership Forum, on the Steering Committee of the Birmingham Alliance for Youth, on the community board of Operation New Birmingham, as Vice-Chair of the Council of United Way Agencies, chaired the Salary Administration Task Force and has served on the Leadership Development Committee of the YMCA of the USA and on the board of Y-Mutual Insurance, Ltd.

YLife Birmingham is published five times a year by the YMCA of Birmingham. Copyright 2006 by the Metropolitan Birmingham YMCA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the YMCA of Birmingham.

Jim is survived by his wife, Laura; one brother, Michael Ray Lombard of Alpharetta, GA; two daughters, Jennifer Ellen Lombard of Birmingham; Emily Lombard (Travis) Hollett, and a son, Benjamin Thomas Lombard both of Nashville, TN; two sisters-in-law, Greg Moore of Plantation, FL, and Jacqueline Steele Lombard of Alpharetta, GA; a nephew, Kenneth Steele Lombard, and a niece, Jeanine Steele Lombard, both of Alpharetta, GA; his beloved animals, and a host of relatives, friends and colleagues.

YLife Birmingham welcomes letters and story ideas. Please send them to: YLife Birmingham, 2101 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or to ylife@ymcabham.org.

The Birmingham YMCA family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for all acts of kindness through Jim’s illness and acts of support to the association and to his family at his death.

YLife Birmingham Staff

vice PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS David G. Hill COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOr Loyd McIntosh designer Tracy Thomas

Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Vision: We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America.

Join Me at the Y

Features

Circuit

My Mission

United Way Partner.

JoinMe at the Y The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is now on iTunes! The Birmingham YMCA recently launched a podcast, the Y Life Birmingham Podcast. Every week a new episode is posted in which members and staff share ways you can live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle at the YMCA of Birmingham. Listen or download all Y Life Birmingham podcasts on the website at ymcabham.org/ylifepodcasts, or subscribe for free at iTunes by by searching for “Y Life Birmingham” in the iTunes store. You can also find all podcast episodes at ylifebirmingham.podbean.com.

What’s on the podcast? Check out some highlights from episodes currently available for download.

Podcast 6

Life Skills: Anthony Sparks Anthony Sparks, Executive Director of the Birmingham YMCA Youth Center, discusses the need for more young professionals throughout the community to serve as mentors and role models for the center’s young people. Volunteers with a passion for inspiring and motivating preteens and teenagers are welcome and encouraged to take part in the Youth Center’s mentoring programs, such as Project Beautiful for girls and Men Making A Difference for boys.

Podcast 2

My Mission: John Joseph YMCA of Hoover member John Joseph talks about what led him to the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and how it has dramatically improved his health. At the age of 34, John recognized the risk factors for Type II Diabetes and decided to take a proactive approach to his health before it was too late.

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August 10 was a day of fun at the Birmingham YMCA Youth Center! Thanks to the generosity of Brighthouse Networks, the campers of the Youth Center, Northeast, and Western Area branches had a blast together!

LifeSkills 3 VISIONARY IDEAS FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS

1. Continue and Expand What We Do Best Eight out of our 14 branches are heavy membership branches, so it’s important for us to continue to provide quality programs and services delivered by a high level of qualified and certified staff. That means that leadership and staff development will be a high priority over the next six months.

2. Invest In Our Young People There is a challenge and an opportunity to provide services that meet the needs of young people, especially those within the City of Birmingham. For example, we’ll spend the next six months putting strategies in place that will have a positive impact on our camping programs next summer, including finding ways to give more local youth outdoor camping experiences at Camp Cosby, one of the best camps in the nation; and at Hargis Retreat, as well as helping Northeast, Western Area and Youth Center make an even greater impact on the youth in their communities.

3. Strengthen Our Culture Of Giving I’m a strong believer that – being a charity – one of our primary goals is to increase contributed giving to the YMCA. We would like to increase our annual campaign to engage more people and be able to tell the story about the YMCA and what we’re doing in those communities we serve. We are also going to reorganize our planned giving effort and endowment in order to support the YMCA long term and in, some cases, short term around some programmatic challenges. Finally, our relationship with United Way of Central Alabama has been outstanding and I think it’s important for us to be a strong United Way partner agency helping to meet critical needs throughout the community.

Norman E. Joyner Interim President/CEO YMCA of Greater Birmingham

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 5

HOW TO We’re not talking about being a political or social reformer here. We’re talking about exercise, specifically Pilates Reformer. Available at Greystone and Mountain Brook, Pilates Reformer uses specially designed machines to help you strengthen and stabilize your core – abdominals, chest, back and hip muscles (essentially all the muscles in your torso) – which are important for maintaining good posture. Although it can be intimidating and challenging, Pilates Reformer training can benefit anyone. Greystone Group Exercise Director, Renae McCullough talks about how you can achieve benefits from Pilates Reformer training.

Be Patient: “In my opinion, it takes four or five sessions for people to get comfortable with the machines. It can be very awkward, but once you get used to the machine, how everything moves, the exercises and terminology, it becomes easier. For people that have practiced mat pilates, Reformer training is often a natural progression, they get it from the start. However, for most people, that first class or two is very challenging. We’re here to help you along the way so don’t get frustrated if you don’t see the results as quickly as possible. The results will come if you are patient.”

Be Prepared For Results: “With Pilates, I think the first benefit people see is that they stand taller and stop slouching. Most people spend so much time sitting and hovered over a desk. With Pilates they’ll learn how to engage their core so that when they walk up and down the street, sit at their desk or in their car, they learn they sit differently. They’re going to feel lengthened in the spine and sit up nice and tall with their shoulders back; with better overall posture. You will be much more mindful of how you sit,

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Be A Reformer Renae McCullough says, “results come if your are patient.” how you stand and how you do activities when you practice Pilates on a regular basis.”

Be Assured: “It is common for people to be concerned or intimidated coming into a class as a new participant. In this case, we offer private sessions. However, as we are all watching our budgets, paying an additional fee for private sessions might not be an option. So, we have Beginner Reformer classes or one-on-one sessions at no cost for the first visit. We’ll show you how to use the machines, the correct body positioning and modifications for the exercises and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable in this setting prior to an affordable group session. Our goal is to make sure the client is getting the benefit from Reformer training that they deserve.” Who to contact: Renae McCullough at 981-0144 or rmccullough@ymcabham.org.

HOW TO

Pemberton shows colleague Kelly Kidd how to “be a buddy” as a volunteer coach.

Be A Great Youth Coach A typical Saturday morning at the YMCA looks like this; balls bouncing, whistles tweeting and kids running around in colorful jerseys. Youth sports programs at the YMCA reach hundreds of kids throughout Birmingham each weekend throughout the year. They are also a great way for an adult to volunteer, stay active, and make a positive impact on a child. YMCA Hoover Sports Director, Tim Pemberton, talks about what it takes to be a great coach.

coach, so that he can show the new coach the ropes, show him how it goes, what it takes to herd 10-12 three year olds together, and what works best with specific age groups. If it makes you more comfortable for me to show you some drills and run through the first couple of practices, I can do that as well. Just like kids learn in different ways, adults do, too.”

Tools You’ll Need with a substitute coach every week, so commitment through the season is very important. For most of the ages and sports we offer, you’re talking about 45-minutes to an hour once a week for practice and then a game on Saturday for about the same amount of time. So, you’re talking about a couple of hours a week.”

frustrated easily. It’s not the World Cup. For the most part, these kids are just learning, so, we look for people who don’t get frustrated easily and are patient. Patience is a big deal when working with the little ones. It’s probably less Xs and Os and more “good job” and “way to go”, things like that. It’s a lot of “what’s your favorite subject in school” or “did you get your homework done”. Coaching at the Y is more of a buddy situation than blowing whistles, yelling and running sprints.”

Be Confident But Willing to Learn:

Who to Contact

Be Consistent: “Three and four year olds don’t do well

“Even if you’ve never coached or, in some cases, played a particular sport before, don’t worry. We don’t just throw you to the wolves. Ideally, what I like to do is put a new coach together with a seasoned

Be Patient And Kind: “Obviously, you can’t get

Tim Pemberton at 682-1399 or tpemberton@ymcabham.org. Or, contact the sports director at your neighborhood branch.

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 7

HOW TO

Be A (Tennis) Player

Antonia Nugent says the key to good tennis: “focus.”

Why is a tennis game a noisy game? Because each player raises a racquet. Actually, you don’t have to possess tennis lungs like Monica Seles to be a tennis player. Tennis is a sport that everyone can enjoy whether you have a fierce competitive spirit or just like the social nature of the game. YMCA Tennis Assistant Tennis Pro Antonia Nugent talks about how anyone can be a player – a tennis player, that is.

Be Breathing: “You don’t have to be in your prime in your 20s to play. You can play when you’re seven years old, when you’re 77 years old, or older. You can’t rule out the centenarian. What you need physically, you just need to show up. If you have a good coach, he is going to move you around. It’s a very social sport. You’ll do a lot of moving without realizing it. Next thing you know, you’re sweating a lot. If you’re a social, outgoing person, get involved in tennis. The fitness will come to you if you’re active in it.”

Be Patient: “Patience is incredibly important, but some people get it straight away. It’s more of a feel thing. As soon as you

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feel it, you see the results, you feel the shot. It feels good to hit the ball. The bad ones, you can tell even if you don’t look at where the ball goes, you can just feel it. But as soon as you get that confidence you start seeing the ball where you want it to go and you start swinging your racquet and the ball gets a bit faster. The learning curve is massive. You go from beginner to rallying back and forth pretty quickly.

Be Focused: “You just have to focus on your court and not look around. Everyone else has gone through the same thing. Even if they’re an advanced player they’re still thinking ‘I want to be better,’ so everyone is focused on his/her own game. Tennis is like that. It’s individualized, so it shouldn’t be intimidating. Just focus on your own game, focus on the ball, and don’t let outside distractions get in your head. Play your own game. It’s about you not about what they think, and they’re not thinking about what you’re doing, so don’t worry, just get out there and play.”

HOW TO

Have Your Name Live Forever You see the cranes lifting steel beams, construction crews sawing and hammering away, and giant back hoes digging new swimming pools out of the ground. Times are changing and the YMCA of Birmingham is moving ahead with new building projects at Alabaster and Shades Valley. Of course, none of this would be possible without community support. Corporations and individuals have opened their wallets and pocketbooks to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Want to get into the act? Lane Vines, Executive Director at YMCA Alabaster talks about how you can help the YMCA continue its missions and have your name live for generations to come. Tools You’ll Need

Be As Generous As You Can: “With any fund raising what we’re trying to do is build a foundation of money and to go towards the larger gifts and support first. But how do individuals in the community get involved in supporting the project who aren’t able to afford the larger naming gifts? We created our brick campaign to allow individuals to contribute. We wanted to make it affordable so we started at $500 and worked up from there. Also, we will allow you to spread it over two or three years, so you can make a small monthly donation or pay once annually.

Be Knowledgeable: “I think this campaign helps people have an understanding that the YMCA is more than just a building. The Y represents people and has always operated outside of its four walls. It establishes community support. We’ve even had other organizations want to buy a brick to show their support for the YMCA. I think it begs the question ‘who owns the Y?’ We do, you do, the community does. It hammers home the fact that the community is what made the facility possible.”

Be Creative: “The brick campaign allows people to memorialize or pay tribute to an individual or to show support on behalf of an entire family. I’ve encouraged people to have fun with it. ‘Bubba Was Here.’

Who to Contact: For the Alabaster campaign, contact Lane Vines at 664-9622 or lvines@ymcabham.org. For Shades Valley, contact Cham Norman at 870-9622 or cnorman@ymcabham.org. September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 9

HOW TO

Anthony Sparks (the grown-up) with four young friends from the Youth Center.

Be A Youth Mentor Kids need role models, but a good role doesn’t have be an athlete or movie stars. The YMCA Youth Center is looking for successful young professionals willing and able to take time to mentor the center’s primarily African-American youth. Anthony Sparks, Executive Director of the Youth Center, talks about the people and tools needed to make a positive impact on the city’s young people.

Tools You’ll Need

Be Relatable “The worst thing I think you can do is be a mentor to a teenager and not be relatable or relevant. It’s kind of tough to really reach a kid in 2012 with slang or terminology from 1992. Relevancy is the key. Once they see that you watch what they watch and listen to the same radio stations they listen to, but are wearing a nice suit or a dress, they realize it’s okay to wear my pants up or to talk like I have some sense. They’re doing it. It gives them a different look and kids don’t have to feel like they have to be just one way. If I listen to rap or watch this on TV and I can still be cool, but at the same time clean-cut and positive.

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Your Time: “Everybody likes to give money, but sometimes money just gets lost in the shuffle in the eyes of children. What kids need more than money is the time. They need to know that there are people in the community willing to take the time to invest in them. For kids to see a difference, they need to see people coming out and getting dirty with them. When a young professional comes out in their suit or their business attire, loosen up the their and sit down with them for a round table discussion, that means a lot to these kids.”

Be a Good Listener: “As a mentor you really have to come in non-judgmental and be expecting to hear anything. It’s up to you as that mature adult to allow them to talk, but at the same time steering the conversation back to a positive direction and use it as a springboard to let them know why it’s important to make good choices.” Who to Contact Anthony Sparks at 234-1463 or asparks@ymcabham.org.

HOW TO

Benefit From Yoga More than just breathing and relaxing, yoga is a total body regimen that promotes strength and flexibility. And, while it may seem strange and intimidating to the uninitiated, yoga can benefit anyone. YMCA Downtown yoga instructor Kelly Kitchens talks about how you can make the most out of participating in yoga.

Be Prepared To Sweat: “I like to get the energy level up and for my participants to sweat. In Vinyassa, if you’re flowing and getting up and down and working your upper and lower body, you’re going to work up a sweat. Yoga, to me, is physical and a strengthening discipline, but it’s also an emotional and mental practice, too. It teaches you how to breathe which helps you reduce stress, it shows you how to stretch certain areas of your body which helps reduce physical stress and injury. But if you practice yoga correctly, even just a static pose like a warrior can be intense, because you’re working so many muscles.” Be Open: “One thing that is great about teaching yoga here, is we have a lot of different styles of instruction. Because in the YMCA we get so many levels of physical and mental aptitude, we teach all different levels. With everything that I teach there is a level for anybody. What I think is important to understand is your level is secondary. The first part is understanding how to do it correctly and when you do that, then you’re going to feel the benefits and you’re not going to injure yourself. Then, if you just push yourself past your comfort zone then it’ll just get better from there.” Be Anonymous – if you want to: “What I like about being in a room like this is you can almost hide in the darkness. In other classes and settings, if we’re honest with ourselves, there is a little bit of competition going on. In yoga, it is an individual practice. What somebody else does should never affect what you do. If you’re concentrating on what you’re doing, if someone else falls out of a balance pose, you won’t know that because you’re concentrating on your body. When you come in here and the lights are low you feel a little less self-conscious.”

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 11

London Bound

YMCA Member Works With U.S. Paralympians at Lakeshore On Thursday, August 23, YMCA Mountain Brook member Kris Gretius boarded an airplane headed to London, a little town across the pond which she’ll call home for a month. An athletic trainer with the Lakeshore Foundation, a non-profit promoting independence for people with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions and a U.S. Paralympic training site, Gretius’s job is to ensure the elite athletes in her charge remain injury free, help them recover from injury, and ensure they’re ready and able to perform at their highest level during the 2012 Paralympic Games. Primarily working with the young ladies on the U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team – two-time gold medalists – Gretius also covers the athletes on the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team and the Men’s and Women’s Goalball team. Gretius, who moved to Birmingham four years ago from Colorado Springs, says working with some of the world’s greatest Paralympic athletes is rewarding but, at the same time, exhausting. That’s why when she wants to get in a workout and focus on her own health and wellness she looks to her home away from home at YMCA Mountain Brook. “I’ve always had great experiences at 12 | www.ymcabham.org

the YMCA. It’s my release,” Gretuis said. “I can work out at the Lakeshore Foundation, we have an amazing facility here, but I live here for 10 hours a day sometimes. The Y has provided that opportunity to get away from work and have that social outlet. That’s how I got connected with the YMCA.” Gretius typically works out in the mornings, as much as six days a week, primarily participating in the Cross Fit programs at her neighborhood branch. She is a part of a close-knit group that comes together for fitness and friendship, however, her motivation for keeping in shape revolves around the athletes she works with at Lakeshore. “I just feel that, in my profession working with elite athletes, it looks pretty bad if I’m not in shape and unable to keep up with them,” Gretius said. “I’ve always been a very active person and so I think it just helps all around because my athletes see that I push myself on a daily basis to stay healthy and they do the same thing. I understand what they’re doing to their bodies and what they’re going through.”

During her four years in Birmingham, Gretius is one of just a few people to have a significant touch with both the YMCA and Lakeshore, two of the foremost organizations leading the way for a healthier city. Her perspective is a unique one. First, through working with highly trained athletes with disabilities, Gretius looks at what a person’s capabilities are rather than focusing on any perceived inabilities. However, she also helps many people with chronic conditions, diabetes for instance, and sees first-hand how the city’s unhealthy lifestyles can affect individuals. She’s says organizations like the YMCA and Lakeshore have an opportunity and responsibility to lead the way toward a healthier future. “Some of it is genetic, sure, but a lot of it is lifestyle and I think a lot of it can be prevented. Some of it needs to come from families, but a lot of it needs to come from the community,” she said. “I think the more we as a community can step in through the YMCA and at Lakeshore, the better chance we have to make a difference. I think it comes down to personal choice. I think people have to decide for themselves they want to get better and they want to live a healthier lifestyle.”

‘‘

I think the more we as a community can step in through the YMCA and at Lakeshore, the better chance we have to make a difference.

‘‘ September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 13

circuit

connecting you to the birmingham YMCA branch by branch

September-October 2012

TENNIS Mountain Brook YMCA CONTACT Bob Cianchetti 870-3930 ymcabham.org/mbtennis

Adult Leagues Women’s Fall Softcourt Leagues: begin September 4, Monday-Friday mornings Women’s Fall USTA Leagues: begin in September. Ages 40-55, 55-over, 65-over, and flex league. Men’s Interclub League: begin in September. Team play includes the B (4.0 USTA) level and C (3.5/3.0 USTA) level. B Level matches are held on Monday nights. C level matches fall on Thursday nights. Men’s Fall USTA Leagues: begin in September. Ages 18-40, 40-55, 55-over, 65-over, and flex league. USTA Fall Mixed Doubles: begin in September. Mixed doubles league play will be held for ages 18-0ver, 40-over, and 55-over.

Adult Clinics Advanced Women’s Clinic – Mondays 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Must be 4.5 – up Softcourt or 3.5 – up USTA. Women’s Beginner & 2.5 – Plays Tuesday nights 6:30–7:30. Ladies 2.5 & up – Mondays 10–11 a.m.. Women’s 3.0 & up – Sundays 3–4 p.m. AND Wednesdays 10–11a.m. Women’s clinic is open to any player with a 3.0 or higher USTA rating. Men’s Clinic – Tuesdays 6–7 p.m. Men’s clinic is open to any player with a 2.5 or higher USTA rating. All Adult clinics are held on a drop-in basis. Cost for 1 hour clinic is $10 per person; 1.5 hour clinic is $15 per person.

Junior Clinics Quickstart 6 & under: Quickstart 8 & under: Quickstart 10 & under: Performance 101: Performance Tournament:

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4:30–5:30 p.m. Monday 3:30–4:30 p.m. Monday & Wednesday 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 4:30–5:30 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 4:30–6 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Circuit has always been about connecting you to the programs that are for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We hope that connection is even easier now. By connecting you directly to the areas on our website — ymcabham.org —you can find all the details, all the dates, times, and branches for those programs, along with direct links to online registration. Look for ymcabham.org/ … and then the name of the program. Type it into your browser, and you’re there!

YOUTH SPORTS

ALABASTER, GREYSTONE, PELHAM YMCAs

YMCA Alabaster (Family Branch)

CONTACTS

Alabaster Greystone Pelham

Directory

FOR HEALTHY LIVING

YMCA Mountain Brook 2401 20th Place South Birmingham, AL 35223

Mountain Brook YMCA

September 19 Health & Vendor Fair 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Trinity Hospital will be offering FREE medical screenings. Also: local vendors, program demonstrations, and a YMCA raffle. Contact Lisa Hart at 870-0144 or lhart@ymcabham.org

Hoover YMCA

Michelle Oliver Membership Director

Kristie Nix

YMCA Northeast

ymcabham.org/NORTHEAST Executive Director

Terri A. Harvill

Nutritional Coaching By appointment

YMCA Pelham

Work with an experience Registered Dietician, Kristin McManus, to learn how to modify your eating habits and achieve your goals. Cost $165 (5 sessions), $290 (10 sessions), $420 (15 sessions) Contact Kelly Kidd, kkidd@ymcabham.org

Executive Director

205.833.7616

August 26 | 4:30 p.m. FREE For members and guests. RSVP to Kristin McManus, kmcmanus@ymcabham.org

ymcabham.org/MOUNTAINBROOK

628 Red Lane Road Birmingham, AL 35216

Adult Nutrition Class

256.870.0144

2610 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

205.664.9622 ymcabham.org/PELHAM Executive Director

Lane Vines Membership Director

Leslie Lazaro

Massage | By Appointment

YMCA Shades Valley

Massage therapy available to reduce stress, work through sore muscles and relieve tension.

3551 Montgomery Highway Birmingham, AL 35209

205.870.9622

Cost $65 per hour YMCA Members, $35 per half hour YMCA Members | $75 per hour, Non-Members, $45 per half hour Non-Members Contact: Kelly Kidd, Kkidd@ymcabham.org

ymcabham.org/SHADESVALLEY Executive Director

Cham Norman Membership Director

Dawn Pilleteri

YMCA Trussville 5920 Valley Road Trussville, AL 35173

Greystone YMCA

256.655.2224

Fall Family Fitness Challenge

ymcabham.org/TRUSSVILLE

September 10 | 10 week program Families gain knowledge about how to lead healthier lives, connecting with each other through a variety of fitness options and fun learning activities. Cost $150 Contact Mary Rosser at 999-4067 or mrosser@ymcabham.org.

Executive Director

Jerry Wang Membership Director

Wendy Newland

YMCA Vestavia 2086 Columbiana Road Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

205.823.0144 ymcabham.org/VESTAVIA Executive Director

Buddy Board

Susan Becker

Located in the hallway across from the ladies locker room. Complete a card posted on the Buddy Board and find a buddy to help you stay motivated and add some fun back into your exercise. Contact Megan Marquet, mmarquet@ymcabham.org.

Membership Director

Clay Coleman

ymcabham.org

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 17

circuit Vestavia YMCA

Nutrition Training Meet one-on-one with our experienced Nutrition Coach and walk away with a personalized diet, behavior modification tips, and healthy shopping lists. Cost $33 per session.

TEEN Strength, ages 13+: focuses on building strength, learning proper lifting techniques, muscle group rotation and stretching. Ages 14+ can use the fitness floor without the evaluation. Adult/Child Team, ages 8-10: focuses on body weight exercises, light free weights and cardio. Parent/guardian and child must complete all the classes together. SLAQ, 9yrs+: Class focusing on developing speed, lateral movement, agility and quickness.

Vestavia YMCA Karate; Mondays 5:15-6 p.m., Kids Fit Club, and Zumba Birthday Parties

Kids Fitness Children may participate in group exercise classes at 12 years old with a parent in the class; 14 without a parent present. Go online to ymcabham.org/groupx for information on fitness classes for kids.

Mountain Brook YMCA FitKids

Ages 10-14 | 4 45-minute sessions | Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Upon completion of the FitKids strength and conditioning program, participants will receive a name tag that allows them to work out on cardiovascular and Cybex/Hoist weight machines as long as a parent is on the premises. Contact Steve Mulvehill at 870-0144. Requires 24 hours advanced notice. Cost $50 YMCA Members | $75 Non-Members

Hoover YMCA

FITNESS Upcoming Instructor Training Workshops and continuing education courses hosted by the Birmingham YMCA.

AFAA APEX - September 14–16 COURSE OFFERINGS: AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification (Must attend all 3 days) AFAA Primary Group Exercise Instructor Certification AFAA CYCLING – CEC Workshop AFAA NEW FUZECRAZE – CEC Workshop Register at: www.afaa.com

Youth Small Groups Kids Fit Club, ages 11-13: focuses on proper form and technique when using Spinning Orientation and Workshops – September 8– 9 the fitness equipment, stretching and healthy eating habits. Register at: www.spinning.com 18 | www.ymcabham.org

Directory YMCA Western Area

Mountain Brook YMCA Contact Lisa Hart

445-2823, 870-0144

1195 Bessemer Road Birmingham, AL 35228

lhart@ymcabham.org

Fuel + Fitness Set a Course for Fitness with a 90/80 fitness session COST $80 per 90-Minute Session

205.923.1195 ymcabham.org/WESTERNAREA Executive Director

Terri A. Harvill

YMCA Youth Center

Personal Training, TRX, YCross, Boxing, Sports 1 hour One-on-One $54 (per session) for 1-9 sessions

2400 7th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203

$490 for 10 sessions; $705 for 15 sessions 30 minute One-on-One $33 (per session) for 1-9 sessions $290 for 10 sessions; $420 for 15 sessions Buddy $70 (per session) for 1-9 sessions $650 for 10 sessions; $915 for 15 sessions Group Training Kinesis $25 per person (3 person minimum) COST $60 YMCA Members one-on-one 1 hour session $750 Non-members for a program including 10 one-on-one sessions.

ymcabham.org/YOUTHCENTER

Group Training/Fit Camp/Boot Camp

205.324.1643 Program Executive

Anthony Sparks

ymcabham.org

Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 5:30 a.m., Noon and Saturday 8:30 a.m. Contact front desk a day in advance to reserve your spot at 870-0144. COST $20 YMCA Members per group session. Participants should purchase 10-12 oz. gloves.

Group Boxing

Monday & Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. & Friday 7 a.m. Space limited to 6. One-on-one training may be arranged as well. 24-Hour notice required. COST $25 YMCA Members per group session

YCross

24 hour notice required. COST $40 YMCA Members

Friday Boot Camp

Friday, 8:45 a.m. 24 hour notice required. COST $25 YMCA Members

TRX

Certified TRX trainer, Steve Young leads this creative, suspension training class or one-on-one training. 24 hour notice required. COST $20 YMCA Members per group session

Kinesis

One Hour Kinesis Every Saturday for 1 hour. Maximum: 6 participants COST $20 YMCA Members Kinesis Express Tuesday & Thursday | 11:30 a.m. | 30-Minute Session Maximum: 6 participants COST $10 YMCA Members Kinesis for Golf 1 one hour session per week for 8 weeks Friday 4 p.m. or Saturday 11:30 a.m. Maximum: 6 participants COST $160 YMCA Members

Piloxing combines a cardio workout that includes Pilates and boxing, while incorporating toning and strengthening the body. Contact Mary Casciaro, mcasciaro@ymcabham.org

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 19

circuit

Hoover YMCA CONTACT Kelly Kidd

682-1399

Vestavia YMCA ymcabham.org/hoover

Get Loose, FREE stretching! Stretching increases blood flow, restores muscle length and relaxes the mind and body. Five-minute stretching available on a first come, first serve basis at the fitness desk. Only same day appointments accepted. Must be present to make appointment; no phone reservations. Members only.

Personal Training | By appointment Cost Ranges from $34 per session to $54 per session. Discounted package prices available online.

Small group training | Year Round Cost $150 for 10 sessions

ADULT small Groups Women’s Total Body: Class focusing on developing long and lean muscle, burning calories and strengthening the stomach and low back muscles.

Mind/Body Room Check out the NEW Mind/Body room. Check schedule for new classes such as Dynamic Flow Yoga and Gentle Flow Yoga.

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CONTACT India Gold

823-0144

ymcabham.org/Vestavia

A new group exercise schedule starts Sept 1. See ymcabham.org/vegroupex for the latest updates. YCross Kids (ages 7 & up). 30-minute class incorporating light weights, ropes and other small equipment.

Cycle and a Movie!

“The Addam’s Family” | Sunday, October 28, 3 p.m. | Ages 13+

Personal Training Build confidence in the weight room with a certified personal trainer. • Solo or with a Buddy • Small Group Training (Women Walk and Weights Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Friday at 10 a.m.

Fitness Orientation Adult FitClub

Greystone YMCA Check out the fall schedule at www.ymcabham.org/gsgroupex.

Total Toning incorporates use of one’s own body weight, a double band, a bender ball, and a Pilates ring to tone every muscle in your body with small, controlled movements that hit those “hard to reach” areas. The focus will be strengthening the body without “bulking up!” Exercises vary from standing, sitting, and on your side. Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Fridays at 9:15 a.m. YCROSS on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Take your traditional boot camp to a new level with YCross and YCross CORE; which incorporates many exercises in “plank” position, combined with strength, endurance, power and flexibility – all in one great class! Attention Runners! Mary Rosser is working with a group of beginner to intermediate runners to prepare for a half marathon this November. Monday at 8:30 a.m. is a strength training session designed for runners and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. is a cross training session that includes group runs, recovery techniques, flexibility and strength training. Purchase a $150 Punch Card for 10 sessions and Mary will help you stay motivated to finish the race strong! Contact Mary Rosser at 999-4067.

Pelham YMCA

CONTACT Suzanna Weimer

664-9622

ymcabham.org/pelham

Octane Fitness Try our new Octane Fitness equipment in the cardio fitness center: standing elliptical, seated elliptical with moving handles and seated elliptical without moving handles.

Fit for Fashion From August 28-October 4, work hard to get back into your favorite jeans. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. a certified personal trainer will use your body weight, tubes, dumbbells, weights, kettle bells, jump ropes and any means possible to get you looking good and fit for your favorite fashion. Cost (12 sessions) $180 YMCA Members I $200 Non-Members

How fit are you … really? Personal trainer Grayson Hughes will take you through a total-body fitness assessment, and then design an individual workout program and provide nutritional advice. 3 personal training sessions. Contact Suzanna Weimer at 664-9622.

Yoga now on Sundays at 4 p.m. New Y-Cross class Thursday nights at 5:45 p.m. Family Boot Camp September 11 -October 11 for parents and their children ages 8-12 on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost (per family) $150 YMCA Members $200 Non-Members Spend quality time exercising with your child. Activities include family bonding and relationship building, fun competition, proper strength training and technique with free weights, full body workouts, outdoor workouts, obstacles and agility.

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 21

circuit Street Survival Self Defense Class

Get your Body Back … baby

Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. September 3-October 3. Cost $150 YMCA Members I $200 Non-Members. Robert House, an ex-deputy sheriff, will teach you the same self-defense techniques used in law enforcement.

Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-10 a.m., October 1-31. Get your pre-baby body back! A certified personal trainer to help strengthen your abdominals and core, burn calories to shape your body, lose inches, improve your energy and endurance, strengthen low back, tighten up and build self-confidence. Cost $150 YMCA Members I $200 Non-Members.

CHILDCARE Hoover YMCA

CONTACT Kara Werner 682-1399 ymcabham.org/hvchildcare

Parents Night Out Kids enjoy a pizza dinner, movies, Soft Play time and active games. Ages 1-12. Cost $15 first child I $10 for each additional child. Register at the front desk.

Soft Play Parties Two-hour time slots available between 1 – 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Cost $125 for up to 20 kids I $150 for up to 30 kids.

After School Care Pick up for Gwin Elementary, Deer Valley Elementary, South Shades Crest Elementary and Brock’s Gap Intermediate. Homework help, healthy snacks, active games, sports, devotion and crafts. Register online at ymcabham.org/hvafterschoolcare.

Vestavia YMCA

CONTACT Matt Robinson at 823-0144 or go online at ymcabham.org/vechildcare

Drop N Go Ages 6 weeks – 7 years 8 a.m. - Noon and 3:30 – 6 p.m. Two hour limit Cost YMCA Members Only $10 first child I $8 second child

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‘‘

Val and Arthur Gunn

‘‘

MyMission:

I enjoy coming out here.

YMCA Northeast Members

Val Gunn: “You see so many people and the people who work here are so friendly and helpful. I enjoy coming out here because of all the smiling faces and the way they treat you out here.”

Arthur Gunn: “I’m trying to lose some weight and stay in shape at 70 years old. I’ve got diabetes and high blood pressure so I’m trying to work on that. It’s going good. Those numbers are going down, down, down.” “We get on the treadmill and all of the machines in here. I had back surgery 10 years ago and I’m still working on trying to build my muscles around where I was cut. Since I’ve been doing this and have built up my muscles, my back doesn’t bother me as much. So now I’m working on this arthritis in these knees.”

September-October 2012 | YLife Birmingham | 23

HEALTHY LIVING CHALLENGE

Coming in October

Fun. Easy. Results. Take the challenge. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been proven over and over that people who stick with the challenge are twice as likely to achieve results; to meet their healthy living goals! ymcabham.org/mobilefit

Mission To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Vision We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America.