Innovative Buena Vista YMCA Express Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting
The Buena Vista YMCA Express is a partnership with Omaha Public Schools and connected to its new Buena Vista High School
Omaha, Neb., Aug. 4, 2022 – The YMCA of Greater Omaha celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Buena Vista YMCA Express at 60th and L streets, which is in partnership with Omaha Public Schools and co-located with its new Buena Vista High School. This new branch is a technologically-enhanced, fitness-focused boutique location that offers personalized, goal-driven workout experiences for all levels of wellness seekers, age 14 and up.
“Over the past several years, the YMCA has had exceptional conversations with Omaha Public Schools about how we can work together in the community,” said Rebecca Deterding, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha. “While concepting what this unique opportunity could look like, we developed an idea for a workout experience centered on technology and improving fitness in a way that is right for a variety of bodies and abilities. Like many other aspects of the new Buena Vista High School, this facility is meant to be future-forward while also serving the community today.”
The Buena Vista YMCA Express branch was specifically built with innovation and workout efficiency in mind ‒ for example, it is the only YMCA location in the Omaha metro that has EGYM Smart Strength equipment, which gives users a comprehensive strength workout in 30 minutes or less with fast, effective, circuit-style training. This location also hosts the MX4 Training Program, which helps members build functional strength through weight-bearing exercises and high-intensity interval training. The inclusion of MX4 is especially advantageous as it offers a motivating exercise experience alongside other participants, creating a community work-out element.
In addition to these advanced systems, the Buena Vista YMCA Express will feature state-of-the-art cardio and traditional weightlifting equipment. All materials and technology are geared toward all fitness levels, making it innovative and accessible.
“The ability to conveniently use these fitness resources is a huge benefit for YMCA members who are part of the school faculty and student body,” said Brandon Brugger, executive director of the Buena Vista YMCA Express. “I’m excited for all students to take advantage of what we have available here, whether they’ve been involved in sports in the past or not.”
This co-location has broad appeal for several academic, wellness and community impact reasons. For example, having the facility on-campus opens up the potential for future after-school or school-related programs that could be an extension of the classroom. Additionally, this branch places the YMCA in a new community that is underserved by fitness options as the nearest community gym is about two miles away in any direction.
This is the second location the YMCA and Omaha Public Schools have partnered on ‒ the Westview YMCA opened its doors last month in coordination with the completion of the new Westview High School. Like the operation of the Westview YMCA and high school, YMCA patrons and students will not occupy spaces at the same time, but the facilities were built with efficiencies and community need in mind. Similarly, OneWorld Health has a clinic that is also attached to the Buena Vista campus. These partnerships recognize the synergies seen through cooperative models.
“None of this would have been possible without the great teamwork we’ve experienced with Omaha Public Schools and our multiyear sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska,” said Deterding. “Through all of these collaborations, the Buena Vista YMCA Express has the most modern fitness infrastructure we’ve ever put together. While we are excited to unveil it, we’re even more excited for the facility to be a new and positive tool for community fitness.”
The doors open at the Buena Vista YMCA Express on Monday, Aug. 8. Membership is valid at all YMCA of Greater Omaha locations and financial assistance is available. More information about this location can be found online.
About YMCA of Greater Omaha
The YMCA of Greater Omaha’s roots in the Omaha metropolitan area are woven into the fabric of the community. Founded in 1866 by a Union Pacific employee, the Y first began its impact on the Omaha area as a place to serve young Christian men working on the transcontinental railroad. Since then, the YMCA of Greater Omaha has grown to be a leader in providing first experiences to families, individuals and youth for over 150 years. With 12 locations in the Omaha area, spanning four counties in two states, the YMCA of Greater Omaha works to strengthen communities by offering programs and services in three focus areas: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
For media requests, please contact Jodi Cramer: jcramer@metroymca.org