Staying Active Together!

YMCA FAMILY FITNESS SUMMER: STAYING ACTIVE TOGETHER

Spending quality time together as a family is important for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories. When fitness is incorporated into family time, it not only promotes physical health but also strengthens family bonds and creates a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Family fitness activities can include going for a bike ride, playing a game of basketball, taking a hike, or even doing a family workout at home. Regardless of the activity, making time for fitness as a family can make a positive difference in both physical and emotional well-being.

As a family, it can be challenging to find time to exercise and stay active together, especially working around all the summer activity schedules and vacation. It's essential to prioritize your health and well-being as a family. Staying active as a family is important for promoting physical and mental health, strengthening family bonds, and instilling healthy habits.

Staying active as a family is important for several reasons:

Promotes Physical Health: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. Being active as a family can help ensure that everyone is getting the recommended amount of exercise. It can also reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
Promotes Mental Health: Physical activity has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve mood and self-esteem.
Family Bonding: Participating in physical activities together as a family can create a sense of unity and teamwork. It provides an opportunity to spend quality time together and strengthen family bonds.
Instills Healthy Habits: Encouraging physical activity from a young age can help children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. It can also promote a positive attitude towards exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Fun and Enjoyable: Physical activity can be fun and enjoyable, especially when done as a family. It provides an opportunity to try new activities and explore the outdoors.

Here are some YMCA family fitness tips that can help you get started:

1. Set Goals Together: Setting fitness goals as a family is a great way to build motivation and accountability. Choose a goal that everyone can work towards, such as running a 5K or completing a certain number of push-ups or squats. Plan out meals and let everyone choose their favorite meal and then find ways to make it healthier. [See recipe below]

2. Make it Fun: Family fitness doesn't have to be a chore. Find ways to make it fun by incorporating activities that everyone enjoys. For example, you could go for a family bike ride, play a game of basketball, or have a dance party in your living room.

3. Get Outside: Spending time outdoors is not only great for your physical health, but it's also beneficial for your mental health. Take advantage of local parks and trails and plan family hikes or nature walks.

4. Incorporate Strength Training: Strength training is an essential component of any fitness routine. Find ways to incorporate strength training exercises into your family workouts, such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks.

5. Make it a Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to family fitness. Set a regular time and day for your family workouts and make it a priority to stick to your schedule.

6. Celebrate Your Success: When you reach your family fitness goals, take time to celebrate your success together. Whether it's going out for a healthy meal or having a family game night, celebrate your accomplishments as a family.

Family fitness is a great way to prioritize your health and well-being together. By setting goals, making it fun, getting outside, incorporating strength training, making it a routine, and celebrating your success, you can achieve your fitness goals as a family.

Lindy Pfingsten, Senior Executive Director

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers Recipe

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 bell peppers (red and green), cut into chunks
1 large red onion, cut into chunks
2 zucchinis, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into chunks and place in a large bowl.

2. Add bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini to the bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour marinade over chicken and vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

5. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.

6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

7. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, and vegetables are tender.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

This recipe is a great way to get plenty of protein and vegetables in one meal. It's also perfect for a summer barbecue or outdoor meal with the family.

Locations: Armbrust YMCA Butler-Gast YMCA Charles E Lakin YMCA Twin Rivers YMCA YMCA Healthy Living Center Southwest YMCA Sarpy YMCA Mills County YMCA Maple Street YMCA Downtown YMCA Westview YMCA Buena Vista YMCA Express Gretna Crossing YMCA

Category: Health & Wellness

With a distinguished 26-year career at the YMCA, Lindy Pfingsten has consistently exemplified unwavering dedication to promoting the mind, body, spirit and strengthening the community. Her remarkable journey began as a passionate group fitness instructor in 1996 and had since seen her assume various roles, including personal trainer, fitness assistant, and nutrition specialist. This breadth of experience showcases her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of wellness.

Currently serving as the respected Senior Executive Director for the Maple Street YMCA and Butler Gast YMCA, Lindy's exceptional guidance and resolute commitment to community development shine through. In this servant leader position, she spearheads initiatives that drive positive change and create transformative experiences for individuals and families within the YMCA community.

At the heart of Lindy's values and priorities lies family. Over the past 24 wonderful years, she has shared a joyful and fulfilling marriage with Aaron, a compassionate middle and high school principal. Together, they have cultivated a nurturing and supportive environment for their three daughters, aged 22, 20, and 11. Lindy and Aaron's shared focus on family serves as a strong foundation for their lives, inspiring them to extend their support and care to the wider community.

Recognizing that strong families are the cornerstone of community development, Lindy and Aaron actively advocate for building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging within families and neighborhoods. They wholeheartedly engage with the community, driving initiatives that promote family well-being, youth development, and overall community cohesion.

Beyond their professional commitments, Lindy and Aaron cherish quality time spent with their daughters. They understand the profound significance of creating lasting memories and shared experiences that contribute to their family's growth and happiness.

She believes fitness is not just about staying physically active together; it's about creating lifelong bonds and cherished memories while prioritizing our health and well-being as a family unit. When we prioritize family fitness, we not only set a positive example for our children but also foster a sense of togetherness and support that extends beyond the gym. It's about strengthening our bodies, minds, and relationships all at once.

Lindy Pfingsten's remarkable journey within the YMCA, her role as a Senior Executive Director, and her unwavering dedication to family and community exemplify her extraordinary support for helping others. Through her leadership, Lindy not only shapes the lives of YMCA members but also inspires others to prioritize family bonds and make a positive impact in their communities.

Our Family Motto: “Families that move together, thrive together!”