Welcome to the
The Michiana Family YMCA strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
ABILITY TAKES YOU THERE, CHARACTER KEEPS YOU THERE
12 September 2011
Take it from us—anyone can benefit from staying active.
The story of Jim Milliken, Vietnam War veteran, former accountant and lifelong athlete, inspires us here at the Michiana Family YMCA. Not only is Jim a “regular swimmer” at the Y, but he shoots baskets here too. He challenges his grandkids to get outside at least as much as they get on the Wii
“Balance,” this quiet, thoughtful man said recently, “that’s the right word.”
And Jim does all that from his wheelchair.
Though he ran track and played high school baseball, Jim never swam competitively before losing his legs in 1968.Like most boys of his generation, he played sports more than competing in them. It was and remains a great way to have fun.
No matter how old you are, no matter what your ability, there is no denying that having fun is important to all people. It is not merely for the sake of play or joy but it really refreshes the spirit, mind and body at every age and stage.
At the Y, we offer classes and programs for those dealing with chronic disease, physical disability, joint and injury rehabilitation, stress and pregnancy, in addition to health assessments and wellness coaching. Providing access to physical fitness and wellness opportunities for persons with of all abilities is our goal.
Every athlete needs a coach, parent, or supportive friend to help set achievable goals. The plan is unique to the athlete and should include these basic exercise principles:
- Exercise frequency – how often do you practice or workout? Are there any health risks associated with too little or too much practice?
- Exercise duration – how long are you able to engage in a workout or competition?
- Exercise specificity – When we exercise, we challenge various physiological systems with the purpose of making them more efficient (thus we more fit). Well-developed exercise programs may include elements that focus on speed, strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic and anaerobic energy production. Adapt or modify your activities to build fitness in areas that may be under-developed.
- Exercise intensity – How hard should you work? There is not an easy – or quick – question to answer; but the answer will be unique to your skills, motivation, and challenges. Some people may be capable of a sustained level of intense exercise (high heart rate, etc.), while others may require a low-level, gentle exercise stimulus in respect of their needs.
- Exercise progression – As you improves your fitness and achieves your goals, you will almost certainly need to adjust your goals so as to maintain the degree of challenge.
Physical fun activities not only keep you fresh but also help you to be more healthy and fit and strengthen your muscles.
