Five Things To Know Today

Y Life: I Don’t Know How My Teammates Put Up With Me

A huge thank you to my three Y Life teammates.

One of the reasons why I was pumped to start Y Life at the West Bay Family YMCA was the twice a week personal training sessions because, well, I have never done a personal training session. Ever. My personal training and creating a workout routine prior to Y Life basically revolved around me finding stuff on Pinterest. Also, I had never done a group exercise or class before. I did yoga once and ended up laughing during the class when my instructor told me to “feel my body sink into the earth” while doing downward mountain warrior dog of serenity. (Or whatever pose that was called.) My first personal training session, I got to meet my teammates – Lee Ann, Angela and Maureen. I quickly warned everyone, and our trainer Jackie, that I had no …

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Y Life: Chapter One

I'm starting out the Y Life Challlenge at the West Bay Y.

I’m trying something a bit new this year, thanks to the folks at the West Bay Family YMCA. A few weeks ago, I was approached by Jackie Emrich, health and wellness director at the Y, who asked if I would be interested in participating in the Y Life Challenge. For those unfamiliar with the program, it’s a 12-week challenge where you meet with Y trainers twice a week with your own “team.” Within your group, you motivate your team members, learn healthier lifestyle choices from your coaches and work on a better you. I could tell you that I’m doing this because I believe in the Y Life mantra. That I’m doing this because Jackie really sold me on the program. That I’m a huge proponent of helping my hometown improve health and wellness. That I …

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NK Resident Named President of Greater Providence YMCA

North Kingstown resident Jim Berson has been named president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence.

The YMCA of Greater Providence has a new man taking the reins. Jim Berson of North Kingstown was named president and CEO of one of the state's largest nonprofit organization Thursday. Berson will be the 21st CEO to lead the organization since its founding in 1853. I am honored and humbled to step into this role with the YMCA, an organization known for the tremendous impact it has on the children and families in our area," said Berson. "I look forward to working with our volunteers and staff to address the critical needs of our communities." Berson was selected after the YMCA's Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive, volunteer-led national search. His past credentials include executive leadership roles at Meeting Street and The …

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From The Editor's Desk

Running the NK5K? Do It With Patch!

I'm running the NK5K this year for the first time ever. Join me for my training with the YMCA and blog about it!

I made two New Year’s resolutions this year. The first was to stop buying Nutella every time it went on sale at Dave’s Marketplace. Since I already broke that resolution, I have to uphold the second – to run the NK5K. And I mean actually run it – not do my goofy hybrid of a skip/jog and hop it on Jitters when I got tired or bored. For the hundreds who run this race every year, it seems like a piece of cake. Not for this editor. I go to the gym regularly, but pretty much exclusively use the arc trainer and bike for my cardio needs. (I have bad knees, so I view the treadmill and all running in general as a demon harbinger of pain.) Aside from the gym, my exercise regimen consists of retail therapy and unloading the dishwasher. When I say I’m…

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Off the Couch & to the NK5K

Afraid to run in your first 5K?

To the couch potatoes of North Kingstown who believe there is no way they could ever muster the stamina, energy and sheer willpower to run in the NK5K: we have a challenge for you. The West Bay Family YMCA is hosting a training program to help runners prepare for this year’s NK5K, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8. Whether you’re a marathon runner or Law & Order marathon watcher, this eight-week program promises to get you tuned up and ready to run in this year’s race. “Couch to NK5K” runs every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m., starting July 21 and culminating on Sept. 8 – race day. The fee is $56 and is open to all (i.e. you don’t have to have a Y membership to sign up). The fee does not include registration for the race. (Check here for…

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