YWCA Hamilton wants to thank the Millionaire’s Daughter for the generous support of our Encore Program – a uniquely tailored exercise program for breast cancer survivors. The Millionaire’s Daughter raised $900 for the program. We are so grateful to have them as a partner!!! Thank you to Maureen, Pat and the staff at the Millionaire’s Daughter for choosing YWCA as the beneficiary of this quarter’s auction.
A great job by YWCA fitness staff person, Sheri Selway! Way to go Sheri!!
Bike For Mike by Sheri Selway
Sunday May 5 was the 3rd annual “Bike For Mike” fundraiser. All money raised this year is going to buy bikes and equipment (helmets, reflectors) for children at Queen Mary School. The Bike for Mike fund is at the Hamilton Community Foundation. Its goal is to make Hamilton a more cycle-friendly city and put the money raised to purchasing bikes for children. Last year Mike’s Bikes provided 110 bikes, helmets, locks, and lights to children and their families. Thanks to all my supporters, I raised over $600!
It was a beautiful day for a ride. The 45 km ride left Bayfront Park around 9:30 am. I rode with the 20 km group which all ages could easily enjoy. A 5 km ride rode through the historic North End neighbourhood.
The 20 km cyclists followed the Waterfront Trail, continued up Longwood Road and connected to the new trail near the Chedoke Golf Course into West Hamilton. Then we were on road into Dundas where a water/snack station was set up. And a bike repair station, which unfortunately I needed! My chain had started acting up! Unfortunately it couldn’t be fixed. However Freewheel Cycle had just opened and they fixed it up and within a half hour I was on my way with a new part! Thank you Freewheel Cycle!
Back at Bayfront Park, riders were treated to water, fruit and hot pizza which we enjoyed while listening to music. I had such a good time I think I will ride 45 km next year!!!
Photo: Here I am with 2 supporters Sandra and Peggyanne, members of our neighbourhood association, North End Neighbours, who set up an information table.
Posted in around the Hamilton community, Uncategorized
Tagged Bike for Mike, cycling, freewheel cycle
Hello everyone: We are excited to announce that during the months of May & June we will be piloting a Pilates for Breast Cancer survivors class. Since it is a Pilot Project, we are offering it for these 2 months for FREE!
Anyone is welcome who has experienced breast cancer.
Here are the exciting details:
WHEN: Thursdays at 1:30pm – 2:15pm for May & June
WHERE: YWCA 75 Mac Nab St. S. Hamilton in the STUDIO (on the lower level)
INSTRUCTOR: Robin Mech – an incredible instructor with years of experience as a Pilates Instructor and now with additional training in Pilates for breast cancer survivors
HOW: You do not need to pre-register, just come today or whenever you can start!
If you would like any other details, please contact Robin Mech, Fitness Supervisor, YWCA Mac Nab St. 905-522-9922 ext 138 or Anne Marie Collingwood ywcaencore Coordinator, YWCA Hamilton 905-522-9922 press 8…ext.24
We hope you will take join us in this new exciting opportunity!
After having popped outside to grab an afternoon cup of tea, I thought “what a great day for a hike!” Unfortunately I had to head back in to the office, but that thought reminded me of the great link on the City of Hamilton website that lists all of the hiking trails in Hamilton. So, I thought I’d better share! Check it out:
(http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/PublicWorks/Parks/PublicTrails/trailslist.htm)
So, if you can this afternoon, choose one and start walking!!!
Enjoy
Deanna
Kim Agostino offers advice for those running the Around the Bay 30 k road race on March 24.
thanks to Wayne MacPhail and his handy iPod.
Our fearless leader Robin ran the Chilly Half-Marathon in Burlington today, along with thousands of others, on a fast, flat course along the lakeshore.
All smiles on her way to the starting line
Still smiling after 21 kilometres!
and here she is in action:
Posted in around the Hamilton community, racing, running, staff personal stories, YWCA Hamilton
Tagged challenges, fitness, running, YWCA Hamilton
Santa Clauses by the hundreds, of all ages, shapes, sizes and species, came out today for Hamilton’s first Santa-only 5k race. The race started at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, set off west past Pier 4 Park, did the loop at the Bayfront Park, then headed back east and finished at Williams Coffee Pub, where hot coffee and breakfast sandwiches were a welcome reward.
Proceeds, and a collection of non-perishable food, went to the Good Shepherd.
Here are some photos of the event:
posted by Barb
photo credit: Wayne MacPhail
(written by Carah, YWCA Hamilton Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer)
November is Osteoporosis Month in Canada.
This month we are shining the spotlight on this crippling disease. One in three women in Canada will suffer a bone fracture from osteoporosis in their life time as opposed to one in five men. Why are women more susceptible? In general, women have smaller bones than men to begin with, therefore when bone loss occurs we have less to lose before osteoporosis sets in. In addition, declining estrogen levels during menopause can cause bone loss at an alarming rate. (Estrogen helps bones absorb calcium) If a woman has not built a healthy bone mass throughout her life (healthy and active lifestyle) this rapid loss can lead to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a largely preventable condition. Here are a few strategies you can utilize to help combat and prevent osteoporosis.
Nutrition: When we think strong bones we think calcium, however calcium does not work alone to do it’s job, it has a team of nutrients that help it do its job (building strong bones) most effectively. The following nutrients are critical in the fight against osteoporosis and can be found in certain foods:
BORON: dried fruit, nuts, avocados
MAGNESIUM: pumpkin and sesame seeds, soybeans
SILICON: whole grains, dried fruits, seafood
VITAMIN D: fatty, fortified milk and milk alternatives
VITAMIN K: (K1) kale, spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, brussel sprouts, (K2) eggs, cheese, and certain fermented foods
CALCIUM: dairy, sesame seeds, almonds, leafy greens, canned fish, tofu
(Alive: Canada’s Natural Health & Wellness Magazine, Nov.2012)
Exercise: When muscles contract creating a pull on bones, this triggers the bone building cells to start working. Regular weight bearing aerobic activities like walking, hiking, step/aerobic classes or strength training exercises are most effective for building bone density.
Here at the YWCA Hamilton we have some great fitness programs to help prevent osteoporosis from occurring later in life, don’t wait get active!
We also have a great program called Bones Plus at our Ottawa street location which is targeted toward improving bone density for individuals who already have osteoporosis or osteopenia. For more information about this great program call 905-522-9922 press 8 and ask for Debbie Hannah.
In addition, the Osteoporosis Canada Hamilton/Burlington Chapter is located here at 75 MacNab Street South, Hamilton. This group offers a variety of different speakers and workshops regarding osteoporosis. Upcoming sessions include “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Your Bone Health” on November 21st, 2012 from 7-8:30pm at YWCA Active Living Centre (75 MacNab St. S)
For more information or to register please call 905.525.5398
The YWCA Hamilton offers a free fitness program for women! Click the link below for details!!
Mountain Equipment Co-op, purveyors of all things sporty and outdoorsy, have launched a road race series. The first in Burlington was held on Saturday Aug. 25, at LaSalle Park. The 5 and 10 k routes wound along Northshore Blvd., through beautiful tree-lined streets, and up and down a few challenging hills.
The field was small, but the competition was steep: Olympian Reid Coolsaet ran the 10k. He graciously posed for photos with other runners after the race, including our own Marlin, who also had an impressive 10 k time.
Besides being fun and challenging, these races have the added appeal of a low registration fee: only $15. I think I ate that much post-race watermelon!
MEC plans to continue their race series with a 5 and 10 k ‘Fall Classic’ on October 27. For more information and to sign up, go to http://tinyurl.com/ck8egzh
– Barb
