YMCA Of Greater Cleveland Launches Community Health Challenge

Press release from the YMCA of Greater Cleveland:

Oct. 16, 2020

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is launching a free, six-week community-wide healthy living program called the STRONG Challenge. Individuals and families can participate from anywhere in weekly programs and activities together with family, friends and community members.

The challenge will feature activities and interactive events with a different theme each week. YMCAs across the country will participate, so thousands of people will be taking the STRONG Challenge and connecting through a shared Facebook group.

“Everyone in the community is invited to participate wherever they are, taking free YMCA live Zoom online classes like Zumba, yoga and HIIT and engaging in health and wellness events,” said Linda McVey, Executive Director of Health Initiatives at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “More than just activity, our STRONG Challenge also helps people improve their sleep, handle their stress through play and even enhance their personal relationships.”

The challenge officially begins on Monday, October 19. Registration begins October 12 at www.ClevelandYMCA/STRONG.

“Many people in our community need a healthy pursuit to help them re-energize during this crisis,” said YMCA of Greater Cleveland President and CEO Timothy Hilk. “We’ve had to adjust to a new normal that has challenged us mentally and physically. We can’t move around as usual. We must stay distant from relatives and colleagues. We are attending school and working from home. We need a break. The STRONG Challenge is designed to reinvigorate all of us from children to seniors.”

Here are the STRONG CHALLENGE details:

• A free six-week challenge open to individuals of all ages and abilities and to families.
• Weekly themes:
  • Week 1 Goals
  • Week 2 Play
  • Week 3 Connect
  • Week 4 Rest
  • Week 5 Serve
  • Week 6 Balance
• Participants will receive three texts each week outlining that week’s challenges. Each week also includes a video to guide people along the way.
• There will be lots of outside opportunities to participate—including classes outdoors, live classes on Zoom and pop-up classes.

This press release was produced by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. The views expressed here are the author's own.