YMCA of the North Blog

If your typical workout clocks in under 60 minutes, try these tips

Focus on body fat for a healthier you

There’s no magic answer other than to do what works best for you

Working out with weights has some heavy benefits

An Overview of Issues and Barriers Contributing to the Rise of Youth Homelessness

How the Y Helps Homeless Youth Overcome Barriers and Thrive

While it’s quick to come to mind during the frigid winter or sweltering summer months, youth homelessness is a “24-7-365” issue that demands serious action. 

Tackling 3.1 miles can seem tough – don’t get discouraged

Beat the winter blahs with an outdoor run (and an excuse to get some new running stuff)

A good pal can boost your exercise success

Jump off the couch and join the fun

Get into the spirit of the games by trying one of the events yourself

Get "Red-Y" to be kind to your heart

Diane Schnell is a familiar face from the New Hope Y. As a staff member often seen at the front desk, she knew all about the great benefits the Y had to offer, but had never given personal training a shot.

Even though there’s snow on the ground, it’s time to start thinking summer—camp, that is!

Yoga has become ubiquitous in our culture – but does that mean you should do it?

Cultivate your green thumb year round.

Made in Minnesota: Food Facts

Garbanzo Bonanza

12 healthy ideas for the new year

SMART resolutions you can live by.

Winter Recipes are delicious and healthy when you cook with what’s season. Check out a few great recipes.

Ever wandered by a cycle studio at the gym, heard the pumping music and curiously peered through the window at the mass of sweating bodies pedaling furiously? Intimidated? Don’t be!

When many people think of healthy grocery shopping, they picture spending a fortune at a high-end market. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthy.

Packing lunch for yourself or your kids is a great way to save cash and maintain healthy eating habits away from home. But it’s more fun when you have a little inspiration.

Looking for a way to jump start fat loss and keep your workouts interesting? Try adding interval training to your routine.

Need last-minute gift ideas for the workout pro in your life? Or maybe something for a friend who’s just getting started on a healthier lifestyle. There’s something for everyone on this list of health-inspired holiday gifts.

A growing body of research points to the fact that time spent in contact with nature is good for everyone, but that it’s particularly vital to the healthy development of kids.

A growing body of research points to the fact that time spent in contact with nature is good for everyone, but that it’s particularly vital to the healthy development of kids.

The obesity and diabetes epidemics currently facing this nation threaten the future health of our communities and touch all demographics, regardless of age, race/ethnicity, or economic background.

Like most nonprofits, the YMCA depends on the generosity of people like you to help impact the communities we serve. Your donation stays in your community and ensures thousands of children and families in the Twin Cities can pursue health and wellbeing at

Our parents said breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Their parents told them the same thing.

Research shows the average American gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s – then spends the next several weeks trying to undo the damage.

It’s that time of year again – holiday decorations, cards and cookies, office parties and lights on the tree. And one more thing: Nonprofit donation appeals in your inbox.

The holiday season is a time to reflect on and give thanks for what we have, celebrate with the people we love, and give back to our community.

An Interview with Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character. Learn about why character strengths are critical to success and what camps offer kids as unique learning environments.

Benefits of Day Camp for both kids and families.

Shake up your routine and keep it interesting with interval workouts like this.

Dave Fredericks hated exercising until he walked through the doors of the Eagan Y in June. Plagued with high blood pressure and sleep apnea, he knew it was time to make a life change and live healthier not only for himself but his family as well.

Jo Taliaferro has been teamed up with Personal Trainer Kelly Fox at the Shoreview Y. They’ve been working together since January after completing a New Leaf Metabolic Assessment in December to jump start her weight loss efforts.

Armin “Whitey” Luehrs had a 41 ½ year career with the YMCA and was one of the most highly recognized camping specialists from 1948 - 1990. Within the camping movement of his time, he was considered legendary by his peers.

A great lunch isn’t just inspiring, it’s energizing. Try these.

This course is for children between the ages of 11 and 14 and teaches them the skills necessary to become Safe Sitters.

Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,” makes the case that “never before in history have children been so plugged in—and so out of touch with the natural world,” a condition destructive to their development on every level.

Minnetonka Heights Community Program (supervised by the Ridgedale YMCA) is a unique, apartment-based initiative that’s been helping kids and families from low-income backgrounds for more than a decade.

YMCA water safety lessons help kids learn how to be safe in the water; they also teach them to be “teachers.”

Tips for enjoying the Fair without all the fat.

Y Camps believe in conservation of natural resources and stewardship of the land we use. Practicing “Leave No Trace” principals is an integral part of our camping programs.

"It’s amazing how the little things can build over time, slowly transforming who you are."