St Thomas YMCA
20 High St. N5R 5V2 Saint Thomas, ON, Canada

Hello everyone, Based on new Public Health Unit measures we have had to reduce our upcoming virtual class offerings. We have updated our schedule and you can still register at the link below! REGISTER: https://www.ymcaswo.ca/program-search

Join Diane Friday January 15 at 9:00 for Chairfit (towel or elastic work out band) or 10:00 for Strength and Stretch (dumb bells or two canned goods). To register go to your Avocado account. Once you have tapped the health/fitness option on the top banner, change the location to all locations, found at the top of the location menu. Hit search. All virtual classes will populate the screen. Follow the prompts to register. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Having problems. Contact us in the comment section of this message.

In accordance with provincial government regulations, we will temporarily be closing our branches, as of Saturday, December 26 for a minimum of 28 days. You can find out more information at the link below.

Join Paul at 10:00 am for Group Fight on Monday. Go to your Avocado Web page. Click on the Health/Fitness icon on the top banner. Change your location to all locations to find the virtual classes. Hit search. This will generate the entire menu of virtual classes. Click on the class to register. Follow the prompts. If you haven’t received a link, contact the Y to get your Avocado link.

We want you to know just how grateful we are to have you as a part of our Y family. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it, right? So Thank you for staying with us, thank you for helping your communities through the pandemic, and thank you for being a part of it with us! This past year has brought many changes in our daily routines, lives, and communities. We understand the need for connection in spirit, mind, and body. That’s w...hy the Y is here and will continue to be here for many, many years to come. Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!

Monday Power 9:30 am one opening Call or Avocado to registerMonday Power 9:30 am one opening Call or Avocado to register

Do you enjoy Chair Fit and gentle fitness at our Y? Then check out this video and Gentle Fit video playlist with many pre recorded videos.

As 2020 nears an end, we wanted to take a moment to thank our donors, members and community for supporting the Y as a charity this year. We are excited to share our first Gratitude Report with you! https://www.ymcaswo.ca//Gratitude%20Report%202020_Final%20

As we begin a new set of Provincial Health Unit guidelines today, it's a great opportunity to check out YMCA at Home for virtual resources to keep active and engaged!

On Giving Tuesday, December 1, we will be presenting our innovative idea to the 100 People Who Care, a great grant competition facilitated by the Elgin-St.Thomas Community Foundation. Our innovative idea is to start an annual youth scholarship called Lifeguard U Youth Scholarship that will see 10 youth enrolled in all aquatic leadership courses that are required to become a lifeguard and swim instructor at no cost. Those youth will go on to become our staff and volunteers an...d strengthen our communities aquatic leadership and safety. Please consider becoming one of the 100 People Who Care and supporting the Y! https://escf.ca/100-people-who-care/

Lane swim registration Monday Dec 21, 7 am. You can register through your portal, by phone or coming in to the branch. Reminder we have moved Aqua Fit registration to Thursday mornings at 7 am. 3 water registration max per week.

Giving Tuesday is next week! A day to give to a cause you care about and support your favourite charities. This year, you can help your Y respond to the changing needs during COVID-19 and to help our community recover. Together. Learn more at https://www.ymcaswo.ca/donate-now

Today is National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Send us your pet pics!

Make sure to join Jessi and Emily as they host our Family Creative virtual class this upcoming Friday! Sign up at the link below! REGISTER: https://avocado-ymcawo.force.com/

The guards were hard at work today! Learning how to rescue with PPE measures in place. Great work team!

Happy Throwback Thursday! Here's an impressive image from a few decades ago! #TBT

**Changes to Registration Swim Lane registration will take place on Monday December 14 at 7 am! Aqua fit registration is now moving to Thursdays at 7 am with Fitness registrations. ... Call in 519-631-2418*0, come into the branch or you can go online through your avocado portal! *max 3 water reg per week *1 person per lane, one additional person (member)from your household allowed

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. At the YMCA we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for everyone and we hope that you will join us in observing this day.

Tues. Nov. 24, 9:30 Blast Second class now available Call to book a spot.Tues. Nov. 24, 9:30 Blast Second class now available Call to book a spot.

Swim Schedule November 2- November 8 Registration opens Monday at 7am! Max of 3 water registration per week.

We want to prepare you should we be transitioned to the Red "Control" level framework. Please review the the highlights below. We will continue to provide information and resources to help make it a successful transition.

Happy Hanukkah!

Help us spread the message of peace and inclusivity in our communities, and share some joy! Create these beautiful paper cranes, symbolizing peace, and display them in a window for everyone to enjoy. Follow our activity guide here: https://bit.ly/3nrECmm #YMCAPeaceWeek

Schedule for the week of December 21-27 If you register and have to cancel, please attempt to give us at least an hour's notice to fill the vacancy. The December 28-January 3 schedule will be posted on Monday. Registration for the Dec 28-Jan 3 will occur on December 24

Today is National Go for a Ride Day! Why not come visit us and take a spin on our fitness floor?!

Did you know today is the 20th annual Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day? The YMCA congratulates our Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators for all they have accomplished this year, and deeply respects their continued dedication to children and families. We invite families to send a special note to your centre’s educators today to let them know you appreciate the role they play in the development of your child. #ThankAnEducator Read more about our incredible Children's Educational Services staff: https://ymcaswo.ca//y-celebrates-child-care-workers-and-ea

Tonight 2 blast openings 5:30 Register on Avocado or 519-631-2418 (0)Tonight 2 blast openings 5:30 Register on Avocado or 519-631-2418 (0)

Good evening members! With new health and safety measures across multiple regions in Ontario, we want to share that we have updated our policies and procedures to provide our members with the safest experience possible. As of October 24, fitness & aquafit class sizes will be reduced to a maximum of 10 people (including the instructor) and members will maintain a 3m distance from others - a friendly reminder to please book your classes in advance to maintain these capacities. As well, instructors will wear masks while providing instruction during fitness classes. For additional information on how we are helping keeping our communities safe, please visit: ymcaswo.ca/covid-19-hfa

Schedule for Land Fitness Classes: December 14-December 20 Only revision: Saturday yoga has moved from 10:00 to 9:30 am Please call if you have to cancel a reserved spot. We have many people on the waiting list. Thank you.

if you love the feeling of getting a letter or postcard in your mailbox . Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note! Write a letter, send a compliment card, or reach out to someone who might be struggling right now. It will go a long way to help people feel connected and like they belong. #actforpeace #YMCAPeaceWeek

Lane Swim Schedules Oct 13-18 Registration opens Monday, October 5, at 7 am. You can register using the avocado portal and by coming in or calling the branch at (519)-631-2418 *0 We are excited to be adding Aquafit to the schedule starting Wednesday, October 14. Please refer to the appropriate schedule for the barcode. ... We ask that you limit your registration to 3 lane bookings per week to help open up space for more members to attend. Can't make your swim time? Please call the branch to let us know We will then contact members on the waitlist. Thank you, and happy swimming!

Schedule for November 23-29 Thank you to everyone who are taking the time to phone the Y if you have to cancel your scheduled class/lane swim. It frees up the space for someone else. When making your selections, please remember that many people are looking to book into these classes.... Registration opens at 7:00 am on Thursday November 19. If calling the branch, continue to call until you connect with a person. Please do not leave a message. Classes will likely be full by the time we hear the messages. Waitlists: we are constantly calling people on waitlists. If you don't get into a class. Please waitlist and we will phone you if a space opens. Waitlists also help determine class need. New to the schedule: Two active classes on Wednesday 9:30

Swim Lane and Aquafit registration open Monday, Nov 23 at 7! Call in 519-631-2418*0, come into the branch or you can go online through your avocado portal! *max 3 water reg per week *1 person per lane, one additional person (member)from your household allowed *13+

There may be some things we can’t do right now, but there is also so much we CAN do! Be an advocate for peace and make a difference. Choose a cause you care about and take action! Sign a petition, donate, volunteer, or support a local business - the options are endless... #YMCAPeaceWeek #actforpeace

We are pleased to share that our Y was selected by Canadian Tire Jumpstart to receive a grant from their Sport Relief Fund. The fund helps community sport organizations like ours continue to provide access to sport and play for Canadian kids. This grant will go a long way towards helping us to respond to the changing needs of our community during COVID-19! #SportReliefFund

Start planning...Here is the schedule for the Week of October 26-November 1 Note: You can register for classes online in your Avocado account and by calling in at 7:00 am on THURDAY OCTOBER 22. Note: There is an additional chair fit class on Tuesday at 11:00 am and we now have dance based cardio with our Rumba class on Sunday at 11:00. Aquafit class registration occurs on Mondays at 7:00 am.

We have an amazing surprise for you - a full 45-minute yoga class in honour of #YMCAPeaceWeek! Peace starts with YOU. We all need to make time for self-care so we can better serve others. Join us for this peaceful yoga session with Y staff Mellissa. See you on the mat!

Start planning for next week. Here are the barcodes and times for the week of October 5th. Registration opens on Thursday at 7:00 am. Pool lane registration is Monday, 7:00 am on October 5. Aqua fit is coming soon! Classes will be posted in the adult fitness schedule not pool lanes.

What is YMAP? YMAP is a YMCA Integration & Leadership Program - Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth. YMAP's main goal is to provide support and enrichment opportunities for newcomer youth to ease the adjustment to Canadian life. Visit https://ymcaswo.ca/programs/community/newcomer-youth for more information today!

LAST DAY FOR NOMINATIONS! The YMCA was proud to honour Sosina Tilahun, a youth leader, with a YMCA Peace Medal in 2019. Sosina recognized a need in her neighbourhood and created a program called Youth Connect (YC) that helped to foster academic excellence and encourage community engagement. Sosina voluntarily created this program that not only gives youth an opportunity to connect with others in a safe space, but it is also keeping some of them off the streets and away from negative influences. Sosina is creating real change and contributing to a healthier and more peaceful community. NOMINATE A PEACEMAKER TODAY! https://ymcacomms.typeform.com/to/i4QGDT5U

Swim Lane and Aqua fit registration opens Monday October 19 at 7 am! Call in 519-631-2418*0 , come in to branch or you can go online through your avocado portal! *max 3 lane swims per week

On #OrangeShirtDay, we honour & commemorate residential school survivors. We also reaffirm our commitment to building strong communities where #EveryChildMatters & to the ongoing process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada.

We hope you can join us for this event, donate a new or gently used helmet, or make a monetary donation to this great cause in memory of Branden.#lidup4branden We are accepting helmet donations at the Y. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/helmet-hike-for-lidup4branden-t

Meet Brian. Brian was awarded a YMCA Peace Medal in 2018. Brian is active in his community working with individuals & youth to promote positive relationship-building skills. Brian is also a strong advocate for women’s rights, the environment and global equality. While Brian has his own counselling practice, many of his clients are pro-bono. Brian has also been a guiding force in the lives of youth through his 20 years of foster parenting. Do you know someone like Brian? Nominations close tomorrow. Nominate a 'Brian' today! https://ymcacomms.typeform.com/to/i4QGDT5U

With the Fall upon us, we want to take a moment and express our gratitude to our donors for supporting the Y during this unexpected year. Because of this generous support, we were able to pivot and adapt to address the new reality faced by our members and participants. You are helping us build a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive community. THANK YOU!

If you scheduled a pool lane or a spot in an adult fitness class, please do your best to honor the registration. If you have to cancel, please contact the branch. The more notice that you provide to this cancellation allows other members to take advantage of that time slot. Thank you for your consideration.

Registration for the Land Fitness Classes opens tomorrow, Thursday October 15 at 7:00 am.

Our facility is closed this Monday for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!Our facility is closed this Monday for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Swim Lane and Aquafit registration opens this Sunday at 7 am! Call in 519-631-2418*0 , come in to branch at 8 am or you can go online through your avocado portal! We have switched to 45 minute lane swim slots, this means we will now have additional times to register for ... *max 3 lane swims per week If the image appears blurry please click to enlarge it.

Join Angela on Thursday at 5:30 pm for our first power class since we reopened! You must register on Avocado or by calling the branch. Note: Attendance to classes gives us an indicator on need. Strong attendance to the existing classes guides me on the need for more classes in that discipline.

Lane Swim: We currently have several spaces available tomorrow morning. Give us if a call or go online if you'd like to book one! (519) 631-2418 *0 ymcaswo.ca

Quick response...if we were to offer a morning Group Power, what time would you prefer? 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am Please respond in the comment box.... Thank you. See more

Registration for the Land Fitness Classes opens tomorrow, Thursday October 8 at 7:00 am. Registration for Pool Lanes and Aquafit will open this Sunday at 7:00 am (due to Thanksgiving Monday). Please note the addition of Rumba on Sunday October 18 at 11:00 am. Get your dance on!

Since being diagnosed with Epilepsy at 2 years old, Ava has not gone 12 hours without a seizure. She has donated her birthday money, sold keychains, and raised funds to purchase special monitors and anti-suffocation pillows for Epilepsy warriors like herself. Ava was 7 years old when she awarded a YMCA Peace Medal as she inspires our community to thrive, be selfless, and show that anyone can overcome any situation. Do you know someone in your community like Ava? Nominate them for a YMCA Peace Medal by September 30. #actforpeace https://ymcacomms.typeform.com/to/i4QGDT5U

Have you taken a look at our YMCA Member All Access platform? You can receive countless resources including our YThrive exercise program. Jump into Fall with the new October launch workouts available October 1st 2020! Visit https://www.ymcahome.ca/member for more information. You’ll need a password to sign in. During your next time in the branch, stop by the front desk to ask our friendly staff team and we would be happy to share it with you! We can’t wait to see you!

We're incredibly proud to have reopened! We continue to be dedicated in ensuring the health and safety of all of our members, staff, volunteers, and anyone who walks through the door. With a financial assistance program in place, we are able to support everyone in our goal of enriching our communities.... You can read all about it in the article below! #ReuniteWithTheYMCA

Registration for lane swim times starts Monday Sept 28 at 7 AM! Want to register online? If you've never used the portal before, contact the branch to be sent your activation link (519 631 2418 x. 0) Once your portal is set up, register using avocado. Make sure to select St. Thomas as the LOCATION https://avocado-ymcawo.force.com/#/app/programs/DIV-001/... Details: -Maximum 2 people (13 yrs+ only) in each lane if both are members & live in same household -No pool equipment is available (belts, water weights, etc), but life jackets ARE available. You can bring equipment from home. -When arriving for your swim time, you will be notified which change room & locker to use See more

Your branch may look a little different upon your return, but we’ve made sure to do all we can to ensure your health and safety #ReuniteWithTheYMCA

We are excited to have our members back in for a swim! Here is a quote from long time member Art - it is so nice to comeback. Seeing people I haven’t seen in so many months...This is the greatest day of the year!

In 2019, the Kipps Lane & Community Association was recognized during YMCA Peace Week for their work creating positive change in their diverse and higher-needs neighbourhood. Run entirely by volunteers, this organization plans free community-building events, supports local youth to engage and develop leadership skills, and works with partners like the Carling-Thames Family Centre. Do you know a person or group creating positive change in your community? Nominate them before Sept. 30 for a YMCA Peace Medal! #actforpeace

Sept 28-Oct 4 schedule. Registration opens on THURSDAY AT 7:00 AM. Please note: We have added a Group Power on Thursday night and a Gentle Yoga on Saturday morning.... Balance on Tuesday has been renamed Chair Fit. It is still the same class. We continue to build the schedule based on member interest. If a class consistently fills up, we will work hard to offer more of that program. We appreciate your patience as we rebuild our schedule.

Did you know today is the UN International Day of Peace? On this day we are encouraged by the UN to celebrate by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. In this spirit, we are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for YMCA Peace Medals! Do you know a local peacemaker or group of peacemakers? Here’s your chance to recognize an inspiring person or group doing good in your community! Nominations close September 30. The Y will honour peacemakers in our region with a Peace Medal and share their story. #actforpeace

Swim lane registration opens Monday at 7:00am! Call the membership desk (519) 631-2418 or register through your online account at ymcaswo.ca

Registration for lane swim times starts Monday Sept 21st at 7 AM! Want to register online? If you've never used the portal before, contact the branch to be sent your activation link (519 631 2418 x. 0) Once your portal is set up, register using avocado. Make sure to select St. Thomas as the LOCATION https://avocado-ymcawo.force.com/#/app/programs/DIV-001/... Details: -Maximum 2 people (13 yrs+ only) in each lane if both are members & live in same household -No pool equipment is available (belts, water weights, etc), but life jackets ARE available. You can bring equipment from home. -When arriving for your swim time, you will be notified which change room & locker to use

It’s been some time, but we’ve been so delighted to see so many familiar faces walk through our doors! We can’t wait to see you! #ReuniteWithTheYMCA

Since registration for individual pool lanes starts on Monday, NOW IS THE TIME to get your portal set up. If you've never used the portal before, call us (519)631-2418 x.0 so we can send you the activation link you need! Pool re-opens on Friday Sept 25.

Here are your bar codes for registering for classes for the week of Sept 21. We have added Lite n' Lively on Mondays at 11:00 in the gym. Please note: for yoga, centergy and lite n' lively classes, please bring your own mat.... Weights are supplied for classes. No other equipment is permitted at this time. Registration is limited. If you do not have access to Avocado, you can call to register or contact [email protected]. You only have to use one form of communication. We listen to all messages if we are unable to pick up the phone.