New Saturday Classes

With the proliferation of Omicron I decided to add a Nia and Restorative Yoga class on Saturday mornings for Jan and Feb. Nia at 10 AM (come early at 9:30 for chatting. Bring your hot drink and enjoy some socialization.) Restorative Yoga at 11:15 AM. The links are on the zoom class page of the website. We had a large number of people attend the classes on New Year’s Day so I thought I’d continue it till covid quiets down. We are so done with you covid!!!!

Current Nia Routine: Disney Songs

This Disney routine focuses on the hands and feet.The body parts  we take the most for granted, until they are painful.

 So join us and we’ll have fun singing and dancing to Disney Songs.  Here’s a sneak preview of one of my favorite finds, an a cappella version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book sung by DCappella.

Moving to Heal

Moving to Heal Nia is a slower, less intensive class with less standing and more done in the chair. Great for people with injuries or conditions that make it hard to participate in a classic Nia class. Also good for people getting back into exercise. For more info on Moving to Heal, see the info and videos on my web site or click here

Restorative Yoga

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, go to the zoom classes tab. You will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes

New Saturday Classes

With the proliferation of Omicron I decided to add a Nia and Restorative Yoga class on Saturday mornings for Jan and Feb. Nia at 10 AM (come early at 9:30 for chatting. Bring your hot drink and enjoy some socialization.) Restorative Yoga at 11:15 AM. The links are on the zoom class page of the website. We had a large number of people attend the classes on New Year’s Day so I thought I’d continue it till covid quiets down. We are so done with you covid!!!!

Current Nia Routine: Disney Songs

This Disney routine focuses on the hands and feet.The body parts  we take the most for granted, until they are painful.

 So join us and we’ll have fun singing and dancing to Disney Songs.  Here’s a sneak preview of one of my favorite finds, an a cappella version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book sung by DCappella.

Moving to Heal

Moving to Heal Nia is a slower, less intensive class with less standing and more done in the chair. Great for people with injuries or conditions that make it hard to participate in a classic Nia class. Also good for people getting back into exercise. For more info on Moving to Heal, see the info and videos on my web site or click here

Restorative Yoga

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, go to the zoom classes tab. You will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes

We’re welcoming in 2022 with new and exciting things at the Y!

We are looking forward to new beginnings as we continue to offer safe, healthy spaces with more classes, programs, and fun for our members. It’s hard to believe but we are thinking about summer! Camp registration opens January 15th. Our NEW virtual Y, YMCA 360 is bringing your Y to you anywhere, anytime, on all your devices. PLUS, our pools are not just for swimming anymore, introducing Liquid Gyms where you can enjoy spin class, treadmills, trampolines, Glidefit and more…all IN THE POOL for a whole new aqua fitness experience!

---

Introducing YMCA360!

Your membership at the YMCA just got even better with the addition of YMCA360, a 360-degree seamless Y experience, delivered anytime, anywhere. Check out the video below! The best part – it’s included in your membership. Take fitness classes, enjoy family, nutrition, youth activities and programs, and more on the go from your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Getting started is easy! Simply visit https://www.northshoreymca.org/ymca360

---

Summer Camp 2022 Registration is Coming!

At YMCA summer camp your child will learn new skills, gain confidence, stay active and have fun! Campers are able to explore creativity, teamwork, and leadership in a wide range of physically active programs that influence positive lifelong skills. Whatever interest your child has, there is a Y camp for them. Registration opens January 15th.

Learn more>>

---

Routines, Not Resolutions Try Personal Training this year and feel the results! Meet with one of certified personal trainers in a safe, productive environment to help you get on track, stay on track or to just get you started on your health and wellness journey.  Learn more>>

---

Your Support, Our Mission 2022 is looking bright thanks to your continued support of families and neighbors in your community! YOU are helping us fulfill our mission to welcome ALL each and every day. Your support fuels our purpose and we can’t wait to share your impact throughout the year as we continue to provide critical programs and services for our communities.

---

CLEANING & SANITIZATION:  A clean Y is a happy Y. We are committed to the health and safety of all our staff and members. Thank you for continuing to do your part in helping keep the equipment and YMCA facilities clean. We will continue our stringent cleaning practices and facility sanitization plans. Learn more>>

As always, we are here to answer your questions. If you have any questions or need to reactivate your membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Membership Sales Director:  

Joe Dapper dapperj@northshoreymca.org

Our Y community is strong and vibrant and we are grateful for your continued support and participation in the Y!  We know the impact the pandemic has had on our mental and physical wellbeing and we remain committed to continuing to provide opportunities and services that support you while providing a safe environment to stay physically and mentally healthy and build immunity.  
You may have heard that the city of Gloucester has implemented an indoor mask mandate requiring masks for all indoor businesses effective today, Monday, January 10.  Below outlines how these changes impact our YMCA.

• Effective January 10, 2022, under the direction of the Gloucester Board of Health, masks must be worn by all staff and members over the age of 10 at all times while moving about the facility.
• Masks can be removed while exercising.  We will continue to space out machines to provide social distancing.
• As this is an evolving situation, and as we receive new guidance and information, we will continue to evaluate our mask practices and be sure to keep you updated.

SAFETY & SANITIZATION IN OUR Ys
We will keep our stringent cleaning practices and facility sanitization plans in place including:

• Investments in air quality and movement through hospital-grade systems
• Widely available cleaning wipes and hand sanitizing stations
• Frequent cleaning and sanitizing by our staff teams

• Recommending that members and participants keep 6 feet of distance, for now
• Equipment will remain spread out as you have become accustomed to
• Physical barriers will remain in some areas
• We will continue adhering to facility capacity guidelines

YOUR ROLE IN SAFETY & SANITIZATION
It takes a village!  We thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our Y and our community safe. Here is a reminder of how you can help ensure we can all stay healthy, safe, and connected.

• Clean your fitness equipment and machines with the cleaning supplies provided in our Ys
• Wear your mask
• Stay home if you are sick

YMCA360
Remember, we have enhanced our digital experience with our brand new YMCA360 platform.  Enjoy the Y anywhere, on your phone, on your smart TV, and in the Y!

Simply visit ymca360.org
•  Click the login button.•  Enter your zip code, click continue.•  Select your local Y•  Enter your email address, click continue.•  You will receive a 6-digit email code, via email• Enter the code provided, click continue.• Begin enjoying Y360
On your smart TV, you can search for the YMCA360 App and follow the same process!

Through your membership, you share in a mission to strengthen the community, every single day.  Your membership not only helps keep you healthy and supports building immunity, but it also ensures individuals, families, seniors, and children who need us most have access to our Y resources regardless of their ability to pay. As a community service organization, we stand with our community leaders on this decision.
Again, thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and patience as we continue to navigate this post-COVID-19 climate.  We will continue to evaluate and share updates as they become available.
Best,

Chris Lovasco

Acting Executive Director

Cape Ann YMCA

New Saturday Classes

With the proliferation of Omicron I decided to add a Nia and Restorative Yoga class on Saturday mornings for Jan and Feb. Nia at 10 AM (come early at 9:30 for chatting. Bring your hot drink and enjoy some socialization.) Restorative Yoga at 11:15 AM. The links are on the zoom class page of the website. We had a large number of people attend the classes on New Year’s Day so I thought I’d continue it till covid quiets down. We are so done with you covid!!!!

Current Nia Routine: Pink Martini

Join us as we dance to the music of the incredible band, Pink Martini.  I got the bug to do this routine, last done in Nov.2020, after watching the Pink Martini Holiday concert last week.  Different genres, different languages, very eclectic music.

Moving to Heal

Moving to Heal Nia is a slower, less intensive class with less standing and more done in the chair. Great for people with injuries or conditions that make it hard to participate in a classic Nia class. Also good for people getting back into exercise. For more info on Moving to Heal, see the info and videos on my web site or click here

Restorative Yoga

I think this is side savassana???

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, go to the zoom classes tab. You will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes

New Saturday Classes

With the proliferation of Omicron I decided to add a Nia and Restorative Yoga class on Saturday mornings for Jan and Feb. Nia at 10 AM (come early at 9:30 for chatting. Bring your hot drink and enjoy some socialization.) Restorative Yoga at 11:15 AM. The links are on the zoom class page of the website. We had a large number of people attend the classes on New Year’s Day so I thought I’d continue it till covid quiets down. We are so done with you covid!!!!

Current Nia Routine: Pink Martini

Join us as we dance to the music of the incredible band, Pink Martini.  I got the bug to do this routine, last done in Nov.2020, after watching the Pink Martini Holiday concert last week.  Different genres, different languages, very eclectic music.

Moving to Heal

Moving to Heal Nia is a slower, less intensive class with less standing and more done in the chair. Great for people with injuries or conditions that make it hard to participate in a classic Nia class. Also good for people getting back into exercise. For more info on Moving to Heal, see the info and videos on my web site or click here

Restorative Yoga

I think this is side savassana???

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, go to the zoom classes tab. You will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes

What else do you have to do? Take down the tree or store the menorah?

Might as well dance or relax!

Current Nia Routine: Pink Martini

Link for NY Day Nia Class https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87660488611

Join us as we dance to the music of the incredible band, Pink Martini.  I got the bug to do this routine, last done in Nov.2020, after watching the Pink Martini Holiday concert last week.  Different genres, different languages, very eclectic music.

Restorative Yoga

link for NY Day Restorative Yoga Class https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469070125

I think this is side savassana???

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, you will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes

I have had a few new people ask me why I do these classes for free. It started out way back at the beginning of the pandemic. Seems like forever right? I moved from teaching at MAGMA and Manchester Athletic Club to my upstairs office. I had to learn how to Zoom and how to get the music and mic working in tandem rather than against each other. But, the costs and worries about rentals and numbers in classes were non-existent. Yes it costs something to use Zoom, to maintain my web site and keep up my Nia membership and health instructor insurance, but I felt it was something I could offer to people struggling as they were in lockdown and later in assessing the risks of exercising in a space with others. Most of my students are older, mature rather, and many have conditions that make Covid dangerous. So offering Nia and Restorative yoga online was a welcome athletic distraction. The other unexpected by product was connections. Not just locals or Cape Ann residents but people have found and attended my classes from all over the country and even the world. And by seeing them each week, many of us have formed friendships despite never meeting in person. One student who lives in Mumbai India, recently travelled to the US to visit her kids and we were lucky enough to meet her, outside, and get to know her in person. What a gift which would never have occurred had it not been for Zoom. Long story, sorry! I’m not a religious person per se, but I do believe in using what I have to help others. So I use my gifts of teaching Nia and Restorative Yoga to help others keep active and connected and healthy whether we are together in person or together on Zoom. Come join us some time! Namaste, Linda

Current Nia Routine: Pink Martini

Join us as we dance to the music of the incredible band, Pink Martini.  I got the bug to do this routine, last done in Nov.2020, after watching the Pink Martini Holiday concert last week.  Different genres, different languages, very eclectic music.

Moving to Heal

Moving to Heal Nia is a slower, less intensive class with less standing and more done in the chair. Great for people with injuries or conditions that make it hard to participate in a classic Nia class. Also good for people getting back into exercise. For more info on Moving to Heal, see the info and videos on my web site or click here

Restorative Yoga

I think this is side savassana???

In this crazy season, treat yourself to an hour of peace, relaxation and restoration.  Lovely passive practice aimed at quieting the nervous system, mind and body.  

Find some cushions, large books, yoga blocks, blankets, whatever you can use instead of bolsters and blocks.  We make it work.  For more information on Restorative yoga, check out my site, niawithlinda.com.  It is a lovely passive practice that gives the participant relaxation and calm. Who couldn’t use that right now.

So here is how it works.  It will be easier for you if you download the Zoom client for meetings for a desktop or laptop, or the app for phones and tablets.

Click here for the link to download the zoom client or the app

Then click on this link to bring to my website and the list of streaming classes

At my website, niawithlinda.com, you will want to click on the link for the class and time you are trying to join.  Otherwise you will be all alone!

If you have downloaded the client/app, the meeting will open automatically in that interface.

If you have not downloaded the app/client, it should open in a web browser.

You can join early and sit in the waiting room. No magazines but no doctors either.

I’ll leave the audio open till the class starts.  If I leave the audio on, it interferes with my audio and we can’t have that!  I’ll open it back up at the end.  If you need to get my attention, you can raise your hand.  It is an icon in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

If you need any techie help, call me  617-851-2738  or email me at contact@niawithlinda.com

Find a little space in your home and be prepared to move and have fun.

Feel free to share these invitations to classes with anyone who needs it.

Love to all and stay healthy,

Linda Wilkes