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

Homepage

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: The Holidays!

Join us as we celebrate all the holidays of the season with this routine.  Lots for everyone including some fun numbers from Straight No Chaser and the Klezmatics, Oy!

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

Not sure what this pose is but it looks fairly restorative!

I hope she took the sticky stuff off before placing on eyes, ouch!  

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

GIVING THANKS FOR THE GIVING TREE

Each year our Giving Tree is a clear reminder of what our Y is all about…community.  Thank you to everyone who took a tag (or two!) to help children and families in our Y community. All our tags are gone! We would not be able to support our families in need during this holiday season without your generous support. Thank you for joining us in spreading some holiday cheer.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!

---

HOLIDAY HOURS

Friday, December 24th – CLOSING at 12:00 noon
Saturday, December 25th (Christmas Day) – CLOSED
Sunday, December 26th – 9:00 am – 2:00pm
Friday, December 31st – CLOSING at 12:00 noon
Saturday, January 1 – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Remember, if you want to get a workout in on one of the days our facilities are closed you have unlimited access to Y Wellness 24/7, our virtual platform where there are hundreds of classes to choose from!

DECEMBER VACATION FUN!

Spend vacation at the Y with Open Gym, Special Events, Family Swim and more! 
Click here for all the details!

---

AQUATICS NEWS Liquid Gyms are here! Our pools are not just for swimming. Our Ys are some of the only facilities in the area to offer specialty submerged equipment including Water Treadmills, Water Bikes, Aqua Poles (think TRX in the water), Water Trampolines and Glide Fit floating fitness mats. In fact, our YMCA is the only Y in the country that hosts the Aqua Pole equipment and fitness experience. We also offer new group exercise classes in the pool including S’WET (Structured Water Exercise Training), Deep Water Boot Camp, Dual Depth Circuit and Aqua Strength.

More Parent/Child Swim We heard you! Many of our families have asked us to explore an 8 week session for parent/child swim. Registration will open soon and the 8 week session will start on Jan 3, 2022. Same great experience with the staff you know and trust. As always, it’s FREE to family members.

Schedules 

---

Get lifeguard certified and Train to Save
Lifeguard shortages continue to cause pool closings. The Y is running a series of lifeguard classes to help combat the problem and make our community safer.  Give back to your community this holiday season, get certified as a lifeguard!  Learn more

---

JOIN OUR FIND YOUR FIT CHALLENGE Check out our NEW fitness challenge: Find Your Fit  is running now to January 31st! Join in the fun and complete 15 group exercise classes and you’ll be entered to win a $300 gift card! PLUS, all challenge participants will receive a fun YMCA swag item. Join the Challenge!

---

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR NEW VIRTUAL Y PLATFORM – YMCA360 YMCA360 will revolutionize your virtual workouts from home or on the go. Enjoy our exclusive collection of on-demand and livestream classes, on all your devices in cinematic 4K. Experience YMCA360, wherever you are and whenever you want, and experience healthy living for all. Stay tuned for more details as we launch this incredible virtual health and wellness platform.

---

PICKLEBALL This sports craze is sweeping the nation and we are dedicating more than 70 weekly hours of gym time for all the Pickleball fun! Visit our Schedules Page and click Pickleball for dates and times! Pickleball is great for all ages from beginners to seasoned pickleball players, this game is fun for everyone! Be on the lookout for information on private and beginner lessons, rating clinics and local leagues and ladder play.

---

YOUR SUPPORT, OUR MISSION The Y is more than our people and places, we are a purpose. Your membership this year has been so meaningful to us. Thanks to you, we were able to stay open, and provide critical programs and services to front-line workers, and all families in our communities. You fuel our purpose.

---

Browse Our Programs

Virtual Workouts – Y Wellness 24/7

Manage Your Membership

Current Nia Routine: The Holidays!

Join us as we celebrate all the holidays of the season with this routine.  Lots for everyone including some fun numbers from Straight No Chaser and the Klezmatics, Oy!

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

Not sure what this pose is but it looks fairly restorative!

I hope she took the sticky stuff off before placing on eyes, ouch!  

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