Swim, run and breathe with Hogan Family YMCA’s summer

MADISON – Hogan Family YMCA’s staff has scheduled a full slate of summer activities for individuals of all ages.

“Check out our newest program offerings, from fun and engaging activities for kids to classes that improve health and well-being,” YMCA Director of Communications Mary Anne Swanstrom said. To register online, visit ymcahuntsville.org.

The “DASH for Hypertension, Heart Health” run will be held June 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. “Heart disease is the no. 1 cause of death for adults in the United States. Diet is a major contributing factor to the onset and control of heart disease,” Swanstrom said.

Anyone with a family history of heart disease or realizes a risk exists ca learn about the DASH diet, which the American Heart Association endorses. The DASH run is open to everyone.

For exercise, BOGAFiT builds strength, deepens flexibility and improves balance and coordination by creating high intensity workouts on water using a sturdy, inflatable mat (brand name BOGAFit).

With BOGAFit, instructors can suggest changes for moves to accommodate all ability levels. Participants should feel comfortable around water. Sessions will meet on June 14 from 8 to 8:45 p.m. and June 16 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Through June 29, the parent/child swim will meet from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in Hogan Family YMCA’s pool. Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers who are six months to three years learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences.

Parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention and supervision. “Water Discovery” or Stage A introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment. “Water Exploration” or Stage B involves body moves, blowing bubbles and fundamental safety.

The parent/child swim times also are available for preschoolers three to five years old at 9 to 9:30 a.m. and another session from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Building on the toddler’s class, children will develop “Water Stamina” or Stage 3 for intermediate self-rescue skills. “Stroke Introduction” or Stage 4 involves basic front/back crawl strokes, treading water and elementary backstroke.

A class in first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator or AED is available. Affiliated with American Red Cross, the session is open to anyone from 12 to 99 years old.

“This course is blended learning. You will be required to complete an online portion, which can take up to two hours and a three-hour, in-person skills test,” Swanstrom said. Final registration will be Aug. 4 with the class starting on Aug. 10.

For more information, call 256-705-9622 or email molly.frankenberg@ymcahuntsville.org.