Category: Information

Spread Joy This Season

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Join Our Toy Drive: December 1st-15th

The YMCA at Pabst Farms is excited to kick off our annual Toy Drive, running December 1–15, to support the incredible work of the Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council. Together, we can help ensure every child in our community experiences the joy, magic, and comfort of the holiday season.

This marks the third year we have proudly partnered with the Oconomowoc Area School District and the dedicated student volunteers from the OHS Spanish Honor Society. Their commitment to service makes a meaningful difference each year—from helping collect toys to volunteering at the Council’s annual “Toy Shop.” During this heartwarming event, families are invited to select gifts for their children, and Spanish Honor Society students assist by guiding families and providing translation support, helping every family feel welcomed and supported.

“It’s inspiring to see young people give their time and energy to ensure families feel supported during the holidays. This partnership reflects the heart of our community—people coming together to uplift one another. We’re grateful for everyone who donates and helps make the season brighter for local kids.”
— Katelyn Lutz, Youth Program Director, YMCA at Pabst Farms

How You Can Help

There are two easy ways to make a difference:

1. Donate a New Toy

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to our collection bins located at the YMCA at Pabst Farms between December 1st–15th. Every donation directly impacts a local child in need. Christmas Clearing Council is also accepting waterproof mittens and gloves, children’s sleeping bags, and blankets! 

2. Shop the Amazon Wish List

Prefer to give digitally? You can shop from the curated Amazon Wish List, making it simple to send a gift directly to the Y! 

Your Impact Matters

Each donation—large or small—helps create a brighter holiday for families in our community. When you give, you’re not just providing a gift. You’re spreading joy, hope, and connection at a time when it’s needed most.

Thank you for joining us for a third consecutive year as we strengthen community, support local families, and celebrate the true spirit of the season.

Together, we can make this holiday unforgettable for every child.

Prefer to give digitally?

Prefer to give digitally? You can shop from the curated Amazon Wish List, making it simple to send a gift directly to the Y!
Shop the Wishlist

5 Reasons to Give a YMCA Membership this Holiday Season

Posted on by Kate Haslar

Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season?

Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year?

Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.

Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.  

Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.

  1. The gift of self-care? Priceless. Sometimes the best gift you can give your loved one is an opportunity to prioritize and take care of themselves––body, mind, and spirit. Finding balance in life can be difficult, but the Y can help, from stress-relieving yoga classes to childcare services so parents and caregivers can take time for themselves without having to find a sitter.
  2. Connection and belonging. A Y membership does more than just provide access to a gym. Through group activities, events, and volunteer opportunities, it also provides a space for real human interaction and social connection, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. It’s a supportive environment where you can find people who share similar interests, are encouraged to achieve your goals, and can feel accepted and valued for who you are.  
  3. There’s something for everyone. Sports leagues, water aerobics, personal training, cooking classes, workshops, nutrition counseling––the Y offers all that and so much more. The wide variety of programs, classes, and amenities at the Y not only help support one’s physical and mental health, but they also encourage personal growth and, yes, provide opportunities for fun and creativity!
  4. It’s a gift that gives back. When you give the gift of a Y membership, you’re not only enriching the life of the recipient, but you are also impacting the lives of others. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, Y membership fees help provide scholarships to families in need, ensure kids receive nutritious meals through afterschool meal programs, and create opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. It’s an investment in people and communities, not corporations.
  5. Versatility is key.  Memberships come in a variety of options. They can be used to access welcoming facilities, pools, for specific programs, lessons, training, or classes, making it a thoughtful and flexible way to let your loved ones know you support their health and well-being. The possibilities are endless!

Give the Gift of the Y

Give the Gift of Belonging! Surprise loved ones with a YMCA gift card-access fitness, wellness, and youth programs while supporting your community.

Stop by Member Services to purchase a gift card. 

Learn More About Memberships

Movement Snacks

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

Bite-sized portions of exercise 

Movement snacks-short bouts of physical activity to break up sedentary behavior-are an effective way to drive important health and wellness benefits.

Many people spend long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens, and movement snacks offer a way to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting—and increase the number of calories burnt outside of any exercise time.  

The benefits of movement snacks include everything from reducing the risk of obesity and heart disease to better managing stress and improving mood and cognition.

 

Movement Snacks Tracker

Use this worksheet to track your movement snacks for a full week.
Download Here

Workout Tips During the Wellness Center Renovation

Posted on Updated on by Kate Haslar

We’re so excited about our renovation of the Wellness Center and the improvements it will offer so that we can serve you better. During the course of the 25 day renovation, which includes technology-driven equipment and other incredible strength-building pieces, you may be wondering how to continue to maintain your strength and stamina. Here are some tips from our Group Exercise Coordinator, Leighann Moll, to keep your fitness at its peak as we all await the grand re-opening:

Swimming: This is one of the most effective forms of exercise as it is a no-impact, high-calorie burning activity that boosts your metabolism and burns a lot of calories while feeling no sensation of sweating! *Make sure to reserve a lap lane here.

Group exercise classes: While the upstairs may not be accessible, the downstairs Aerobic Studio, gym, pool, and outdoor spaces will be used for a plethora of group classes. For strength, BodyPump works every major muscle group while focusing on muscular endurance. Les Mills Core is a 30-minute intense core workout. Les Mills Sprint is a 30-minute intense HIIT class using the cycling bike as its tool. Aqua classes like Aqua Running with Challenge will challenge you in many ways! All of these will keep your fitness at an elevated level over these 25 days. Use your YMCA app to see all classes available!

Basketball, Pickleball, Racquetball, Walleyball: Consider an adult sport included with your Y membership! More than just a workout, a sport will move your body in all planes of motion, and test your agility and coordination, all while having fun! You can’t say that about running on a treadmill!

YMCA360: If you have never checked out the YMCA360 feature included with your membership, maybe over these 25 days, it’s meant to be. There are hundreds of at-home workouts for all ages, levels and abilities. You can even learn more about healthy recipes, meditation, and much more! 

Jog, walk or hike outdoors: Lake Country offers many beautiful trails and parks to enjoy the outdoors, so what better time to make use of our surrounding area? Hillwalking is low-impact and an excellent option for cardiovascular training. Want the ultimate intensity? Besides Les Mills Sprint, try hill sprinting! Aim for a 1:2 work: rest ratio. Meaning if it takes you 45 seconds to sprint a short hill, take only 90 seconds to walk back down, recover, and repeat. This will pump your heart and train your legs at a high-intensity level.

Make use of another YMCA in the area, especially the Ehlinger Center in Watertown where you can get a sneak peak of the EGYM technology-based equipment coming to Pabst Farms. It’s a short drive and you can access all that you are used to and more at Watertown!

Until then, go online to schedule your new orientation for the EGYM equipment, so once we re-open on June 24, you will be ready to make use of the newest wave in fitness!

Wellness Center Renovations

The Wellness Center will be closed on Thursday, May 30th at 5:00am through Sunday, June 23rd. Take a look to see what exciting NEW upgrades are coming, closure dates and additional information of what to expect during this renovation time.
Learn More

What is MX4?

Posted on by Kate Haslar

MX4 is a small group training program that combines a variety of unique training tools including a functional training system, a self-powered treadmill, and a rower.

RESULTS-DRIVEN

Diverse, progressive workouts keep sessions fresh and engaging. Since each session is limited to 8 participants, you can count on plenty of one-on-one time with a trainer who will help tailor the program and exercises to your ability levels and goals. Ultimately, this blend of Certified Personal Trainer attention, camaraderie, and challenging progressive workouts will help you achieve results.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
  • 30-minute total body workout
  • Build functional strength by performing weight-bearing exercises that reflect daily activities
  • Burn fat and build muscle faster with high-intensity interval training
  • Perform diverse resistance training exercises
  • Refine agility with forward, reverse, and lateral drills
  • Improve cardiovascular health with full-body exercise that’s easy on the joints
  • Increase aerobic capacity, strength, and endurance with unique upper-body workouts
FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

The program is open to people of all fitness levels from beginner to elite- who want to improve their cardio, power, strength, and endurance. We work in intervals and there are options for everyone to make it their own workout! Everyone gets plenty of personal attention from the trainer, this class has a “team environment” feel. 

Woman with medicine ball
CURRENTLY MX4 IS AVAILABLE AT THE EHLINGER CENTER IN WATERTOWN

Space is limited to 8 participants so make sure to sign up in advance online or at member services. “Try-it” classes are offered a couple of times per quarter. Upcoming Free Classes:

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11 am
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10 am or 5:30pm
  • Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10am or 5pm
SIGN UP