Health and Fitness Blogs
Meet Kay Schroven. Originally from Wisconsin, she joined YWCA Minneapolis in 1986 In addition to being a dedicated member, Kay also worked for YWCA Minneapolis on an interim basis, helping to improve employee benefits and strengthen the organization from within.
The Toni Award for Inspiration and Advocacy celebraters YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon participants whose courage and resilience make a positive impact in the community. Meet our 2025 Toni Award nominees.
For 25 years, YWCA Minneapolis has called Lake Street home. We are thrilled to bring bold color and renewed energy to the neighborhood with a vibrant new mural.
Meet Margaret Catambay, born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. Margaret joined YWCA Minneapolis back in January 1987—long before membership photos were stored on computers! She originally came looking for a place to swim and exercise, and soon found herself immersed in water aerobics classes and the vibrant community that surrounded them.
When David and Jenessa relocated to Minneapolis, they didn’t just find a gym—they found a community. Learn how they transformed their own health and wellness through YWCA Minneapolis, and why they’re passionate about supporting our mission to uplift the community.
We celebrated the strength and resilience of female athletes and those identifying with womanhood at our 15th annual YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Lake Nokomis. It is one of the largest triathlons of its kind in the contiguous United States.
While swimming can be fun at any time of year, it can also be fatal. No matter where you swim, remember the importance of safety rules in swimming.
Women’s Triathlon participant Mari Ruddy recently published the book “Extreme Healing.” We spent some time discussing the book, her health challenges and how they fueled her experience as an endurance athlete.
Kym Zest is returning to the YWCA Women’s Triathlon as Race Director! In her five-year break from the race she pursued other athletic achievements, started her own coaching business, and had a baby. Now, she’s back to serve the triathlon community, as it has been her home base since 1997.
As the largest all-women triathlon in the country, the race attracted participants ages 11 to 80+ with varying levels of experience, diverse backgrounds and powerful stories.
April is Adult Learn to Swim Month! To celebrate, we are sharing the story of one of our health and wellness members, Mae Brooks, who learned to swim with YWCA Minneapolis adult swim lessons. Read how Mae pushed herself to try new things in her personal and professional life, to lean into discomfort and push her boundaries.
My wife and I joined YWCA Minneapolis, but she is not a biker and I’ve been biking for 50 years! Shortly after joining, I met group fitness instructor Carrie Carroll. [Carrie began her journey with YWCA as a member and was recruited by a group fitness instructor to start teaching classes nearly 21 years ago!] She's very clear about saying do what you can do.
The sun was shining on a bright February morning and the racers were at the starting line, ready to kick off our third annual Race Against Racism! Over 140 racers joined us in the Minneapolis Sports Center at YWCA Midtown for a 2K/5K race to raise awareness of the systemic racism that permeates our community and take steps toward equity and justice.
Mari Ruddy is a Minneapolis local who has worn many career hats throughout the years. She is an amateur recreational triathlete, cyclist and runner that has participated in more than 40 triathlons, including a Half Ironman In this Q&A, Mari shares her story about how she started competing in triathlons, overcoming her health concerns, ways to stay motivated, the best advice she has for others and why she loves YWCA Minneapolis!
Mackenzie and Luke joined YWCA Minneapolis nearly a decade ago — now they host a weekly pickleball league that’s become a beloved ritual for friends and family. Hear how their commitment to wellness and community comes to life on and off the court.