In northern New Jersey, there are more than 5,500 people who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. That’s why as a service to the community, the YMCA of Montclair is offering One Step At The YMCA in partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help those with MS manage the disease.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society says exercising is helpful in managing and calming many MS symptoms and minimizing the risk of certain complications. One Step is designed to help those with all four major types of MS — Relapsing-remitting, Secondary-progressive, Primary-progressive and Progressive-relapsing.

The inaugural cohort of One Step started in June and completes its first run in mid- September. It was launched thanks to a generous $7,500 grant from The Provident Bank Foundation.

“Donations such as this one from The Provident Bank Foundation help make life changing experiences possible for those in our community,” says Tim Weidman, Interim President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “Their gift helps support the Y and enables us to provide this new addition to our chronic disease management programs, which also include LIVESTRONG for cancer survivors and a Diabetes Exercise Program.”

Regular participants in the 12-week One Step program showed increased flexibility, leg strength, arm strength and balance. Participants also say they feel good and look forward to class so they are around people dealing with the same physical, mental and emotional issues that accompany the disease. Continue Reading

On Saturday, September 16, the YMCA of Montclair is holding Glow After Dark, a healthy way for those over age 18 to get their glow on. From 7-10pm, at the Y’s Park Street Branch (25 Park Street in Montclair) attendees, can glow in the dark while doing their best Standing Climb, Downward Dog or Merengue. Tickets are $10 per person and open to the community.

The event includes Glow In The Dark Cycling, Yoga & Zumba. It also includes an opportunity for attendees to enjoy a water exercise class, swim clinic (for triathletes and those who want to improve their overall swim time) or experience the Y’s lap swimming. Lights will be on for aquatic activities and swim caps are required for participation.

After exercising, attendees can socialize over mocktails and appetizers and will be entered into a raffle to win prizes.

Suggested dress is white or neon to help attendees who want to get their glow on under the black lights. Upon arrival, participants will also receive free glow sticks and body paint to help them glow during their workouts. Continue Reading

The Verona Mayor’s Wellness Campaign has teamed up with Verona Yoga to bring you complimentary yoga classes outside in Verona Park for the month of August. Classes are taught at the absolute beginner level but are appropriate for all levels.

Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings starting August 9th from 6:30pm-7:15pm. If you have your own mats, please feel free to bring them otherwise some will be provided for you. Please meet at 6:20pm at the corner entrance of Bloomfield Ave. and Lakeside Ave.

Organizers ask that you send a quick email to Steven Neale at stneale@veronanj.org to register for the program. Please read this Yoga in the Park Flyer for additional information.