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The Y Hosts Free Fun Run at the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Fair

EVERETT, WA. June 3, 2024. — The YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting a free Healthy Heart Fun Run at the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am – 1 pm at Everett Memorial Stadium (3802 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201). The Y is partnering with other Snohomish County organizations to create awareness and educate the community about heart health.

“We are delighted and proud to partner with the Healthy Heart Fair for the second year,” said Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our commitment at the Y is improving the health of our community so hosting a fun run at an event that promotes heart health is a natural partnership.”

The 90-minute Healthy Heart Fun Run will be held on the track from 10:30 am – Noon. There will be special prizes for the top finishers who complete the most laps in two divisions: age 10 and under and age 11+. Finisher medals and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the first 100 participants. Waves start every 15 minutes, beginning at 10:30 am.

“Run or walk for 15 minutes or join us for the full 90 minutes,” said Gebow. “Any type of movement is a simple way to help prevent heart disease and cardiac events, as well as so many other adverse health conditions.”

The event is held in memory of Robert C. Polk, former Everett School District Athletic Director and active Everett community member who passed away from a sudden heart attack in 2021. Robert Polk was a college athlete and physical education major with lots of health and fitness knowledge, but his family wasn’t aware of all the signs and symptoms of heart attack.

“The goal of this event is for the community to better understand how to be healthy at every stage in life,” said Tara Polk, Robert’s wife. “I want people to learn the symptoms of a heart attack and what kinds of exercise we need as we age to get optimal health benefits. I hope that people will participate and leave the event knowing a little more, having a great time, and getting some exercise.”

This event falls during National CPR/AED Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training and education. The event is free and open to the community.

“This event will honor Robert and help others in the community,” said Tara Polk. “Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until it was too late. My goal is to prevent that from happening to another family.”

For more information about the event, please visit healthyheartfair.com. For more information about health and wellness programs and classes at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.

Mill Creek Family YMCA Offers Bollywood Dance Workshop

Monthly Class Combines Fun and Fitness for All Skill Levels

Mill Creek, WA. March 5, 2024 – Mill Creek Family YMCA offers a monthly Bollywood Dance Workshop for people of all dance skill levels. Bollywood dance is a vibrant dance style that originated in the Indian film industry, incorporating elements from various dance forms. The class, taught by YMCA member and volunteer, Surbhi Kabra, combines fun and fitness, offering Y members the chance to learn something new while getting a great workout. The class has been on hold while Surbhi traveled, but it’s back on the schedule for Sunday, March 10 from noon – 1:30 pm.

“I love dancing and music, seeing other people dance, and creating choreography,” said Surbhi. “I love to share something that I’m passionate about with others. It makes me happy to see people dance.”

Surbhi, originally from Mumbai, India, moved with her husband to the Silver Firs community in 2021. At the time, she didn’t know the Y existed and had never been to a facility. After checking out the Y and learning about all of the amenities, they joined the Mill Creek Y. Surbhi’s husband learned how to swim and she started exploring group exercise classes, including Zumba.

“After attending Zumba, I knew there were a lot of dance enthusiasts at the Y. I knew Bollywood was popular with Americans, but there are no formal classes,” said Surbhi. “Once I realized people might be interested, I approached the Health and Wellness Director and proposed a class. It’s quickly grown in popularity.”

Surbhi is an engineer by trade, but wants to shift her career and pursue dance. She hasn’t trained professionally, but grew up dancing and competing in school competitions. Since moving to the Seattle area, she has gotten more serious about dance and enjoys the creative outlet and introducing new choreography to her class.

“Dancing is a fun way of moving your body, said Surbhi. “It raises your heart rate, works on the mind-body connection, and exercises your memory. The time flies when you’re dancing with a group – it doesn’t feel like working out.”

Surbhi’s vision for the class is to share her knowledge of dance, while empowering her class members to embrace their health and wellness goals. Due to the class’s popularity, she hopes to offer it more frequently in the future.

“I feel inspired when I see people taking time out of their busy schedules for themselves, doing something fun, and working to improve their health,” said Surbhi. “I feel so happy to help them have fun and exercise. Anyone can come. You don’t need a background in dance – you just need to enjoy loud music and want to have a good time!”

All group exercise classes, including the Bollywood Dance Workshop, are free with a Y membership. To learn more about membership at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.

YMCA fitness instructor challenges, empowers Everett residents #GaelForce

What a privilege it is to have Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, at the helm of our association-wide Health and Wellness team! Gael leads, inspires, and challenges our staff and members to be their very best selves and has an incredible heart for serving the community. Check out this incredible profile of our invaluable Gael Force!

YMCA fitness instructor challenges, empowers Everett residents | HeraldNet.com