By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Melissa Ewert on our Kubota Podcast
Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala YMCA is building momentum heading into February with new members, upcoming fitness challenges, expanded class offerings, and plans to introduce indoor pickleball.
Melissa Ewert, branch executive director of the Ogallala YMCA, said last week’s “Try the Y Day” event was a success despite extremely cold weather.
“We did about 15 to 20 memberships and I would say half of those were new members and half were renewals that day,” Ewert said.
While evening class attendance was lighter than expected due to the cold, Ewert said the event still achieved its main goal: introducing new people to the facility.
“There were so many new faces that I had never seen, and that was the plan for this — to get new people in, get them interested and get them comfortable coming in,” she said.
Personal training also saw a boost, with around five new clients signing up. Ewert said trainer Amber was busy with consultations throughout the day.
“That alone made the day a success,” she said.
New Silver Sneakers Classes
The YMCA is also adding two new Silver Sneakers classes beginning next week. The classes are designed for beginners, people returning to exercise after a long break, or those recovering from illness or injury.
One class, Silver Sneakers Classic, will focus on low-impact strength training using weights, bands and balls. The second is a chair yoga class. Both will be led by instructor Kim.
Ewert said the classes are meant to help people ease back into physical activity.
“You should never just think, ‘I took this many months off, I’m going to jump right back into where I started,’ because that does not happen,” she said.
Youth Basketball and Fitness Challenges
Youth basketball is also getting underway, with coaches now contacting families. Games are scheduled to begin February 22.
In addition, the YMCA has launched a Gratitude Miles Challenge. Members can track the miles they walk, run, bike or swim, and write something they’re grateful for on a board in the lobby.
“It’s a good way to remind people that we should be thankful for our health and for our families, and just keep them motivated to continue moving,” Ewert said.
A larger 50-mile challenge is also planned for runners, bikers and swimmers. The first participant in each category to reach 50 miles will receive a prize. Lifters can participate through a separate challenge based on combined weight totals from bench press, deadlift and squat.
Participants must submit videos of their lifts for verification, and winners will be recognized by gender and age groups.
Indoor Pickleball Coming Soon
One of the most anticipated additions is indoor pickleball. The YMCA will be adding pickleball court lines to its basketball court, allowing community members to play throughout the winter.
“We’re going to set up times where people can come in and play pickleball here at the Y,” Ewert said.
She noted that many residents currently travel to nearby communities for indoor pickleball, and this will provide a closer option.
Pickleball’s growing popularity reflects the YMCA’s mission of community engagement, something Ewert says is central to the organization’s identity.
“Being able to work for people who want to build our community and do things for our youth in town and just build those relationships with everyone that comes in the door is pretty special,” she said.
Ewert said the growth at the Ogallala YMCA over the past year has been significant, with expanded programs and increased participation.
“Sometimes change is growing pain, but I can say this has been painless for change,” she said.