Kick off the new year with purpose! STRONG 2026 is an 8-week strength and speed challenge designed to help you level up, push past plateaus, and see real, measurable results.

Over 8 weeks, participants will focus on increasing strength and speed through three benchmark assessments:

1. Chest Press
2. Leg Press
3. 1-Mile Walk/Run

You will complete baseline and final assessments with our personal trainers in the Circuit Room.

Baseline Assessment options

• Thursday, Jan. 8: 6:30-7:45 PM
• Saturday, Jan. 10: 10:15 AM-12:15 PM

Final Assessment options

• Thursday, March 5: 6:30-7:45 PM
• Saturday, March 7: 10:15 AM-12:15 PM

What's Included

• Baseline and final assessment with certified personal trainers.
• Weekly emails to keep the motivation up, covering strength training tips, nutrition guidance, YMCA personal training + group fitness highlights, equipment spotlights, mini-challenges, and more!
• Two progressive weekly mini-challenges for extra motivation and prizes:
  • Group Fitness Challenge:
    • Week 1: Attend 1 class and win a prize!
    • Week 2: Attend 2 classes, and so on!
  • Mileage Challenge:
    • Week 1: Walk/run 4 miles and win a prize!
    • Week 2: Walk/run 6 miles, and so on!

Grand Prizes
We'll crown two overall winners: one woman and one man based on:

1. Greatest average increase in pounds lifted for 10 reps (leg press + chest press)
2. Greatest decrease in 1-mile walk/run time

Each grand prize includes:

• YMCA merch (up to $40 value)
• Meat, cheese, and treats gift basket ($85 value)