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YMCA Preschool Programs: Tumble Tots

I love the YMCA they have so much to offer! I cannot wait until they build the new Northwest YMCA so all of their awesome resources are a bit closer to home.

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YMCA has some awesome classes for different ages, that you must register for. I decided to sign Monte up for Tumble Tots because he absolutely loves running around, climbing, and bouncing. This class ended up being perfect for him!

YMCA Preschool Programs

Tumble Tots is for ages 3 to 5 years old with an accompanied adult. It is slightly structured, but not too much. Monte likes to do his own thing and does not have much patience, so the fact that there is not much structure, is nice.

Tumble Tots always opens up with stretching, which the instructors make lots of fun! They have the kids act like animals, pretend they are in space, and other scenarios that get their imaginations rolling. They also sometimes do “sit-ups” and running around the gym (Monte’s favorite). Afterwards, the kids are free to run around to the different stations and play. The instructors walk around and help at each station. They show the kids different things they can do.

They have a trampoline.

A balance beam to walk on.

A spring board to jump from.

Tunnel to crawl through.

They also have tumbling mats, a bar to swing and hang from, and mats to help you learn how to do a cartwheel!

Tumble Tots is a 4-week class and it is $15 for members, $35 for non-member.

Tumble Tots and other programs/sports the YMCA offers are a perfect way to introduce your toddler to new activities and sports. It is very affordable and the classes last a short-period of time. If they are not interested, then you know that it isn’t the way to go, before spending a lot of money for a long term program/sport.

They also offer:

Tiny Tumblers 18 months – 3 years

Fun & Fit 3-5 years

Kids in the Kitchen 3-5 years

Music & Movement 2-5 years

Tiny Chefs 18 months- 3 years

Moving with Music 18 months – 3 years

 I highly recommend checking out all the classes the YMCA has to offer. Not only do they have classes for toddlers, but they also offer classes for grade school children and adults! Check out here for their online registration where you can search for a class and register all online!

YMCA Fitness Classes

I absolutely love the YMCA! It is not very expensive for a family membership ($50-$70) monthly, which you can share with all the Des Moines YMCA locations and they have SOOOOOO much to offer.

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Child care

Fitness Classes

Full gym

Swimming pool

Discounted children classes

Discounted kid sports

Indoor running track

Very friendly and helpful staff

AND MUCH MORE!

My favorite, are the fitness classes. They have so many variety of classes to offer and with the multiple locations around Des Moines, you can usually find a time that will suit you. Some classes include:

Zumba

Cycling

Yoga

Pilates

BodyPump

Body Sculpt

Tai Chi

Insanity

Tabata Strength

AND MUCH MORE!

There is an awesome iPhone app to keep track of what classes and what time classes are available. They also will post special events that may be going on at the specific YMCA you belong to, open swim schedules, open gym schedules, etc. You can search by class and instructor. You can also click on a specific class, sync it to your calendar and place an alert, so you do NOT forget to work out. The app ROCKS!

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Since giving birth to baby number two, it has been a lot harder to work off this baby weight! It is also a lot harder to get to the gym with two kids! Luckily, Travis is very supportive and flexible. Each week I compare his work schedule, my schedule, the kids schedule and I plan out what classes I plan to take. Then with the YMCA app I can add it to my calendar!

Right now, I have two favorite classes I have been going to regularly.

1. BodyPump

I love BodyPump! A lot of people feel that they need to have good coordination when taking this class because there is counting, but the instructors are awesome at counting it out and keeping you on track. If you are a beginner or experience, this class is for you. The instructors do an awesome job explaining each lift and also show you an alternative way of doing a lift or exercise, if you are not experienced enough.

BodyPump is NOT about how much weight you lift. It is based on form, how slow, fast and reps you lift. You do it all to music and once you get in the groove, it’s a lot of fun! During one class I have burned between 350-500 calories. They change up the classes every 8 weeks or so, and they just recently switched up the class. With the new routine, I have burnt over 500 calories! I definitely recommend this class!

2. Body Sculpt

Body Sculpt is a mixture of cardio and strength training. Each class I have been to has been different and totally awesome. I always burn between 400-500 calories in a Body Sculpt class. Each instructor creates their own workout which can consist of bands, weights, barbells, running on the track, jumping jacks, crunches, etc. You usually start off with a jog around the track, to get your heart rate up, then you will do some strength training exercises. Through out class you will alternate cardio and strength training, so your heart rate continuously stays increased.

If you are looking to get into shape, I definitely recommend joining your local YMCA. The YMCA makes it very easy to workout, even with busy schedules and kids.

Check out the YMCA Greater of Des Moines website for more information and how to join.