Jamaica YMCA

Ready to level up your incline dumbbell press technique? Staten Island Broadway YMCA fitness instructor Daniele is here to show you how to safely lift the weight and incorporate four-second negatives. The “negative” is the lowering phase of an exercise. When doing an incline dumbbell press, it’s when the dumbbells move from the top of the press back down toward your chest. This part of the lift is as important as the press itself—it’s one of the best ways to build strength, muscle, and control 💪

Find your Y and the routine that works for you with a supportive community to cheer you on through the link in our bio.

What does it mean to stand up for your community?

For Layla, a participant in our Teens Take the City (TTC) Youth Leadership Program, it starts with using your voice.

As Layla shares, if you care about your community, don’t be afraid to speak up about issues that matter. Civic engagement isn’t reserved for elected officials or community leaders. It starts with neighbors, young people, families, and everyday residents who care enough to get involved and advocate for the people around them.

At the YMCA of Greater New York, we believe strong communities are built from the ground up. Through programs like Teens Take the City, young people develop the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills to become active participants in shaping their neighborhoods and creating positive change.

When we empower young people to raise their voices today, we’re helping build stronger, healthier communities for tomorrow.

Rapid-fire questions are back!  

This time, we’re getting to know Malcolm, Membership Representative at the Dodge YMCA. 

Whether it’s his favorites or fun facts, hear what makes Malcolm, Malcolm! And get to know another friendly face who helps make our Y community so welcoming. 

Who’s next? You’ll have to stay tuned.  

At Family Fridays, the littlest Y kids in our West Side YMCA Early Childhood program enjoy crafts, movies, and more with their moms, dads, and grandparents! It provides a wonderful opportunity for family members to experience firsthand the strong community cultivated in our comprehensive program ☺️

Meet Riona from the Dodge Y!

We’re kicking off a brand-new series where we put our YMCA staff in the hot seat with a round of rapid-fire questions. From favorites to fun facts, you’ll get to know the incredible people who make our Y community so special. 

First up: Riona, Membership Representative at the Dodge Y. Stay tuned! More rapid-fire features are on the way! 

ItStartsInside

What does it mean to be civically engaged? For Jolin, a participant in our Teens Take the City (TTC) Youth Leadership Program, it means realizing that creating change isn’t just the job of elected officials. It’s something every one of us can do.

Whether it’s voting, volunteering, speaking up about issues that matter, attending a community meeting, or helping a neighbor, civic participation takes many forms. Every action helps build stronger, more connected communities.

At the YMCA of Greater New York, we’re committed to helping young people develop the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills to become active members of their communities.

Through programs like Teens Take the City, we’re empowering the next generation to discover that their voices matter and that they have the power to make a difference—because stronger communities start with people who choose to participate.

Build stronger glutes with the Smith machine hip thrust!

Looking to strengthen your glutes and improve lower-body power? Myrtil walks you through the proper setup for a Smith machine hip thrust!

Remember:
✅ Keep your shoulders supported on the bench.
✅ Plant your feet firmly on the floor.
✅ Engage your core throughout the movement.
✅ Focus on squeezing your glutes at the top.

Whether you’re new to hip thrusts or looking to refine your form, this exercise is a great addition to your lower-body routine.

Have questions about your form? Stop by your local Y and connect with one of our fitness staff. We’re here to help!

FitnessTips WorkoutForm HealthyLiving StrongerTogether ItStartsInside

Like many New Yorkers, we’re reveling in the excitement surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026™! Last week, Y teens from were honored to be invited to a game of pick-up soccer hosted by at Gracie Mansion. The teens enjoyed participating in friendly competition with the mayor, and were equally excited to meet Italian professional player !

We’re truly grateful for this invitation from the mayor’s office, and we love providing our teens with surprising opportunities to deepen their love for the game.