Health and Fitness

When we were young, we may have looked forward to summer days full of swimming at the local pool, but swimming is a hobby most of us do less and less often as we get older. If you've never lost the love of swimming, that's amazing!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States, on average, die five years earlier than women.

Since the days of the visionary nurse Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), people have used gardens to promote healing and reduce stress. What is it about a garden that lifts our spirits, and how can gardening improve our mental health?

If you're setting out on a journey to become stronger and more fit, congratulations! You've already taken the first step toward reaching your personal health and wellness goals. Now, you just need to plan and execute the workouts.

Starting anything new can be a challenge — whether it’s an exercise regimen, a job, a diet, or a household routine.

Along with color-coding my closet and bookshelves, meal planning is one of my (seemingly unattainable) life goals.

No matter when you start, exercise can improve your health in just about every way. At the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, we have seen firsthand how exercise can change people's lives — here's a look at some of the benefits.