Push yourself to new heights with our fitness challenges! Designed to support your goals in fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, these challenges help you stay motivated, have fun, and become your best self. Join us and take the next step toward a healthier you!
Couch to 5K
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Build up to a 5K in just six weeks—no experience needed!
Looking for a fun, supportive way to get moving this summer? Join our Couch to 5K Challenge, a six-week program designed to help you train at your own pace and build up to running a 5K.
Challenge runs June 8-July 19
Registration is open June 1-15. Click the link above or visit Member Services to register.
COST: $10/member • $20/community
Optional In-Person Info Sessions:
- Tuesday, June 18
- Tuesday, July 9
Final Goal: Participate in the Race for YMCA 5K/10K on Friday, July 19
Participants will receive a discounted race entry.
Challenge FAQs
What are the age requirements for participation?
- Participants must be at least 12 years old.
I forgot to sign up for the Couch to 5K by June 8. Can I still sign up?
- No, this is a week-by-week progressive program. As the weeks go by, the training plan will vary. Starting too late will not allow for completion of the program.
Can my friend and I do this together?
- The training plan is an individual plan. Both members are encouraged to sign up and push one another but the distances are completed individually.
Do we get anything for signing up?
- All participants who complete the program and participate in the Race for YMCA 5K/10K will get a T-shirt.
Zero Gain Challenge
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Maintain your weight, body fat or increase your muscle and you win! The Zero Gain Challenge is an eight-week challenge, designed to help you stay on task with your fitness journey throughout the holidays.
WHEN: November 18-January 10 - Registration deadline is Friday, November 22!
WHAT YOU GET:
- Two body composition scans, using InBody technology with a certified personal trainer
- A healthier start to 2025
- A chance to win raffle prizes
- 10% off a 4-session Personal Training Package during the Challenge
COST: $20/member • $40/community
Challenge FAQs
What do I need to do to prepare for the InBody assessment/weigh-in?
- Each participant will be given a preparatory steps flyer when they register for the challenge. Main points – hydrate as normal the day before, use the restroom before testing and do not eat or exercise prior to testing.
What are the age requirements for participation?
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
I forgot to sign up for the Zero Gain Challenge, Can I still sign up?
- YES! Members & Y Staff can register up until November 21 or 22 depending on the last day of testing at your branch.
Can my friend and I do this together?
- Zero Gains is an individual challenge. Both members are encouraged to sign up and push one another, weigh-ins are completed separately.
Do we get anything for signing up?
- Two Inbody Assessments. One at the beginning and the other at the end of the challenge.
- The opportunity to take advantage of the discounted 4-session personal training package.
- Weekly healthy tips for the duration of the challenge.
What happens if I miss my weigh-in time?
- Contact Member Services and see if there are any other times available at either of the locations for the rest of the week. There will be no make-up days for either scan.
How do I complete the challenge?
- Decrease or maintain weight (within 2lbs of first assessment) or body fat percentage or increase skeletal muscle mass.
What happens if I can’t make the last weight in?
- Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to do any makeup scans. You can purchase an InBody Scan anytime and meet with a personal trainer to review your results.
What happens if I complete the challenge?
- You will be entered into a raffle at the end of the challenge. There will be 3 prizes for each location.
36/12 Fitness Challenge
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The Y keeps it simple - workout 36 times over 12 weeks and you've completed the challenge! The average is 3 workouts per week. Those who complete the challenge will receive a FREE 36/12 shirt!
Challenge runs February 10-May 4 
Registration is open January 23-March 28. Click the link above or visit Member Services to register. There is NO COST for members to join!
How it Works
- Scan your YMCA membership card and request a dot at Member Services.
- Place the dot next to your name on the challenge wall display in the hallway. Please do not skip spaces.
- Your workout must be done at the YMCA.
- Your workout must be at least 30 minutes.
- You can only earn one dot per day.
YMCA Lazyman Challenge
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Challenge yourself with our month-long YMCA Lazyman competition! Swim/row, bike, and run the distance of an Ironman at your own pace. The YMCA Lazyman Challenge is a four-week-long initiative that challenges participants to complete an Ironman Triathlon at their own pace. This challenge is meant to be inclusive for all abilities and demographics, with modifications as needed. All participants who complete the challenge will receive a T-shirt!
What Counts Toward Milage?
| Swim • 2.4 Miles 4,000 meters/yards |
For this challenge, modifications have been made to swimming/rowing distances for ease of tracking. Participants will swim/row 4,000 meters/yards and may complete a mix of swimming and rowing. 45-60 minutes water exercise class = 1/4 mile. |
| Bike • 112 miles | 1 mile on stationary bike or seated elliptical (Sci-Fit) = 1 mile Includes miles logged in a cycling class |
| Running • 26.2 miles |
1 mile of running, walking, or elliptical = 1 mile |
Challenge FAQs
What if I have physical limitations for portions of the competition?
- If you are unable to run, bike, or swim there are modified exceptions that will still count toward completion goals. Participants can space out mileage as needed throughout the 30 days.
- Biking - Any form of indoor/outdoor bike is acceptable, including seated ellipticals. Spinning and cycling classes also count toward this goal.
- Swimming - Swimming can include a mix of lap swim, rowing machine, and water aerobics classes. Participants can also walk 1/2 laps in the pool or use a kickboard to complete full laps.
- Running/Walking - Run or walk on a treadmill, on one of our indoor tracks, or outside. Group exercise classes also count toward this goal
What can YMCA O’Brien Center members do for the swimming portion?
- Members at YMCA O’Brien Center have access to the pool at the Downtown South Bend YMCA, Niles-Buchanan YMCA, and the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA, as well as other community pools. They also have the option to use a rowing machine.
Can my friend and I do this together?
- The YMCA Lazyman Challenge is an individual challenge. Both members are encouraged to sign up and push one another but the distances are completed individually.
Where and how do I track my progress?
- Each participant will be given a tracking sheet to put their miles on. Miles will be tracked on the honor system and must be completed at a YMCA of Greater Michiana branch.
Who do we let know that we have finished the challenge?
- Let Fit Desk or Member Service know when you have completed the challenge so they can see if you were one of the top finishers.
