Summer Fun & Wellness Deals at the YMCA

Sponsored Post: Mahalo to the YMCA of Honolulu for sharing their summer wellness promotions with us.

Looking for a little extra motivation to focus on your health and wellness this summer? The YMCA of Honolulu has several summer promotions happening from June 1 through July 31, 2026 that are perfect for both current members and anyone thinking about joining.

New members who join during the summer promotion period will have their joiner’s fee waived — a $99 savings! It’s a great opportunity to check out everything the Y has to offer without the added startup cost.

Current members can also take advantage of 10% off personal training packages during the promotion period. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your fitness routine, this is a nice way to get some extra guidance and accountability.

The Y is also offering 10% off InBody assessments. Non-members can purchase a single assessment, while members can purchase multiple assessments to help track their progress over time.

And for those looking for a little summer fun, the Y’s Summer Bucket List Wellness Challenge will be returning this year! Details are still being finalized, but it will be similar to last year’s challenge featuring more than 50 wellness-focused activities designed to encourage participants to stay active and make the most of summer. There will also be weekly prizes and a grand prize opportunity.

Here’s to a healthy, active, and fun-filled summer at the Y! 

For information on YMCA Memberships, click here.

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Why I Love Being a Member of the YMCA Windward

Thank to our sponsor for the complimentary membership!

If you’re looking for a place to move your body, clear your mind, and feel part of a welcoming community, the YMCA Windward truly delivers. I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Y on a temporary basis, and it gave me a firsthand look at how much more it offers beyond just a place to work out.

From the moment you walk through the doors, the YMCA Windward feels friendly and inclusive. Whether you’re brand new to fitness, getting back into a routine, or already have an established workout plan, there’s no intimidation factor here.

The weight room is clean, spacious, and thoughtfully laid out. There’s a great balance of cardio machines, free weights, and strength equipment, making it easy to customize each workout. I never feel rushed or crowded, and there’s always something available whether I’m squeezing in a quick workout or settling in for a longer session.

One feature I especially like about the YMCA is that most machines include a QR code you can scan with your phone. Each code links to a short instructional video that shows how to properly set up and use the machine. This is incredibly helpful for anyone who’s new to strength training—or trying a machine for the first time. 

 

Another great feature of the YMCA Windward is the wide variety and diversity of group exercise classes offered throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for high-energy cardio, strength-focused workouts, or classes that emphasize flexibility, balance, and mindfulness, there’s something for everyone. The instructors are knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely want everyone to succeed—no matter where you’re starting from. And with the new YMCA360 app, you can reserve your spot for group exercise classes - reservations open two days + one hour (49 hours) before the class start time.

Group exercise area

What truly sets the YMCA apart is the sense of community. The Y is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together with a shared goal of living healthier, happier lives. It’s not uncommon to see familiar faces, exchange smiles, or strike up a quick conversation—it really feels like a neighborhood hub.

If you’ve been thinking about joining the Y—or finding an exercise space that truly fits your lifestyle—now is a better time than ever. The YMCA is kicking off 2026 with an exciting membership promotion that makes it easier than ever to get started.

🎉 January 2026 Membership Specials

• $99 joiner fee completely waived for new members

• $25 in Y-Bucks to use toward programs like swim lessons, youth sports, or workout classes

• 15% off Personal Training packages throughout January

In addition, the YMCA is launching the 2026 Ikaika Challenge! Anyone who works out at the YMCA 10 times between January 12 and February 14 will be entered to win weekly prizes, including Y-Bucks, gift cards, YMCA gear, InBody scans, and more.

Those interested can sign up online at www.ymcahonolulu.org/membership or stop by their home YMCA branch to learn more.  Your membership includes access to all Oahu YMCA locations and 2,700+ participating locations nationwide. Click HERE to learn more about what's included with your membership. 

To learn more about the YMCA Windward Branch specifically, visit their website.

With waived joiner fees, Y-Bucks rewards, discounted personal training, and fun challenges to keep you motivated, there’s no better time to start your fitness journey at the YMCA.

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YMCA of Honolulu November Promotion!

This November, the YMCA of Honolulu is offering a special promotion when you join; they will give your first month free and waive the $99 joiner fee! When you become a member of the YMCA, you will have membership to all Oahu YMCA locations and 2,700+ participating Ys across the United States with no contracts (cancel anytime) and no annual fees. 

Here's what's included:

• Family-friendly environment with programs for all ages and skill levels

• Heated pool, fitness center, and pickleball courts

• Access to 350+ in-person classes weekly and 1,500+ livestream and on-demand classes

• Free YMCA’s teen programs (6th to 12th grade) including academic support, enriching activities, island-wide adventures and more!

Family memberships also include free Child Watch for ages 3 months to 12 years, so you can enjoy your workout while your keiki are cared for!

Outdoor basketball and pickle ball court at the Mililani YMCA

Treadmills and fitness equipment

Stairmaster and elliptical machines 

Weight machines

Free weights 

My family has been enjoying our trial membership at the Mililani YMCA for a couple of weeks now. You will find me in the airconditioned fitness center 2-3 times a week catching up on Netflix while Cade works out in the weight room. At first, I was worried that he would be working out alone, but the weight room is staffed with an attendant so now I have peace of mind. 

We have been enjoying our sessions and it's great to see so many members of the community visiting the YMCA whether it be for swim lessons, karate, group fitness classes, or a workout.   

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Body Balance Honolulu Review and Giveaway Announcement

Complimentary class was provided by our sponsor. All opinions are my own.

As a daughter, wife, and mother of soon-to-be 6 year old twin boys, I value 'ME' time. Since I work full time in town, it's hard to find time just for myself, to do what I love. And when I do find the time, I try to make the best of it. 

One of the things I like to do when I do have 'ME' time is work out. I love running, and I love to lift weights - it just makes me feel better, more balanced, and in turn, that enables me to be a better daughter, wife, and mom.  

I also like to take group exercise fitness classes, but they're just not as convenient for me as before.

Many places require that you go down early to sign up for classes (or a bike), set up equipment, and be in a large room with 30 other people fighting for personal space.  In a large class, you don't get a lot of personal attention, or personal space.

But then I was recently introduced to Body Balance Honolulu, a small boutique studio in Kaka'ako, courtesy of Yelp, and I liked it so much, that when one of the owners of Body Balance invited me back to try another class, I said "absolutely!" with no hesitation at all.  You will see why, as I walk you through my experience.

They gave me my choice of class, and it was such a hard decision to make, because I wanted to try them all. What makes Body Balance different from other boutique workout studios in Hawaii is that they offer a variety of group fitness classes in different disciplines - indoor cycling (Body Cycle), pilates reformer, HIIT, TRX, FITBarre, plyometrics, and weightlifting.  Some classes just have one discipline (such as BodyCycle which is 45 minutes of indoor rhythm-based cycling), some classes are a combination of two or more (such as Ride & Rip, which is 30 minutes of BodyCycle, and 30 minutes of strength training).

I wanted to try a class that incorporated both cardio and strength training, so I signed up for Ride & Rip with Maxine.  Signing up for classes is easy - just create an account on their website (if you haven't done so already), and reserve your spot. For classes that include BodyCycle, you get to select your bike when you reserve our spot.   I love how you can reserve  your spot in classes (and your bike) ahead of time, because at many other fitness studios or gyms, you have to go early to sign up for classes, and if you don't  get there in time, you're out of luck.

I showed up 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to check-in, get my cycling shoes (you can bring your own or rent them from the studio for $3), and make the necessary adjustments on my assigned bike (seat and handle-bar height). Don't know how to secure the bike shoes into the clips or adjust your bike? No worries - the Body Balance staff members and instructors are there to help. Some of the other class attendees are willing to help too, which is what I also liked about this studio - everyone was so friendly!

Then we embarked on our 30 minute ride, full of sprints, hills, and even some upper body work (push ups on the handle bars). It didn't take long for me to work up a sweat and get my heart rate up.  What I like about indoor cycling is that it's always MY ride, and I can make it as hard or easy as I want it to be. With the lights going on and  off like at a nightclub, and our legs pumping to the beat of the music, it was both fun and challenging at the same time.

After 30 minutes of sweating on the bike, we left the cycle room to the multi-purpose room.  To my surprise, the room was already set up for the class - all we had to do was choose a mat. 

Maxine wasted no time in putting us to work.  First up - arms!

Shoulders, chest, triceps, biceps, and back ....

 Moving on to the legs ...

My legs were on fire since we had just put them through 30 minutes of cycling!

If you have never used a hip circle resistance band before, you're in for a real treat. It really works your booty!

The final segment worked our abs/core ....

After our 60 minute sweat session was over, Maxine hung around to chat with us - she was so approachable and friendly. I really got the feeling that I was part of a community here at Body Balance, and not just a guest.

Check out the highlights from my workout!

Did you like what you see? You're in luck! Body Balance is inviting our blog readers to come down to the studio and experience a class for free!   All you need to do is visit their website at bodybalancehonolulu.org, click on "BUY" at the top of their homepage, look for "First Class" in the Class Packages section, and click the "BUY" button. Create an account (or log into your account if you already have one), use the code “MYTIMEFORME” when prompted, and your first class is on the house!

Trust me, after just one class, you'll be wanting to come back for more. On their website, you can buy a single class, or a 6-pack, 12-pack, or 24-pack of classes (these are perfect for those who cannot come down on a regular basis but still want to drop in for classes when their schedule allows), or you can become a monthly member.  Private and semi-private training sessions are also available.


GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT: Check Hawaii Mom Blog's post on Instagram tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16, 2019 for details on how to enter to win a 6-pack of classes!

Body Balance Honolulu

1019 Waimanu Street

(808) 542-9597

bodybalancehonolulu.com

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The Arch Project Climbing Center Opens in Central Oahu!

Disclosure:  Complimentary day passes were received.  All opinions are entirely my own.

The kids are excited to try climbing for the first time!

I am always looking for fun activities for the kids so I was excited to find out that a rock climbing gym would be opening up in Central Oahu, where we live!  Located on Ukee Street near the Waipio Costco, The Arch Project Climbing Center features an amphitheater style wall designed by Futurist Climbing and built by WALLTOPIA.  The gym boasts approximately 2,000 sqft of climbing surfaces with a wide range of angles within a nearly 4,000 sqft facility!  Established by the founders of The Arch Project (a non-profit organization), the gym's mission is to provide an outstanding climbing experience while aiding its sister non-profit organization's mission of giving back to the community.

When the three of us arrived, we didn't know what to expect as we have never climbed at a rock climbing gym before.  Nancy, the Director of Operations and owner, was super helpful in getting us started.  First we signed waivers and then got fitted for climb shoes.  After going over the gym rules, she gave us a demonstration on the proper way to fall off from the wall: rolling on to your back with your chin tucked to prevent whiplash.  Safety is a priority here as the gym is built with the highest safety standards including a custom 16" thick seamless bouldering floor.

Nancy going over some techniques with us.

The gym has six levels of routes ranging from easy to expert and designated by a different color.  The kids and I stuck to the easy routes and while we found them challenging, we had a LOT of fun!  Nancy was also really helpful in giving us climbing tips like turning our knees out and keeping our hips close to the wall.  Just watching other climbers was especially helpful for us beginners.  

The yellow marks an easy route.

But even easy was a bit of a challenge for us.

The kids gave it their all and had so much fun!

Cade, my six year old son, did get a little frustrated when he couldn't make it to the top of the wall.  I think it's partially because he just didn't have the reach, but Nancy said more routes for kids will be coming soon.  The gym is open daily from 3pm-10pm Monday through Friday, 12pm-8pm Saturday, and 12pm-6pm Sunday and also offers additional services like group climbing instruction, yoga and fitness classes, private lessons and coaching, birthday parties and events, and corporate teambuilding exercises.  The Arch Project Climbing Center is currently open and will be celebrating their Grand Opening on September 9th!  Be sure to check them out!  


A big THANK YOU to the Arch Project Climbing Center for the super fun experience!

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