You Won't Believe What Altru Family YMCA's New 'Health Trip' Program Promises—Is Your Health at Risk?

GRAND FORKS – As winter settles in, the Altru Family YMCA is stepping up to promote healthy living through its 60-day program, Health Trip. Launched as part of the YMCA's celebration of its 140th anniversary, the initiative encourages participants to make healthier lifestyle choices and engage in daily exercise. The program runs until March 6, and sign-ups are still open for anyone looking to join.

Health Trip focuses on three core areas: physical activity, nutrition, and overall health. It employs a fun, map-based challenge system that rewards participants with prizes as they complete various wellness tasks. The goal of these challenges is to promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body, making participants not only healthier but also happier and more active.

“This is our first year back with Health Trip, with a full map,” said Adam Sorum, the Healthy Living Director at the YMCA. The map includes brief descriptions of significant milestones in the organization's history, which dates back to its founding by six local churches in 1886. Last year's program, conducted in partnership with Blue Zones Grand Forks, did not utilize a map.

Participants will use the map to track their activities and healthy lifestyle choices, earning points for completing specific challenges related to behavior and lifestyle changes. “There are lifestyle changes and nutrition challenges incorporated into it. It’s been a fairly stressful year so far, so the stress management challenges and habit changes are particularly helpful,” Sorum explained. He noted that while New Year’s resolutions may not be as popular as in years past, the program offers a fresh opportunity to inspire individuals to adopt healthier habits.

“It’s a pretty good program overall,” Sorum added. “People seem to really enjoy it.” According to an announcement from the YMCA, “Participants will have fun staying healthy during the winter months while traveling the many YMCA milestones from 1886 to the present.”

The program encourages community involvement, allowing individuals to join as part of a team, family, or even a company group. This encourages a bit of friendly competition while promoting health and wellness.

For just a $20 fee, participants receive a map, logbook, entry into a drawing for door prizes, a commemorative T-shirt, and access to “Free Fridays” at the YMCA. On “Free Fridays,” anyone can take part in classes at the Y, regardless of YMCA membership status. Additionally, staff members from Grand Forks Public Schools, one of the event sponsors, can join for a reduced fee of $15.

Those who complete the challenges will be rewarded with gift cards and “swag bags,” making the experience not just enjoyable but also rewarding in more ways than one. For more information or to enroll, interested individuals can visit the YMCA website or contact Sorum directly at (701) 775-2586. The YMCA is located at 215 N. Seventh St.