Blog

This past year has been a transformative one at the J. Across our campus, we’ve invested in meaningful renovations designed to enhance the way our community gathers, moves, relaxes, and connects. Each project was approached with intention, care, and a deep understanding that the J is not just a facility—it is a shared home for our community.

More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to fitness. In fact, rest is just as important as the work you put in. In this article, we’ll dive into why recovery days are essential for anyone with a fitness routine, how rest contributes to overall health, and tips for maximizing your rest periods to maintain a healthy, balanced workout plan.

To kids, a shaded grove, a sandbox, or just a patch of grass can feel like the world’s biggest classroom. For young children, time outside is more than a break from screens — it is a proven way to build healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger social skills.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that emerges during certain seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. For many, the reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Although often associated with adults, youth are not immune to the challenges posed by this condition.

When the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, staying active can feel like a daunting task. However, exercising in winter is not only important for maintaining your physical health, but it’s also a great way to support your mental well-being and boost your energy during the colder months. In this article, we’ll explore why winter exercise is essential and suggest some fun, effective activities to keep you moving. Plus, we’ll highlight how Siegel JCC can help you stay fit and motivated all season long!

Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, safety should always be a top priority — for swimmers at every age. Here are some essential swimming safety tips to ensure a fun experience for everyone.

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation worldwide. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health and well-being. Whether you're looking to increase flexibility, reduce stress, or simply find a new way to stay active, yoga offers a range of benefits for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the basics of yoga and answer common questions, helping you get started on your yoga journey.

On Monday, June 10, the Siegel Jewish Community Center (JCC) held its annual meeting, marking a significant transition in leadership and a renewed commitment to its mission. The evening was filled with reflections on the past year’s accomplishments, the celebration of dedicated volunteers, and the introduction of new leadership.

Flexibility and mobility are often overlooked aspects of physical health, yet improved flexibility and mobility come with valuable benefits, enhancing your overall physical performance and contributing significantly to your everyday well-being. Read on to learn more about the benefits of improved flexibility and mobility and discover some practical ways to enhance these essential elements of physical fitness.

Cardiovascular fitness — also known as cardiorespiratory fitness — refers to the efficiency with which the heart, lungs, and vascular system work together to supply oxygen-rich blood to working muscles during sustained physical activity. This type of fitness is crucial for overall health, affecting everything from heart health to mental well-being.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of cardiovascular fitness, discuss the numerous benefits it offers, and provide practical tips for incorporating cardio training into your lifestyle.

Summer camps are more than just a way to keep children busy during their school break. They offer a unique environment where kids can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills that are beneficial in their schooling years and beyond. Here’s a look at the crucial skills children learn at summer camp and why they are so important.

Today, kids ages 8-18 have an estimated 7.5 hours of screen time per day. In light of this digital lifestyle, the allure of the great outdoors is an essential and grounding force for the younger generation. Nature's classroom offers invaluable lessons and experiences, contributing significantly to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted benefits of nature for children and how summer camps like Camp JCC serve as a gateway to these enriching outdoor experiences.

"No man,” wrote author and scholar John Donne, “is an island." As social creatures, we inherently seek connection, belonging, and purpose, all of which a community provides. Communities foster social connection, which is integral to our mental health, and encourages socialization that has a range of health benefits. Let's delve deeper into the beneficial aspects of community involvement for both our mind and body.

Everyone knows exercise is essential, but as people age, maintaining physical fitness becomes even more important. Not only can regular exercise help seniors feel healthier and more energetic, but it can also contribute to better balance, reduce fall risk, and even help manage chronic diseases. Let’s take a closer look at how fitness can benefit seniors, some effective exercises, and our best exercise tips for older adults.

In 2018, J staff member Sarah Segestrom died by suicide at the age of 16. The loss of Sarah had a profound impact on our community, with teens, parents, grandparents, and educators seeking support in helping themselves and those they care about through mental health struggles.

5 years ago, Sarah’s journey and memory inspired the creation of the Wellness Summit, a program with goals of opening up honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness. Over the last five years, the Wellness Summit has been a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental health, and finding ways to cope as a community.