Prevention & Wellness Programs
Free Programs to Improve Your Health
EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH INTERVENTION PROGRAMS The MetroWest YMCA has an entire department devoted to supporting participants with chronic conditions to help them reclaim their health and improve their quality of life. We offer the programs listed within to help individuals prevent illness, support recovery, and manage health conditions for greater well-being. These programs are evidence-based, meaning they have shown quantifiable results and are meant to complement traditional healthcare delivery. All of our instructors are certified in their specific evidence-based program. Our YMCA has classes that support people with diabetes, high blood pressure, neuromuscular conditions, diabetes prevention, arthritis, cancer and fall prevention. Most of these classes are FREE and offered on an ongoing basis.
- Diabetes Self-Management
- Enhance Fitness
- Livestrong @ the YMCA
- Matter of Balance
- Parkinson's Wellness Programs - Parkinson's Group Exercise, Pedal for Parkinson's, PWR!Moves for Parkinson's
- Tai Chi for Healthy Aging
- Walk with Ease
- YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
- YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
To learn more about these programs, or to be notified when the next classes are scheduled, contact Lauren Hanley at Ex.t 239 laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org or FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Download our brochures to learn more and share them with friends and family!
Overview of all our Prevention and Wellness Programs
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PROGRAMS STARTING THIS FALL
ENHANCE FITNESS- Starts September 6, 2023
This is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that offers simple, easy-to-learn movements designed to deliver cardio exercise, strength training, flexibility, and balance. The goal of the program is to motivate participants to improve overall function and well-being. It may help you prevent falls and help with symptoms of arthritis. The class can be done seated or standing, and the exercises are modified for individuals’ needs and abilities.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
This class is a Y member benefit that is provided FREE to Y members. To register, contact Lauren Hanley Ext 239 laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org
LIVESTRONG® the YMCA for Cancer Survisiors
Now enrolling for Tuesdays/Thursdays @ 6:00 PM. There's currently a waitlist for Tuesday/Thursdays @ 11:30 AM. Please contact Lauren if you're interestd: laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org
Livestrong at the YMCA is offered three times a year, January, April, and September.
Class time will be dependent on participant availability.
The Y and LIVESTRONG® have joined together to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals safely. Participants learn endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance, which helps to improve confidence and self-esteem by focusing on the whole person and not the disease. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is offered three times per year and is FREE to anyone living with or beyond cancer treatments. Their support and/or caregivers are welcome.
YMCA’S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM - starts in October
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps overweight adults (age 18+) at risk for type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Led by a Lifestyle coach, participants learn small, measurable changes that can reduce their risk and help them live a happier, healthier life.
Members & Non-members currently free through a grant to any that qualifies. Take this free risk assessment test.
ONGOING CLASSES - JOIN AT ANY TIME!
YMCA BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM:
Free to the community and on-going
This is an evidence-based program that helps participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure through a combination of blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars, and personalized support. A Healthy Heart Ambassador will support, guide, and educate each participant. Participants will receive a FREE blood Pressure Cuff and attend free monthly nutrition webinars. Sessions can be virtual or in person.
Ongoing enrollment when the qualifying participant is ready.
The program is four months, and the participant meets two times a month with a trained Heart Healthy Ambassador. Also, 1x a month Nutrition webinars.
TAI CHI FOR HEALTHY AGING AND BETTER BALANCE:
This class is a Y-Active member FREE benefit. A class for older adults or people with balance concerns. The class uses the most beneficial practices from Tai Chi and other related arts to improve balance, reduce stress, reduce fear, and improve vitality. The class will help restore natural posture, breathing, and your life force to become stronger and improve vigor.
On-going weekly on Tuesdays, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM in Studio A
PARKINSON'S DISEASE WELLNESS PROGRAMS
The Parkinson's Disease Wellness Programs are specifically designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease, MS, or any other neuromuscular conditions to maintain and improve their quality of life. All exercises can be modified to accommodate each individual’s needs and abilities. These programs are supported by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.
Download our brochure to learn more about the Parkinson's Program. Or, contact Lauren Hanley at Ext. 239 or laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org
PARKINSON'S EXERCISE:
Parkinson's Exercise is a class open to anyone with a neuromuscular or cerebrovascular condition such as Parkinson’s, or Multiple Sclerosis. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility. All exercises are modified to accommodate everyone’s needs and abilities.
Mondays, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
FREE for all
PWR!Moves:
PWR!Moves class, the core of our PD-specific functional exercise and physical therapy programs. The Basic 4 PWR!Moves are designed to each target a skill known to deteriorate in people with Parkinson disease, which often leads to loss of mobility and function. The PWR!Moves can be practiced in multiple positions, made progressively more physically and cognitively challenging, and be used differently to target each person’s unique symptoms individually.
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
FREE for all
PEDAL FOR PARKINSON'S:
The MetroWest YMCA offers this program because regular exercise is one of the key components in treating the many symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35 percent reduction in symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace, optimally 80-90 revolutions per minute. Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson's disease, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference in many who try it.
Requirements to participate:
- Must be over age 30 and diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease or another neurological condition
- Physician approval is required, and we will have you sign a waiver.
- It is recommended that you have a heart rate monitor and proper cycling equipment, including padded shorts, water, sneakers, or clip-in shoes
- Participants must not have cardiac or pulmonary disease, uncontrolled mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension or stroke, dementia, or other medical conditions for which exercise poses a risk
Fridays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sundays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FREE for all
PARKINSON'S MOVEMENT TO MUSIC CLASS
A class where participants move to the music through rhythm and dance sequences, which helps improve agility and mobility. All different types of music will be used. Chairs are available. Studio A.
Thursdays, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Members: FREE | Community Members: FREE
FILL OUT THIS FORM to get more information or be notified when classes are scheduled.
EARLY FALL/ SPRING PROGRAMS
WALK WITH EASE - Started August 21st
Mondays, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Fridays, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Instructor: Annette
Location: Cushing Park, Framingham
The class is six weeks long and ends on September 29th.
The Arthritis Foundation’s six-week Walk with Ease program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life safely. This program has been proven to improve your overall health and:
Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
Increase balance, strength, and walking pace
Build confidence in your ability to be physically active
The Walk With Ease program is offered as a self-guided course or in a community setting. Members & Non-members currently FREE through a grant.
To learn more, contact Lauren Hanley at Ext 239 laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org
REGISTER ONLINE HERE
