Prevention & Wellness Programs
Free Programs to Improve Your Health
We offer the following programs free of cost to help individuals prevent illness, support recovey, 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. Most of these programs are offered on a rolling basis.
To learn more or to be notified when the next class is scheduled, contact Laura Gilbert lgilbert@metrowestymca.org 508-879-4420 Ext 232 or FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Download our brochures to learn more and share with friends and family!
Overview of all our Prevention and Wellness Programs
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UPCOMING CLASSES:
WALK WITH EASE -- NEW DATE & TIME!
Members & Non-members FREE currently through a grant.
NEW DATE & TIME! Next class starts: April 3 to May 12 from 3-4pm at Cushing Park at 750 Winter St. Framingham Ma 01702
The Arthritis Foundation's six-week Walk with Ease program can teach you how to make physical activity part of your everyday life safely. The program has been proven to: reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis, increase balance, strength, walking pace, and build confidence in your ability to be physically active and improve overall health.
The Arthritis Foundation’s program, Walk with Ease, is a six week program that can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. This program includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health. Studies by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina show that Walk with Ease is proven to:
- Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
- Increase balance, strength and walking pace
- Build confidence in your ability to be physically active
- Improve overall health
The Walk With Ease program is offered as a self-guided course or in a community setting.
To learn more and to register, contact Laura Gilbert lgilbert@metrowestymca.org
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA:
Free to anyone in the community diagnosed with cancer. Members & Non-members FREE.
Starts Tuesday, April 25, 2023
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 safely achieve their goals. 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.
ENHANCE FITNESS:
This class is a Y member benefit is provided FREE to Y members.
Start: Monday, May 8, 2023
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
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.
To register, contact Laura Gilbert lgilbert@metrowestymca.org
ONGOING CLASSES - JOIN AT ANY TIME!:
YMCA BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM:
Free 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.
PARKINSON'S EXERCISE:
Members: FREE | Non-members: FREE will receive a 3-month membership to participate.
Mondays, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
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.
NEW! PWR!Moves:
Members: FREE | Non-members: FREE will receive a 3-month membership to participate.
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
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.
PEDAL FOR PARKINSON'S:
Members: FREE | Non-members: FREE will receive a 3-month membership to participate.
Fridays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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
VIRTUAL PARKINSON'S:
This virtual class is 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, flexibility and include some yoga poses. All exercises are modified to accommodate everyone's needs and abilities.
Members: FREE | Non-Members: FREE
Thursdays, 11:45am-12:30pm via Zoom
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 B
FILL OUT THIS FORM to get more information or be notified when classes are scheduled.
YMCA’S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM:
Members & Non-members FREE currently through a grant to any that qualifies.
NEW DATE & TIME! Next class starts: Wednesday, May 3rd, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT
NEW DATE & TIME! Next class starts: May 3 to June 7 from 4:00pm-6:30pm via Zoom.
Members & Non-members FREE currently through a grant to any that qualifies.
Developed by Stanford University and based on the Chronic Disease Self-Management curriculum, this program is for people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers.
REDUCE RISK
For people who already have a diagnosis or serious risk factors for a disease
Prevention & Wellness at the MetroWest YMCA means addressing health issues in multiple ways, at any age. That is why we offer effective programs across the age span. Working together, we help you address barriers and reduce risk to your long-term health needs.
RECLAIM HEALTH
To help people manage chronic or long-term health problems
To best promote health and wellness, at the MetroWest YMCA we believe we must address your needs holistically. Led by our Prevention & Wellness team, we offer evidence-based programs while we work with doctors, community members and businesses to ensure you or your loved one have the support to reclaim health.
