The YMCA’s Wellness and Disease Prevention programs are designed to help individuals build healthier lifestyles, manage chronic conditions, and reduce risk factors for disease. These programs combine education, group support, and physical activity to empower participants to take charge of their health in a supportive community environment.
Programs Offered
Offerings vary by branch. Ask your Y about personalized wellness programs.
Life-changing fitness and mobility program expressly designed for people with Parkinson's Disease. This program delivers symptom-specific exercises that optimize function. Participants will experience improvement in mobility, posture, balance, and more.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. The free 12-week program offers small class sizes to provide personalized attention to each participant.
Thefree 12-week programoffers small class sizes to provide personal attention to each of the participants. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA fills an important community need by supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors, who are in a transitional period between completing their treatments and feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to return to regular activity. Often, cancer treatments leave patients deconditioned and/or chronically fatigued, which is why this program is designed to empower survivors to regain their health.
Free, 12-week Y membership for the survivor and their family
Two 75 minute classes each week
Small group setting (1:6 instructor ratio)
Full access to YMCA facilities, including Child Watch child care services
Designed for adults who are undergoing or who have completed their cancer treatment
Program Goals
Improve energy levels and self-esteem
Build muscle mass and strength
Increase flexibility and endurance
Improve functional ability to do everyday tasks
Reduce the severity of therapy side-effects and prevent unwanted weight changes
Develop an ongoing physical fitness program so participants can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as a part of recovery but as a way of life
Our Instructors
Our instructors provide a supportive, safe environment for each class. Our certified instructors and personal trainers have undergone specialized training in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care.
Criterion For Participation
Strong personal desire to enroll in the program
Personally commit to attending all classes
Consult with their physician prior to joining the program
Permit Y Wellness Staff to call their physician or person giving treatment when necessary
Obtain medical referral and waiver
Complete YMCA paperwork and a screening questionnaire
The Prescribe the Y physician referral program is an innovative approach to chronic disease prevention and management through a non-medical intervention. This grassroots approach asks individuals to take personal responsibility, when able, for addressing lifestyle issues that affect health or chronic illness.
By prescribing Prescribe the Y for patients with chronic conditions, physicians add urgency and credibility to long-term lifestyle changes that healthier eating and increased physical activity foster. If you are under the care of a physician and think you might qualify for Prescribe the Y, contact your Y’s Wellness Director.
Developed to encourage regular physical activity as a part of your healthy lifestyle. This program provides a safe and friendly environment where members are supported by specially trained wellness coaches to learn the fundamentals for safe exercise.
In-Home Training Program of the West Essex Y is unique in this area. The program targets seniors in need of in-home support, whether from a temporary setback such as a recent illness, or due to the effects of chronic disease and the natural aging process.
In-Home Training Program seeks to improve the quality of life for homebound seniors by offering twice weekly in home visits by a wellness professional and volunteer. Each 60 minutes session is tailored to the specific needs of each participant. Over 12 weeks, our teams will improve physical activity and flexibility, stimulate cognition and enhance socialization for participants.
