We offer a range of programs, classes, equipment, and guidance allowing you to exercise, gain strength and increase flexibility without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles.
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We want to help you gain more strength and independence, starting now.
Walk With Ease
The YMCA of Central New York is proud to offer the Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program. Walk with Ease is a six-week group exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. Learn how to walk safely and comfortably, while improving your flexibility, strength, and stamina! If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk with Ease.
To learn more, complete this interest form to be contacted by a Healthy Living Team Member.
Enhance®Fitness Arthritis Management
Treating Arthritis through Smiles, Fun and Friendships
Enhance®Fitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living.
EnhanceFitness has been nationally recognized by the US Centers for Disease Control, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging.
It offers low-impact exercise classes that are safe and challenging for older adults of all fitness levels. Exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance and flexibility - all of which can reduce arthritis symptoms.
Most importantly, EnhanceFitness is fun. Classes are held in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes smiles fun, laughter and friendships. Participants keep coming back and encouraging each other to stay healthy.
To learn more, complete this interest form to be contacted by a Healthy Living Team Member.
- Certified instructor with special training to bring out your best
- Five-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
- 20-minute aerobic workout to get you moving, or a walking workout to lively music
- Five-minute cool-down
- 20-minute strength training workout with soft ankle or wrist weights
- 10-minute stretching workout to keep muscles flexible
- Multiple balance exercises
- Lots of opportunities to socialize and make new friends
- You'll feel welcome, whether you have arthritis or not
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
YOGA
Joining the mind, body and spirit together, yoga incorporates nurturing movement into your routine safely and effectively. Training includes: mental focus, balance, strength, coordination, and flexibility.
Yoga class styles available:
- Chair yoga
- Vinyasa (flowing style)
- Kundalini (flowing energy balance)
- Gentle (more supported and seated poses)
- Yoga with Meditation
- Strength focused (standing with longer holds)
Design to improve the strength of the core muscles to protect and maintain a healthy back.
FLEX & BALANCE
A unique program incorporating effective balance and stretching exercises to improve balance, strengthen heart and legs, and improve coordination and posture - all while having FUN.
TAI CHI
Focused movement and balance create this flowing movement style that increase joint suppleness and body awareness.
PILATES
Develop lean muscles, balance, flexibility, coordination and mind/body. Work the core muscles (abdominals, low back and glutes) through a series of choreographed movements done on a mat. This exercise program will leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.
FOCUS ON FITNESS
Strength training for the active senior. Hand weights, elastic bands, and small balls for gripping are used for resistance. Chairs may be used for seated/standing support
ACTIVE MOVERS
This class blends low-impact cardio exercises with strength training and balance. This class provides everything older adults need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
NIA
The NIA Technique is a mind/body physical conditioning program that includes neurological integrative practices and teachings.
AQUATICS CLASSES
SHALLOW WATER FITNESSClasses are conducted in the shallow end of the lap pool and offer great mobility with very little impact. The water helps support the weight of your body, lessening the compression on joints from the spine to the feet. Movement in the water offers resistance and builds as the movements become more dynamic and vigorous.
Shallow Class types available:
- Walking and running water classes
- Zumba and choreographed dance
- Cardiovascular-only training
- Strength-only training
- Boxing
- Boot-camp combining strength and cardio
Exercise in the deep area of the pool offers a unique physical experience. The body is suspended in the water, creating a non-impact environment and healthy traction for your joints, from the neck to the feet. Suspended with flotation belts, movements go through full range of motion with a focus on strength, cardiovascular benefits, or both.
Deep Water class types available:
- Dynamic strength
- Core-focused strength
- Hydro Running
- Cardiovascular Training
The therapy pool is heated, improving circulation and nurturing the muscles and joints. A warm pool allows for slower movement without cooling the body's core. Classes in this environment can achieve large range of motion movements with precision and mindfulness.
Therapy Pool Class Types:
- Yoga
- Pi Yo Chi
- Arthritis-specific
- Flexibility Training
- Dynamic Strength
- Balance Training
- Joint Action