Health and Wellness
The YMCA of Greater Providence, with its Health and Wellness branches, strives to offer excellence in fitness facilities and programming. Our staff is dedicated to helping the communities that they serve by communicating with members and identifying the needs of health seekers.
YMCA health and wellness programs are developmentally appropriate and help people at any stage of life build positive health habits. Participation in YMCA programs offers youth, adults and families opportunities for positive interaction, friendship, a sense of well-being, increased self-confidence and improved mental abilities. YMCA programs and services cut across diverse populations with diverse needs and attempt to take into account the total health of each person.
The YMCA provides a variety of health and wellness programs, including land and water fitness classes for families and individuals of all ages; health and wellness seminars; educational classes; personalized training programs; non-competitive youth and adult sports leagues; and social opportunities for seniors and families.
This all-inclusive approach is what sets the YMCA apart from your typical fitness facility.
Some of the Programs offered through our Health and Wellness Department are: Group Exercise, Yoga and Pilates classes, Equipment Orientations and Fitness Consultations are all free with your YMCA Membership! For more information, click here for a Program Guide.
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Group Exercise Classes
From gentle stretch and meditation to high intensity Boot Camp and Group Cycling, to the popular Belly Dancing, the Kent County YMCA offers something for every fitness level and variety of interests. Our trained instructors ensure that you feel welcome and comfortable and that your workout is safe.
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Roller Babies
Line up to sweat with baby in tow while enjoying the great outdoors. This class is the perfect solution to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, spending quality time with your baby and meeting other moms. Spend time with your baby while enjoying a challenging and fun fitness class. Class will meet at the front stairs of the main building. Moms, wear comfortable workout clothes and weather appropriate attire for babies.
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Massage Therapy for Adults
Reduce stress, relieve pain and promote relaxation and well-being for the spirit, mind and body. Various therapies are available including Swedish relaxation, deep tissue, Shiatsu, Reflexology and Reiki. Click here for complete list of types of massages and see the Program Guide for pricing information.
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Yoga and Pilates
Early morning, afternoon and evening offerings of these popular classes increase flexibility, balance and strength.
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Personal Training
Need a little extra motivation? Need a little extra push to work out to the max? Personal trainers are available at an affordable fee. Sign up at the Member Service Center or contact Susie Gallucci, Health & Wellness Director at 828-0130 or at sgallucci@gpymca.org for more information.
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Youth and Teen Exercise Programs
Teens 11 to 15 years are welcome to work out in our Fitness Center after participating in an Equipment Orientation. There are also Strength Training classes offered to this age group.
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Post Rehab Maintenance Programs
Living Strong, Living Well Program
Living Strong, Living Well is a 12-week exercise program for adult cancer survivors (men and women) who have recently become deconditioned or chronically fatigued from their disease and/or treatment. The YMCA of Greater Providence is pleased to announce the introduction of Living Strong, Living Well at two of its branches, Kent County and East Side/Mt. Hope. Developed by Stanford University, Living Strong, Living Well has been offered at several Ys in Palo Alto, California, since 2002 with much success. The program meets twice a week and consists of strength training and cardio conditioning, with a relaxation/stretching segment at the end of each class. To register or to obtain more information, please contact Judy Cerrito at 828-0130 ext. 206 or e-mail at jcerrito@gpymca.org. This program is free for members and program participants.
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Cardiac Health & Maintenance Program (CHAMP)
This 12-week program is designed for adults who are continuing recovery from a cardiac episode. CHAMP participants must have completed a formal cardiac rehabilitation program. CHAMP is a comprehensive program that integrates the psychological, social and physical components of Health & Wellness. For more information, contact the Fitness Director at 828-0130.
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Starting Over
In this exercise program designed for those who have or have had breast cancer, you will learn flexibility and strengthening exercises for parts of the body affected by your cancer treatment. Cardiovascular exercises will improves your endurance, and special relaxation techniques will enhance your feeling of well-being and renewal. Led by a certified YMCA Exercise Instructor who has had breast cancer herself.
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Equipment Orientation
A must for new members. Trained staff will instruct you on proper use of equipment and set you up with a routine that suits you. Sign up at the Fitness Center.
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SilverSneakers
A fitness program for Medicare-eligible adults offering specially designed classes and social activities. For more information, contact the Welcome Center.
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Fitness Consultations
Meet with a Fitness Specialist to discuss and define your wellness goals and how to best achieve them with the help of YMCA programs and services. For more information, contact the Fitness Director.
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YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Program
Change habits that are unhealthy in your life. Take control of your life. This program will help you change the habit or behavior of your choice in order to improve your health and well-being. A Healthy Lifestyle Coach will supervise and help you develop an action plan for change that is specific to your needs. The group is confidential and is designed to provide positive reinforcement and inspiration as members draw strength from each other. See Fitness Center for cost and details.
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Yes! You Can Run a 5K
The Kent County YMCA has teamed up with the Forest Park Race Committee to help make running a 5K road race a very achievable goal. With the “From no way to 5k” curriculum, you will participate in a 9-week course designed for the non to novice runner to learn a safe and effective route to beginning a running program. The group meets once-per-week for 1-hour. Sessions consist of a run/jog or walk-based cardiovascular portion as well as a strength-training instructional workout directly related to running. Also included each week is an information and discussion portion on stretching, hydration, pacing, footwear, etc. The program will begin in July and run for 9 weeks with week ten as race day.