Participation in YMCA Health & Wellness programs offer opportunities for friendship and community, a sense of well-being, self-confidence and improved mental abilities, not to mention the obvious health benefits of healthy heart, lungs, bones, and muscles.

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ENHANCE FITNESS

Moderate-impact classes with high-impact results. 

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Across the country, a growing number of Y associations offer Enhance®Fitness, an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life.

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Here are some of the changes our participants have noticed:

• More energy

• Better balance

• Increases in upper body and lower body strength

• More flexibility and range of motion

• Better sleep

• More feelings of happiness

• Sense of independence

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In addition to the physical benefits, research has shown that, among older adults who participate in Enhance®Fitness, health costs were lowered each year by close to $1,000. 

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Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants. Enhance®Fitness is geared toward older adults. Those with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, need not worry; they will never have to do anything that hurts. Participants can use chairs for support, if necessary, and increase the weight they use for strength training at their own pace.

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SILVER SNEAKERS

The YMCA is proud to offer SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active programs.

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Each of these programs may allow you to have your membership fees waived as a benefit of your healthcare plan.

At the Y, older adults can take advantage of exercise programs designed especially for them and benefit from social events ranging from potlucks, to group outings and community service opportunities. Some examples of programs are:

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• Muscular Strength and Range of Motion Classes

• Cardio Vascular Classes

• Chair Yoga

• Pickleball

• And so much more!

 

As we age, it is increasingly important to stay active and exercise regularly.

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We understand the fundamental health and social activities that contribute to older adults living a healthier and more fulfilling life. When you visit your local Y you will find seniors talking, sharing and laughing together around the free coffee that we provide. You can experience the thrill of competition by participating in our annual Senior Showcase event that offers seniors the opportunity to compete in activities such as volleyball, corn hole, pickleball, trivia, card games, line dancing, races, basketball free throws, swimming and so much more. Our senior programs are designed to help keep you active and engaged with friends both old and new.

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To find out how you can join in the activities, please contact the YMCA location nearest you. Your local Y can help you determine your eligibility simply by checking your healthcare card. Don’t worry, if your insurance does not include this benefit, the Y offers affordable membership options to make it easy for you to get involved in the fun.

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LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA

At the Y, we believe in freely offering the gift of hope to the people in our community who are experiencing or have experienced cancer.

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LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA allows cancer survivors the opportunity to come to the Y to heal. We provide people facing cancer with a safe, loving and caring environment. Cancer knows no boundaries, but we believe in the strength of community and that every survivor deserves unconditional support, a chance to belong and an opportunity to feel “normal” as they regain their strength.

 
Program Overview

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a free, 12-week program designed to meet the needs of adults with cancer before, during and after treatment. It is a proven, evidence and research based program that empowers cancer survivors to take an active role in their own health by engaging in a strength and conditioning program at their local Y. Focusing on health, rather than the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the Y helps cancer survivors move beyond illness to reclaim wellness in spirit, mind and body.

 

Program Details

• Survivors meet for 90 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks to begin building a healthy lifestyle and learn to support one another.

• All Instructors have national exercise certifications and specific training in cancer exercise through the National YMCA and the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

• LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA instructors will develop a plan based on the needs of the participant that incorporates cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance, and flexibility.

• Additional goals include reducing the severity of side effects, managing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels.

• A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle.

• The program is free and available to adults ages 18 and over. The cost of the program is underwritten by the YMCA and our generous donors. If you would like to support this program, please click here to donate.

• Non-Y Members will be given a complimentary family membership during the 12 weeks. Family members or caregivers on the membership are encouraged to focus on their well-being through exercise or walking, etc., while the survivor attends class.

Why LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA?

Medical studies have shown that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment. Cancer survivors are increasingly aware of the positive impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships and stress reduction techniques can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA has helped thousands of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

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DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Join the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and learn how to reduce your risk for developing diabetes, one small step at a time.

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Our one-year community-based program is designed to enable adults to make lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, and other national organizations A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN ONE YEAR.

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The program is based on the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which showed that by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a small amount of weight, a person with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58%.

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In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help you change your lifestyle by learning about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of one year. Topics covered include nutrition, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. The program consists of 25 sessions over one year.

 

YMCA MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED. Talk to your doctor to see if you are eligible for the program. 

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BLOOD PRESSURE SELF MONITORING

Join the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self Monitoring program to experience an Evidence-Based, Effective program to control hypertension. 

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One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In response to this critical health issue, YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program offers personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months can lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is one part of Y-USA’s suite of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. Since 2005, the Y has worked to become a leading provider of chronic disease prevention programs to communities across the U.S.

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Participants will:

• Take and record their blood pressure at least two times per month

• Attend two consultations a month with a Healthy Heart Ambassador

• Attend monthly nutrition education seminars

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PERSONAL TRAINING

Get more from your workout.

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Your body deserves a unique fitness plan, tailored for you! At the YMCA of Ross County, our nationally-certified Personal Trainers will help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals.

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Benefits:

• Help you to establish realistic and attainable goals.

• Develop an exercise program specific to your individual needs, health status, limitations, and desires.

• Assure proper exercise technique, program design, and progression to avoid common mistakes and exercise-related injuries.

• Integrate variety into your exercise program to avoid boredom and training plateaus.

• Provide positive encouragement, motivation, and accountability.

• Take the first step & sign up today! The process is easy. Stop by the Member Service Desk or speak to Health & Wellness Director at your local Y to set an appointment.

 

Our Expertise

Every YMCA Personal Trainer has acquired and maintained certification through one or more of the following respected health and fitness organizations: American Council on Exercise; American College of Sports Medicine; National Strength and Conditioning Association; National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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GROUP EXERCISE

Group Exercise programs are fun and interactive ways to get fit while having fun.

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From Aerobics, to Spinning, Yoga and Zumba, the Y offers dozens of Group Exercise classes each week where you can get fit in a supportive group setting. The Y's Group Exercise instructors are highly-trained to provide safe and effective exercise programs. You are not alone in a Y Group Exercise class, our instructors help bring the class together to form supportive connections.

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Still the best benefit yet, is that Group Exercise programs are FREE to YMCA members! Check out our updated class schedules here. ​

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For information about these programs and to enroll, contact:

Lydia Linton
100 Mill Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
740.772.4340

llinton@rosscountyymca.org