Active Older Adult Programs at Greater Somerset County YMCA!

HEALTHY LIVING NEVER GETS OLD

A strong body and active mind are important to leading a fulfilling life, and our engaging programs, classes, and events will help you improve your health and sense of achievement while you connect with people who care.

At the Y, we want our programs to be accessible to everyone, so we have reduced rates for active older adults, who are very often on a fixed income. We hope you take advantage of the variety of fitness programs, swim offerings, social events, and volunteer opportunities the Y offers seniors.

Wellness Support

Holistic Health Coaching

At the Y, our Holistic Health Coaching program supports members on a one-on-one basis. You will receive guidance, support, and accountability to make change. Your Y coach will assist you in finding ways to inspire healthier habits. They will help you build relationships and get connected to relevant resources at Y branches to continue your wellness journey. The motivation and encouragement you will receive from your coach will help you enhance your wellness to achieve optimal health.

Nutrition Coaching

Nutrition programs for all ages. Diet is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and we want you to feel empowered to make the best decisions that work for you. We offer personalized nutrition and weight loss programs for all ages that include one-on-one consultations, lunch and learns, recipes, and other strategies for success. Define your personal nutrition goals, and we can help you reach them.

YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can make small, measurable changes that can reduce your risk and help you live a happier, healthier life.
Total Parkinson’s

Get empowered with this group exercise program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Our exercise plans are adapted to all levels of the disease and help participants manage daily challenges, improve their quality of life, regain mobility, and maintain their independence. Certified instructors will lead the class with cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, balance and vocalization exercises.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA: Partners in Healing

Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA supports cancer survivors and their families through its no-cost program that provides opportunities to engage in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.

Aqua Exercise

If you’re recovering from sports injury, require low-impact workouts, or just need to relax fatigued muscles, take a dip in our pool for some exciting water exercise programs! Not only can you increase your muscle strength and agility, other benefits of water exercise include reduced pain, cardiovascular and respiratory improvement.

Aqua Light & Fit

Focusing on flexibility and range of motion, Aqua Light & Fit is designed to help increase muscle strength, posture, and balance while easing stiff joints and relaxing sore muscles. Participants benefit from an enhanced sense of well-being. Many exercises will use just the water as your equipment, but additional tools such as flotation-specific and resistant specific equipment may be used as well – all provided by the Y! Class is held in the shallow end of our heated indoor pool.

Aqua Zumba®

Aqua Zumba® is an invigorating, low-impact aquatic exercise class. Known as Zumba “pool party”, it gives new meaning to the idea of a refreshing workout! This high-energy, dance-themed class takes place in the shallow end of our heated indoor pools. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, Aqua Zumba blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief!

Arthritis Water Exercise

Arthritis Water Exercise is a gentle water workout designed to help improve balance, flexibility, and range of motion. This class takes place in the shallow end of our heated indoor pools. The gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from an Arthritis Foundation® certified instructor, will help you gain strength and flexibility without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. Exercises approved by the Arthritis Foundation include walking, gentle stretching, flexing, extension, and range of motion. Many exercises will use just the water as your equipment, but additional tools such as flotation-specific and resistant specific equipment may be used as well – all provided by the Y. Recommended for beginning or returning exercisers, as well as strengthening for pre-surgery and post-surgery.

Group Exercise

Functional Fitness

Functional Fitness focuses on functional cardio movement and strength patterns designed to increase flexible strength for daily living activities. This class concentrates on helping to undo what occurs during the aging process and daily life. Participants make use of a variety of equipment, including free weights, the stability ball, BOSU®, risers, step (optional), and resistance bands – all provided by the Y. Class begins with lightweight warm-ups then moves into working core muscles, upper body strength training, and lower body exercises. We end with cool-down exercises and muscle stretches. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, build your strength, or get more active, you’ll want to have the support from our Y’s certified instructors.

Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga is a gentle class practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Perfect for active older adults and those who need a low-impact exercise. Also suggested for pre and post-natal, injury recovery, and anyone with mobility challenges. This class cultivates awareness and deep relaxation through meditation, breath work, and gentle stretches to help improve your sense of well-being – all without the stress of getting up and down off the floor!

AOA Functional Training

AOA Functional Training for Active Older Adults (AOA) is tailored specifically for seniors to help encourage low-impact strength training and improve stretch and balance. Strength & Stretch classes focus on light free weight exercises and calisthenics infused with stretches to provide the age-appropriate muscle-building and stretching combination you need. Participants are provided mats for extra cushion underfoot while standing.

VIM

The YMCA’s VIM fitness class, designed for beginner to intermediate Active Older Adults (AOA), helps members stay active, healthy, and socially connected. Increase flexibility, support the circulatory system, and improve muscle tone in this low-impact class. Perfect for Active Older Adults, but all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

AOA Senior Yoga

Senior Yoga helps to improve mobility, balance, strength and relieves stiff joints. This gentle class for active older adults combines a series of postures with breathing techniques to calm the mind. This class starts by opening the body slowly, includes some standing, and is completed by relaxing on the floor.

Chair Fitness

The Y’s Chair Fitness class is a low-intensity workout that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility, all modified to a seated position.

A perfect exercise class for seniors, those just starting an exercise routine, those with balance issues, those recovering from an injury or surgery, or anyone who needs a very low-intensity workout.

AOA Functional Strength

AOA Functional Strength for Active Older Adults (AOA) focuses on balance, strengthening, and endurance to support activities of daily living. This class includes strength training, utilizing free weights and conditioning exercises to improve balance and flexibility. Class begins with 30 minutes of standing movements followed by 30 minutes on the floor with mats to focus on lower body, chest exercises, and core strength along with gentle stretching.

AOA Forever Strong

Active Older Adults (AOA) Forever Strong is a low-impact cardio and strength workout for active older adults. For ALL fitness levels. This complete workout combines low-impact cardio, functional strengths, as well as balance and flexibility challenges into one class.

AOA Zumba Gold

Zumba® Gold is a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. This class is perfect for members who are looking for a modified Zumba workout. Dance styles can include merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco and calypso. Our easy-to-follow program lets you move to the beat at your own pace with modified, low-impact moves geared toward active older adults and beginners of all ages. Everyone is welcome to join!

 

Want to sign up for classes or looking for more information?

Contact your local branch

Bridgewater YMCA 

Franklin Township YMCA

Hillsborough YMCA

Plainfield YMCA

Princeton YMCA

Somerset Hills YMCA

Somerville YMCA