Prevention & Support

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OUR PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO KEEP ADULTS ACTIVE, HEALTHY AND SOCIALLY CONNECTED.

With Prevention & Support at the YMCA, adults experience a strong sense of belonging and create a network of friends who provide support for sustained health and well-being. Through on-going, fun, safe and engaging programs, members build relationships and increase self-confidence while celebrating the successes of each member of their community.

Registration is open, sign up today!

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CHRONIC DISEASE/MOVEMENT DISORDERS

THE ART OF BIG by Simona

The Art Of BIG by Simona is a wellness program developed mostly for Parkinson’s afflicted people to regain and sustain their motor function, balance, voice, strength, cognition and reinstate in all participants of this program a sense of joy and community while delaying the progress of the disease. 

The Art of BIG by Simona draws inspiration from LSVT BIG,  BIG FOR LIFE, Marc Morris Dance for Parkinson’s and is based on years of experience rehabilitating patients with diverse neurological and motor movement impairments.  

The Art of BIG by Simona is presently offered as a one hour class and it’s components are:

  • BIG warm up movements to the sound of slow music of any genre. 

  • High intensity interval training with a focus on heart rate, perspiration and getting the dopamine going at a sound of upbeat music.

  • Brain stimulation through trivia quizzes, BIG writing forms of problem solving, reciting poetry all while listening to stimulating music.

  • Painting, drawing, coloring, cutting papers, bricolage, etc.  at a measured time to create a sense of competition while listening to fast beat classical music to increase brain frequencies.

  • LOUD singing or reading aloud poetry for voice strengthening.

  • A final dance number that encapsulates all that The Art of BIG by Simona is meant to offer that has elements of structure and free form expression.

Instructor: Simona

Monday: 12:30PM | Meads

YOU MOVE BIG

A fitness program designed to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. The goal is to motivate participants to develop a habit of consistent exercise routines best suited to their individual needs. Recommended for anyone with limited mobility. Includes weight training, balance and gait exercises, along with gentle cardiovascular exercises.

Instructor: Simona

Tuesday: 11:45AM; Thursday: 11:30AM| Meads

BOX OUT PARKINSON’S BOXING

Box Out Parkinson’s is a full-body workout exercise regimen where you perform non-combat boxing exercises.  This class will include stretches and warm-up exercises to prepare the body for the workout and to avoid injury.  Participants will use heavy punching bags to build strength and muscle.  Vocal exercises are incorporated into the workout to help with any voice disorder symptoms of Parkinson’s while footwork and other agility exercises will be used to help improve balance.  Participants can purchase gloves to use in class on the registration page. Led by a certified instructor.

Instructor: Travis
Friday: 12:30PM | New Program Room

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF MONITORING

MUST REGISTER


This program is designed to help adults better manage high blood pressure through regular blood pressure self-monitoring and other heart-healthy activities.  During the 4-month program and with support from a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador, participants measure and record their blood pressure and attend personalized consultations and Nutrition Education Seminars. To qualify for the BPSM program, participants must be at least 18 years old and: 

  • Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure 
  • Not have experienced a recent cardiac event 
  • Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Not be at risk for lymphedema
You will work directly with our qualified staff members to schedule office time for your monitoring sessions. 
 

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11:30AM – 1:30PM

Tuesday & Thursday: 12:15PM – 1:00PM

Tammy & Lorna

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARKINSON’S

This 30 minute Support Group is designed to help coping with the day-to-day challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Being part of this Support Group can alleviate the burden of being alone or living with your significant ones and unable to express your frustrations and concerns while dealing with Parkinson’s. This Support Group is an opportunity to exchange experiences, stories, share resources and education with like-minded others and can be truly restorative. 

Mediator: Simona

Monday: 11:30AM | New Program Room

PILATE’S FOR PARKINSON’S

This moderate impact exercise class is tailored to help everyone afflicted with Parkinson’s to improve their postural deficiencies, core strength, joints movements, balancing difficulties, flexibility while focusing on fall prevention. This class will also train everyone to transfer from standing to sitting to laying on the mat and vice-versa. Pilates for Parkinson’s will increase your ability of rolling from face up to face down while practicing and simulating how to recover from any sort of falls, return in standing supported and unsupported and regain your balance and safety.

Instructor: Simona 

Wednesday: 1:30PM| Meads 

WALK WITH EASE 

Walk With Ease is a 6-week program that is offered in two different formats — self-directed or instructor-led classroom format — so you can choose the version that best fits your preferences and lifestyle. Both versions of the program use a guidebook. This guidebook will help assess your needs, customize a program that fits YOU, and helps you keep track of your progress. The book also helps you keep track of the useful information and tips you’re learning along the way.

Walk With Ease can inspire you to start a personalized, safe, successful, and enjoyable walking program. One that helps you:

  • Develop a walking plan that will meet your needs
  • Stay motivated
  • Manage your pain
  • Improve overall health
  • Learn to exercise safely
  • Reach your health goals

OUTDOOR PROGRAM COMING 2023

ENHANCE FITNESS

This program has been shown to improve arthritis symptoms, strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, and is recognized by the CDC and other national organizations committed to improving the health and wellness of older adults. 

Our EnhanceFitness certified instructor will guide you through exercises that:

  • Increase strength
  • Improve flexibility and balance
  • Boost activity levels
  • Elevate mood
NEW PROGRAM COMING SOON!