Healthy Living
Healthy Living: Improving health and well-being
Through advocacy and leadership, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, thousands of Erie’s youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.
Family Time | Healthy Lifestyles | Health/well-being/fitness | Sports & Recreation
Family Time
Family Fun Nights
Spend some quality family time playing games and having fun.
Check for family events at the Front Desk.
Parent’s Night Out
A special night of fun for children 2-12 years old while parents enjoy some quality time together on a “date”.
Healthy Family Home
This program gives you resources full of helpful information, tips, and tools to support our family in it’s efforts to practice the art and science of healthy living. We invite you to join the growing communities of families working and playing their way toward a healthier tomorrow. Sign up in front lobby. Free to members and program members.
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Healthy Lifestyles
Highmark Community Programs
A benefit for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield customers, a series of healthy living programs are offered free of charge. Not a Highmark member or a Y member? The public is welcome to take these classes for a program fee. Inquire at the Front Desk.
Personal Nutrition Coaching
Personal Nutrition Coaching by a registered dietitian and/or licensed nutritionist is available for individuals seeking nutrition counseling specifically related to weight management, heart health and diabetes. When the clinician designs a nutrition plan to address the specific needs of the individual, he or she will also recommend enrollment in either a class or web-based program. Contact the Front Desk to schedule your appointment.
Daily Steps to Less Stress
Discover Relaxation Within is a six week lifestyle improvement program that helps to identify everyday stressors and teaches participants specific relaxation techniques to induce relaxation and reduce and manage stress. Class is offered throughout the year.
Check with the Front Desk for the next available class.
Eat Well for Life I and II
Eat Well for Life is a four week lifestyle improvement program promoting wellness and long-term wight management through balanced nutrition. As a result of Eat Well for Life, participants will obtain the knowledge necessary to make healthful food choices and will be encouraged to adopt the nutrition practices necessary to achieve a balanced lifestyle and long-term weight management. Class is offered throughout the year.
Check with the Front Desk for the next available class.
Drop 10 in 10
An exciting 10-week program designed to help you loose 10 pounds in 10 weeks through a progressive program of optimal nutrition, regular exercise and meaningful behavior change. Class is offered throughout the year. Check with the Front Desk for the next available class.
CPR/AED And First Aid Certification Classes
The American Safety and Health Institute CPR/AED and first aid certification classes are available to individuals who have never been certified or whose certification has expired. Classes offered throughout the year.
For a 2012 Training Schedule, Click Here>> or to Register Online Click Here>>
Lifeguard Course
This certification course is designed to give participants basic skills and knowledge to be a lifeguard in the pool, lake, river, surf and waterparks. This comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to guard, anticipate and prevent problems and take action to help those in danger. Participants must be 16 years old before the completion of the course.
Register Online>>
YMCA Aquatic Safety Assistance (YASA)
This certification course is designed to prepare participants with the skills and knowledge needed to recognize aquatic risks and assist a lifeguard in the emergency response of an accident or injury. Minimum age: 14 years and must be able to swim 100 yards and tread water 2 minutes, legs only. Register Online>>
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Course
This certification course gives new instructors the basics for teaching swim lessons that are student centered, value oriented, safe and effective. Participants must be 16 years old at the time of registration.
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Health, Well-being & Fitness
Wellness Center & Program Orientation
Our trained staff will demonstrate proper use of the cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, orient you with the free weight room and/or group exercise classes.
Polar BodyAge Fitness Assessments
A fitness assessment that compares your chronological age to your BodyAge. It will tell you where you are today and your obtainable BodyAge. Your Y trainer will work with you to develop a program to build a healthier your. Y Members Only.
Ready 2 Be Fit Program
MEMBER ONLY benefit offered FREE with your Y membership. One size does not fit all! Individualized fitness training is just one component of this holistic program. We include spirit, mind and body components in the program and it is designed for the beginner exerciser. Our team of Wellness Coaches are all certified as YMCA of the USA Personal Training Instructors.
Y-Cycling
An indoor group cycling class with spirited instruction and music! Designed for all fitness levels. Reach your goals and enjoy the ride with a group while working at your own pace and intensity level. A challenge for the body-a ride for the mind! Schedule>>
ZUMBA
A dynamic, energetic class combining dance with fitness. The music is inspired by international rhythms. Schedule>>
Pilates
A combination of stretching and strengthening, this class will improve your flexibility and core muscle strength while also focusing on proper body alignment, breathing, and relaxation. Appropriate for all levels of fitness. Schedule>>
Y-Pump
Anything goes in this strength training class. You will work all your muscle groups with barbells, hand weights, resistance bands and/or exercise balls. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Schedule>>
Step
A cardiovascular workout using step patterns while incorporating high and low intensity into the class (can be done without a step). Suitable for all fitness levels. Schedule >>
Iyengar Yoga
A precise form to align the body properly so as to increase stability, stamina, strength, and suppleness through poses designed to combine body, breath and mind. Schedule>>
Shape-Up
A toning and strengthening class using the stability ball and hand weights. Suitable for all fitness levels. Schedule>>
Interval Class
Hang on your hats because there is literally not a minute to waste in this head to toe no-nonsence workout combining cardiovascular and strength training . You’ll be pumping, pushing and crunching your way to a fitter you! Schedule>>
Y-Box
An intense cardiovascular workout using punches and kicks to keep you moving, while also toning your entire body and sharpening your reactions and speed. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Schedule>>
Kick Butt Cardio
A high intensity cardio class with a touch of strength training and core muscle work. The cardio is different each class (hi-low, Y-box, step, rebounder etc.) Get ready to burn some calories! Schedule>>
Urban Express
Get your cardiovascular and strength training workouts in one 45 minute class. Using an interval format, you will use a reboundre (a trampoline) for your cardio portion and weights or resistance bands for strength training. Get in. Get out. Get done. Schedule>>
Cardio Hip-Hop Aerobics
A cardiovascular workout doing modern hip-hop dance moves with a fitness twist. You do not need any dance experience to enjoy this fun, energetic class. Schedule>>
TurboKick
This class is a combination of kickboxing moves as well as dance moves all choreographed to high energy and motivating music. It’s the ultimate cardiovascular challenge that’s a unique blend of intense intervals, strength/endurance training, and a relaxing cool-down. TurboKick requires no previous kickboxing experience or equipment and is a fun workout. Schedule>>
Ab Blast
A 20- minute workout to target, tone and tighten your abs. Schedule>>
PIYO
A perfect combination of Pilates and Yoga taht is a great new way to help you achieve you wellness goals. This class will help you to improbe your balance, flexibility, and core with a little bit of a cardio twist. Schedule>>
Tai Chi for Health
Endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation, this class allows the student tobecome more aware of his or her bosy movement. It encourages movement of the joints in a slow gentle manner, and allows the body and mind to become relaxed. Schedule>>
Hatha Yoga
Start your day with an invigorating yoga class. this is a one hour class suitable for all fitness levels. Schedule>>
Running Clinic
Ever want to run a 5K but not sure where to start? The hosts running clinics throughout the year. Check our news postings for current offerings.
Walking Wednesdays
Walk in a safe envirnonment with restrooms available until the snow flies. Every other week we will walk with the North Coast Striders at designated areas. For more information Click here.
The SilverSneaker Fitness Program
Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a ball are offered for resistance and a chair is used for seated and /or standing support. Your SilverSneakers membership is offered to you at little or no cost through your health plan. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com.
Active Older Adult Classes and Activities
Stop by the Front Desk to check for availability and scheduled times or Click Here>>
- Older Adult Water Fitness
- Healthy Back
- Educational Brunches
- Silver Sneakers
- Muscular Strength & Endurance
Active Older Adult Assessments
Offered throughout the year. Nine tests to evaluate balance, agility, flexibility, walking endurance, and strength. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. see branch for more details.
Active Older Adult Fitness
A variety of programs designed specifically for the older adult. Includes cardio-respiratory fitness walking with exercise. Increase strength, flexibility, balance and joint mobility. See the Front Desk for current schedule or Click Here>>
Senior Coffee Hour
Come and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your fellow Y members.
Water Fitness Schedule>>
Exercising in water has several advantages for all fitness levels. Water buoyancy lessens the stress on weight-bearing joints, making movement more comfortable. The water also provides resistance to all movements challenging muscles to varying degrees. The warm water in the small pool aids in relaxing the muscles and in stretching.
Shallow Water Aerobics (large pool)
Exercises are performed primarily in a vertical position in shallow water. Water resistance creates an environment that improves cardiovascular conditioning; strength and endurance; and flexibility and balance. Classes are offered in one of three formats: Regular Aerobics will work though all of the shallow water moves; Dance & Fun will incorporate elements of different dance forms and games designed to challenge dynamic balance; Cardio Intervals will challenge members’ strength and endurance.
Arthritis Foundation Y Aquatics Program
Exercise class geared toward those participants that have arthritis with physical limitations. Focus is on range of motion, strengthening, conditioning and endurance.
Healthy Back Aquatics Program
Program is for individuals to learn how to exercise in the water to reduce back pain when it occurs and prevent painful back problems. Held in warm water pool.
Y Water Fitness For Older Adults
Shallow water exercise class that focuses on strength/endurance activities, balance work and target ADLs (activities of daily living).
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Sports & Recreation
For youth sports information, Click Here>>
Adult
Soccer – CoEd Outdoor
This league is offered once a year during the Summer and is for all men and women above the age of 18. The season consists of eight games plus playoffs for top teams. Games are played on Sundays at Gannon University’s Athletic Turf Field.
Contact Paul Ebert for more information or Click Here>>
Soccer – CoEd Indoor & Women’s Indoor
This league is offered for all women ages 18 and above. Each season consists of eight games plus playoffs for the top teams with the league winners receiving championship t-shirts. Games are played on Sundays.
Contact Paul Ebert for information on upcoming sessions or Click Here>>
