Active Older Adults

FUN HAS NO LIMIT

The YMCA of the Northwoods takes a health-meets-social approach to programs and activities for active older adults in the community. The Y explores opportunities to help people live healthier, more engaged lives by providing safe and effective exercise classes for all fitness levels that improve physical health and encourage wellness, social programs that strengthen connections and decrease isolation, and educational programs that stimulate learning.

MAKE A PLAN, REACH A GOAL

Personal Training
Personal trainers with the knowledge to work with seniors are available to work one-on-one or in small groups to address your specific needs. It’s never too late to feel good and maintain your independence. 

Senior Land and Water Exercise Programs

Senior exercise classes are a great way to stay motivated, learn new exercises and meet other people.

ONGOING LAND CLASSES

Senior Classic
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.
Senior Fit
A fun, total body workout for seniors and people new to exercise. This class will incorporate easy movement patterns that include weights, resistance bands, and a ball. Also adding low impact moves to keep your joints mobile with range of motion exercises. A chair is used for seated and/or standing support.
Senior Cardio
Increase your cardiovascular and muscular endurance power with a standing circuit workout. Upper-body strength work using hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are alternated with non-impact aerobic choreography. A chair is offered for support, head-to-toe stretching, and complete relaxation in a comfortable position.
AM Stretching
This class is designed for men to increase flexibility for sports, activities, and daily living.

SPECIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS

(These programs are held at various times during the year) 

SMART Weight Loss for Seniors
Are you struggling to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight? This 7-week weight loss education and support program is for you. Weekly weigh-ins, nutrition education, and discussion of self-management skills will provide you with the tools to lose weight and keep it off.
Moving For Better Balance Through Tai Chi
Moving for Better Balance is a 7-week falls prevention program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi in helping older adults improve their balance and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. 
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a 6-week (once a week) evidence-based intervention proven to improve well-being and decrease health care utilization through self-management in people with chronic conditions. The program is for adults of all ages who have one or more ongoing health problems such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions. 
Physical Activity for Lifelong Success (PALS)
This evidence-based program is designed to help older adults become more active. PALS meets 3 times a week for 10 weeks, followed by 6 months of coaching. Circuit exercises coupled with behavior change strategies improve participants’ physical activity. PALS improves walking speed and walking distance. 
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is a 4-month program that includes 10-minute consultations with a Healthy Heart Ambassador during drop-in office hours, weekly check-ins from a Healthy Heart Ambassador by phone, email, or text, and monthly nutrition education seminars. Participants of the program must be at least 18 years of age and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and/or are on antihypertensive medication. In addition, participants will be asked to attend two personalized consultations per month (office hours) and monthly nutrition education seminars. 

GOOD FRIENDS GOOD TIMES

Lunch & Learn 
First Wednesday of the Month. 12:00-1:30 PM
Golden Adventures
Get together with other active adults for outdoor adventures on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 1:00 PM. Members carpool from the Y or meet at the different sites. Check out the Seniors On the Move bulletin board for adventure information.
Y-Stitchers
The Y-Stitchers meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:00 PM-2:30 PM in the multipurpose room. Bring your latest quilting, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, or crocheting project to work on. Be prepared to share your skills and ideas. 
Coach Bus Trips
Join us for a fun day trip to see shows, events, and interesting places!

For more information about programs for Active Older Adults please contact Marilyn Duschl at 715-362-9622, ext. 118 or by email: mduschl@ymcanw.org.