Because we know that healthy lifestyles are achieved through nurturing mind, body, and spirit, well-being and fitness at the Y are so much more than just working out. Beyond fitness facilities, we provide educational programs to promote healthier decisions and offer a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual and spiritual strength. At the Y, a supportive community is a big part of wellness. At every age and every level of activity, you’ll find people just like you looking to live a little bit healthier.
NOTE: YMCA Health and Fitness Exercise Classes and Program offerings vary by location and time of year.
Free Fitness Appointment
If you’re new to the Y or unsure where to start, we’re here to guide you. With a complimentary fitness appointment, you’ll meet with a certified trainer or instructor who will walk you through the gym equipment, help you get comfortable with the basics and help you design a basic plan to meet your goals. Contact your local Y to schedule your session today!
Adaptive Fitness
Functional Training Centers
Functional training is the latest trend in the fitness community, with its combination of “old school” workouts combined with new, cutting-edge equipment. At the Y of Delaware, you will find state-of-the-art functional training equipment designed to increase strength, build endurance, and enhance your workout. Equipment includes Sleds, Heavy Bags, Assault Bikes, Monkey Bar Rig, Weight Lifting Racks, Deadlift Platforms, Glute Drive and Belt Squat.
Group Exercise
Ys offer classes for all ages, all levels, and all interests. From low-impact exercise and chair classes, stretching and strength training to indoor cycling, water exercise, and YMCA yoga and pilates, you’ll find a group class that’s fun, supportive, and keeps you moving. Most group exercise classes are included in your Y membership. For a full list of offerings by location, visit the schedules section of our website, or download the YMCA of Delaware App.
Mind and Body
Find your center in our Mind/Body classes that will push you to focus, stretch, strengthen and relax. From holistic workshops and yoga to pilates and meditation- we have classes for all skill levels. Visit the schedules section of our website for class times and details.
Myzone Fitness Tracker
Myzone is the most relevant and versatile fitness tracker on the market. Using technology to provide real-time feedback on heart rate, calories, and effort, Myzone ensures that you get accurate feedback on all of your exercise, wherever and however you choose to train. Achieve your health and fitness goals, with motivational support from friends through our Myzone social network, and utilize our unique Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) system to earn the credit you deserve. To learn more, click here, or visit the Member Service Desk at your local branch.
Personal Training
We all need the advice of an expert sometimes as well as the personal attention that comes with a trainer or coach. Our Y’s offer certified personal trainers and coaches to help you set and meet your specific goals. We also invite you to train with a friend; you workout together for half the price! Complete and interest form, or contact your local Y to schedule an appointment today.
Small-Group Training
For those who enjoy more specialized attention, we offer Small Group Training. Small-Group Training Programs are specialty classes designed for small groups, which create semi-private training opportunities. Choose from a variety of YMCA classes like weight lifting, aerial yoga, boot camp, TRX, kickboxing, cross-functional training, and more. Class size is limited and registration is required. Click here to browse offerings and to register.
Sports
Whether you miss “suiting up” or are new to team sports, the Y’s sports leagues provide a perfect opportunity to be active, social and reconnect or start fresh with a sport you love. Basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and pickleball are just some of the options available to get you back on the court or on the field. Click here to browse offerings and to register.
Water Fitness
Have you thought about moving your workout to the water? Jump in the pool and make a splash in Water Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and more! The water’s resistance can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health as well as facilitate rehabilitation and even enhance sports skills. Water fitness provides a low-impact way to get in shape and is ideal for all skill levels, non-swimmers included. Contact your local Y, or visit the schedules section of our website for class times and details.
Community Health Programs
Blood Pressure Self Monitoring
The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP) supports adults with hypertension in lowering and managing their blood pressure. The four-month program focuses on practicing home self-monitoring of blood pressure readings and individualized nutrition education for better blood pressure management. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country. Less than half have it under control. Joining the YMCA’s BPSMP can help reduce your risk for heart attack or stroke through:
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure levels
- Strategies for developing healthier eating habits and controlling blood pressure through diet
Who can participate?
- Adults: 18 years old or older
- Diagnosed with high blood pressure and/or are on antihypertensive medication
- Have NOT experienced a recent (within the last 12 months) cardiac event
- DO NOT have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias currently
- DO NOT have or are at risk for lymphedema
For more information, or to register contact the YMCA Healthy Living Department at [email protected] or (302) 572-9622.
Diabetes Prevention
LEAN – Weight Loss Program
Learn how to eat healthier, move more, and lose weight. No gimmicks, no restrictive approaches — just the tools you need to achieve your wellness goals while keeping you motivated. Led by a trained facilitator who creates a safe and supportive environment for all, participants in the program meet in a small group setting for one-hour each week for 12 weeks. Our facilitators guide discussions on goal setting, balanced eating, physical activity, stress, mindfulness and more. Learn more!
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program supports the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves on the journey from completing their treatment to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to return to normal life. These small group sessions are facilitated by certified YMCA instructors who assist participants in a variety of physical activity options including cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s™
The YMCA of Delaware has partnered up with the Davis Phinney Foundation to offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s™.
The Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ program is based on research indicating that forced exercise on a bicycle can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s. In fact, participants who ride three days a week over eight weeks have shown improvement in their Parkinson’s-related symptoms by as much as 35%. Click here to learn more.
And so much more!
At the Y of Delaware, we have so much to offer, it’s hard to list it all! For more information or a current schedule of programs, give us a call, or click here.