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Community Corner

LIVING HEALTHY WITH THE YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE - PROGRAMS FOR HEALTHY LIVING AND HEALTHY AGING

It’s never too late to think about staying and keeping healthy.  Whether you are coping with arthritis, concerned with falling, concerned about someone who may fall or just want to exercise and enjoy the company of others – the YMCA of Greater Providence has a program or class for you.  With locations all over Rhode Island and into southeastern Massachusetts, the Y is geared for adults who are looking for a place to belong.

The Arthritis Foundation Y Aquatics Program is a class designed for those dealing with arthritis.  The program is offered at three locations including:

·         Bayside YMCA – Barrington, RI – 401-245-2444

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·         East Side YMCA – Providence, RI – 401-521-0155

·         Newman YMCA – Seekonk, MA – 508-336-7103

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The program, created by the Arthritis Foundation, is a warm-water exercise program shown to reduce pain and improve overall health.  This class is suitable for every fitness level and any adult dealing with the issues of arthritis.  All classes at the YMCAs are held in a friendly and supportive environment that encourages social interaction among participants.  The aquatics course is taught by a certified Arthritis Foundation instructor.  The program is free for YMCA of Greater Providence members; and $40-$60 for non-members. 

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is specifically designed for those dealing with arthritis, and is offered at five Y locations.  The program offers low-impact exercises proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness.  This program is for any adult who copes with the difficulties of arthritis. 

The program is offered at five locations including:

·         West Bay YMCA – North Kingstown, RI – 401-295-6501

·         Cranston YMCA – Cranston, RI – 401-943-0444

·         Bayside YMCA – Barrington, RI – 401-245-2444

·         East Side YMCA – East Side Providence, RI – 401-521-0155

·         Newman YMCA – Seekonk, MA – 508-336-7103

EnhanceFitness treats arthritis through fun, laughter and friends.  The EnhanceFitness exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance and flexibility which can assist in reducing arthritis symptoms.  A certified instructor leads classes at a pace that works for each participant.  In addition to the multiple benefits of the exercises, the one benefit that matters most to participants is the laughing.  Classes are held in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes fun, laughter, friendship and SMILING!  Exercise is not the only thing that makes one feel better – social interaction with peers is a vital part of health and well-being.  This program has been nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging.  The class is free for members and $40-$60 for non-members.

The program is offered in four locations in March and April including:

·         Bayside YMCA, Barrington, RI – 401-245-0444

·         East Side YMCA, East Side Providence, RI – 401-521-0155

·         Cranston YMCA, Cranston, RI – 401-943-0444

·         Kent County YMCA, Warwick, RI – 401-828-0130

·         West  Bay YMCA, North Kingstown, RI – 401-295-6501

Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling while increasing the activity level of older adults who have concerns about falls.  This award winning program takes into consideration the many older adults who report a fear of falling preventing them from engaging in many activities from food shopping and doctor visits to social events and community activities.  Nobody should stay sedentary when they can join Matter of Balance and reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels.  This class helps participants set realistic goals for increasing activity, suggest ways to change their environment to reduce risks for falls and use exercise to increase strength and balance.  Participants in this program are generally over 60 years of age, and ambulatory. Cost for this eight week program is $15.

This class will be given in March and in April at:

·         South County YMCA, Peace Dale, RI – 401-783-3900

·         Bayside YMCA, Riverside – 401-245-2444

·         Pilgrim Senior Center, Warwick  - call Martha at 401-427-1820.

Moving for Better Balance-Tai Chi  is encouraged for those who complete Matter of Balance.  This evidence based program is proven to reduce falls and improve fitness.  Participants learn balance skills and good body alignment as well as coordinated Tai Chi movements.  This is a class specifically for older adults who are interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength.  This class is $25 for members, and $50 for non-members. This class will be given in April at the:

·         Kent County Y in Warwick beginning April 1  - 401-828-0130

For more information on all the programs, and/or to register please call Martha at 401-427-1820.

 

 

 

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