Wellness Programs
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids offers a variety of fitness classes and equipment to help our members reach their fitness goals. All members, regardless of age or fitness ability, can find a class or activity that they can benefit from at our YMCA! From group exercise classes to personal training sessions, you’ll be sure to find something to get you on your way towards a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy living is about spirit, mind, and body at every age and stage. The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is committed to promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering wellness in all the communities we serve, thereby reducing the negative effects of chronic illness. To achieve these goals, we build community partnerships and seek opportunities to bring health-related services to our region.
As a leader in preventative health care, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids offers a broad range of research-based programs that target specific health issues. All of our programs are people-centric and are designed to help each individual reach a personal best.
Livestrong®
Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and Livestrong® have joined together to create Livestrong® at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.
Livestrong® at the YMCA is lead by qualified instructors trained in the Livestrong® curriculum. Participants meet twice per week for 12 weeks of instruction and support.
Through generous donations and grants, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is able to provide this program to cancer survivors at no cost.
Program Dates
SpartanNash YMCA
Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA
Litehouse Family YMCA
September 7-December 2
(We will take the week of Thanksgiving off)
Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
David D. Hunting YMCA
September 7-December 2
(We will take the week of Thanksgiving off)
Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Mary Free Bed YMCA
September 7-December 2
(We will take the week of Thanksgiving off)
Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Please reach out to the branch with the time that works best for you and is closest to you.
Program Contacts
Interested in joining or know someone who might benefit from the program? Contact the LIVESTRONG Coordinator at your local branch:
Cal Community Center
Chad Bauchan
cbauchan@grymca.org
616.855.9511
David D. Hunting YMCA
David D. Hunting YMCA
Maria Moss
mmoss@grymca.org
616.855.9510
Litehouse Family YMCA
Lisa Lea
llea@grymca.org
616.855.9572
Mary Free Bed YMCA
Jake Delosh
jdelosh@grymca.org
616.885.5903
SpartanNash YMCA
Chris Edwards
cedwards@grymca.org
616.885.5904
Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA
Lindsey Maki
lmaki@grymca.org
616.855.1442
Parkinson's Programs
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is partnering with the Grand Rapids Ballet to bring free programming dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Moving with Parkinson's
Moving with Parkinson’s is part of an innovative collaboration between the Y and the Grand Rapids Ballet, to enhance the well-being and quality of life of residents in the Greater Grand Rapids area. This initiative aims to provide individuals with Parkinson’s access to a specialized dance therapy class focused on mobility, stretching, coordination and balance improvement.
The drop-in course is structured to accommodate participants of all fitness levels and abilities with no prior dance experience necessary. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community.
Mary Free Bed YMCA
Mondays from 12-1 p.m.
Members only
Pedaling for Parkinson's
Pedaling a bicycle may change the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease: UofM Researchers found that program participants reported a 24% improvement in quality of life and a 10% improvement in the severity of their Parkinson’s motor symptoms after just eight weeks of PFP participation.
Mary Free Bed YMCA
May 7-July 25
Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Program Contact
Limited scholarships are available and provide FREE participation in the program. Contact Jake at jdelosh@grymca.org to apply for scholarships or to sign up.
Veterans' Programs
We greatly thank Veterans for their service and want to offer our resources at the Y to help those looking to refocus their efforts on improving mind, body, and spirit. Veterans and spouses/partners of all ages and abilities who are looking to get back to a healthier lifestyle are encouraged to join our next group and begin on a path to a healthier lifestyle.
The Veterans group connects weekly for 12-weeks and has full access to all of the facilities and programs that the Y has to offer, with the personal support of Y Staff and trainers.
Program Contact
For more information, please reach out to Chris Edwards at cedwards@grymca.org.
Evidence-Based Health Initiatives
These initiatives are designed to help our community members live healthier lives and achieve their wellness goals through evidence-based approaches.
Community Group Fitness
Our Community Group Fitness classes are designed to bring communities together in the spirit of improving well-being by reducing barriers to good health. Classes are held free of charge in neighborhood-based organizations throughout Grand Rapids and taught by YMCA-certified instructors.
Class Offerings
Zumba
Takes the “work” out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for a calorie-burning dance party.
SoulfulMOTION
A HIIT Fitness class that combines praise worship and hardcore FITNESS! SoulfulMOTION combines kickboxing, dancing aerobics and toning moves that are choreographed to Gospel, Christian, and inspirational music; for an hour of dynamic fitness!
Fitness for Life
A program of light cardio, stretching and strengthening designed for anyone desiring a lower intensity workout. This class may help to improve joint mobility, strength, balance and coordination. Activities include walking, low-impact movement, range of motion exercises, light strength training, balance training, breath work and core strengthening.
Locations
Alger Park Church
First CRC
Genesis Suites – Black Impact Collaborative
1333 Alger St. SE
Godfrey Lee Elementary – ECC Building
2655 Eastern Ave SE
Sibley Elementary
943 Sibley St NW
Zeal Aerial Fitness
133 Caledonia St. NE
There are currently no Community Group Fitness class dates available. Please check back for more information soon.
Healthy Weight Loss Program
Achieve your fitness goals and build a healthy lifestyle with this eight-week program. This program includes twice a week small group training with a personal trainer, two individual nutritional sessions with a registered dietitian, healthy lifestyle tips, progress tracking and peer support throughout the program.
There are currently no Health Weight Loss Program class dates available. Please check back for more information soon.
David D. Hunting YMCA
More classes coming soon.
Litehouse Family YMCA
More classes coming soon.
Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA
More classes coming soon.