WHERE WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER

As part of our mission for healthy living, the New Canaan YMCA proudly offers chronic disease support programs for individuals with prediabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer survivors.  Each program is offered in a welcoming and supportive small-group environment led by caring, qualified instructors.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s has launched, a new addition to our chronic disease support programs at the Y!

Program Overview

Pedaling for Parkinson’s is a research-based indoor cycling program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Studies conducted by the Cleveland Clinic have shown up to 35% reduction in Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace.

The Pedaling for Parkinson’s program empowers participants to ride an indoor upright stationary bike three times per week with the goal of reducing motor symptoms through indoor cycling. The program will be available for free for Y members, including Nationwide members, and will also be available to non-members for

Each Pedaling for Parkinson’s class will include a 10-minute warm-up, 40 minutes with resistance, and a 10-minute cool-down all individualized to each participant’s pace.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s Classes

Classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM in our cycling studio. Free for New Canaan YMCA members for and those with a Nationwide YMCA membership. Non-members must purchase a Day Pass at our Member Services Desk to participate.

All fitness levels are welcome!

To participate and for additional information, please contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].

Evidence has shown that regular exercise can improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease. This 6-week exercise program is taught in a small-group setting under the direction of a Personal Trainer who holds a nationally recognized certification in Parkinson’s Exercise Instruction, formerly known as Delay the Disease.  In these weekly classes, participants are guided through a physical and cognitive exercise program that for some has been shown to slow disease progression, boost mood, build independence, and improve strength, mobility, gait, and balance.

Please note: Medical clearance is required to participate.

*All are welcome, however, if a participant requires assistance from a caregiver to perform activities of daily living, the caregiver must be available to assist the participant as needed in class.

For additional information or to participate, please contact Eva Saint at 203-920-1623 or by email.

Clearance Forms

Exercise for Parkinson’s Medical Clearance Form

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes or believe you may be at risk for developing diabetes, the Y is here to help.

The YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you actively engage in moving towards your personal health and wellness goals. Participation in this program at the New Canaan YMCA will connect you with a lifestyle coach and a greater community of like-minded health-seekers that will motivate you in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.  This small-group program is designed to help you eat healthier, find new ways to engage in regular physical activity, and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Led by trained lifestyle coaches, the program strives to help participants achieve two primary goals:

• Reduce body weight by 5-7%
• Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week

To find out your participation readiness, fill out the self-assessment form here. For additional information or to participate, please contact Eva Saint at 203-920-1623 or by email.

Upcoming Information Session:

Tuesday, May 7 at 9:30 AM. Join us for an information session where interested participants have the opportunity to learn more about the program, meet the coaches, and ask any questions! The session will be hybrid, where participants can participate at the Y or by Zoom.

Those interested in the information session may contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].

FORMS

Self-Assessment Eligibility Form

A Matter of Balance (MOB) is specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among community dwelling older adults. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented to a small group of 8-12 participants led by trained coaches. The program enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

For additional information and any questions about chronic disease support programs at the Y, contact contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director, at 203-920-1623 or by email.