Chronic Disease Support Programs

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.

NEW! Pedaling for Parkinson's

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 is available for free for Y members, and non-members may purchase a day pass to participate.

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 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM in our cycling studio. Free for New Canaan YMCA members. Non-members must purchase a Day Pass at our Member Services Desk to participate.

All fitness levels are welcome!

To participate, click the button below to register. For additional information, please contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].

Exercise for Parkinson's Disease

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

Diabetes Prevention Program

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.

Contact

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

FORMS

Self-Assessment Eligibility Form

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and the LIVESTRONG® foundation 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.

The New Canaan YMCA is proud to offer LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA free to our community’s cancer survivors. Since launching the program in 2013, the New Canaan YMCA has supported over 150 of our community’s cancer survivors through this life-changing program.

Program Overview

Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body. The 12-week program is free to any cancer survivor in the community with a physician’s clearance. The program includes two weekly group classes, taught by trained LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA instructors, as well as full access to the Y for 12 weeks.

To learn more about this program and/or to participate, please contact Eva Saint at 203-920-1623 or by email.

Clearance Forms

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Intake Form

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Informed Consent Form

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Medical Clearance Form

Coming Soon: A Matter of Balance

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.

Contact

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.