Exercise is proven to be one of the most effective and safest ways to prevent and manage many chronic diseases.
Our health and group fitness programs are specially designed so that people of all mobility and fitness levels can participate, and our welcoming community and certified instructors are here to support you every step of the way.
To keep you safe, all health programs are overseen by a CSEP-Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Please book your initial assessment and program design with one of our health coaches prior to starting with us.
Breathe Well
Breathe Well is for those with mild COPD and other respiratory conditions. This class focuses on improving aerobic fitness, overall stamina, and maintaining strength, balance and mobility. Those with moderate to severe COPD should attend KGH’s respiratory rehab program prior to enrolling.
Healthy Aging
Our goal is to help you find activities that enhance your quality of life, maintain your independence, and contribute to your healthy aging. If you are physically inactive and live with chronic pain or a chronic condition, this program will help you move towards a healthier lifestyle.
Healthy Hearts
This physical activity program is ideal for anyone who wants to prevent or recover from a cardiac condition. The focus of this class will be on aerobic exercises such as walking and biking and will also include exercises for strength, balance, and flexibility to improve your overall stamina.
Healthy Hips and Knees
Increase strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. This program helps prepare for and recover from total hip or knee replacement surgery, resulting in better hospital visits, fewer complications, and a smoother recovery. Maintaining healthy activity levels will increase the life of your joint replacement.
Diabetes Prevention
UBC’s “Small Steps for Big Changes” is designed to help you lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Work one-on-one with a trained diabetes prevention coach to create diet and exercise goals that fit your lifestyle.
Exercise is Medicine®
Have your doctor prescribe exercise to prevent disease and work towards a healthier self! Exercise is proven to be one of the most effective and safe ways to prevent and treat many chronic diseases.
Choose to Move
This FREE program is for those who are over the age of 65, physically inactive, and living with a chronic condition. Participants will learn how to break down the barriers to physical activity through a personalized program based on their interests, goals, and abilities.
Related Fitness Classes
Using a chair for assistance, poses are modified to improve strength, balance, and mobility. Other benefits include focusing on mindfulness, posture, and breathing. This class is open to all abilities with chair options for each pose.
Maintain and improve full body strength, mobility, and balance in a safe environment using chairs for modifications and support. Exercises with various equipment aim to assist daily living and independence.
Use the water to strengthen weak muscles and bring mobility back to injured or arthritic joints. This class is ideal for people with chronic pain, various health conditions, or those wanting to build strength before or after surgery. All levels are welcome.
This high-energy strength class is designed for older fitness enthusiasts with a focus on functional fitness for activities of daily living. This class will help you build strength, enhance muscular endurance, and improve mobility, flexibility and longevity. Using a combination of free weights, bands and low impact cardiovascular exercises, we will work the whole body leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Embrace the Masters athlete in you today!
Move Well is a new fall prevention class designed specifically for older adults who want to stay active, confident, and independent. This class focuses on improving balance, coordination, mobility, and strength through a fun and varied mix of movements.
Participants will enjoy a combination of low impact cardio, simple dance patterns, balance training, mobility work, and coordination drills. Classes may also include seated strength exercises, resistance bands, soft balls, and rhythmic drumming activities to support reaction time, posture, and brain body connection.
All exercises are adaptable and chairs will always be available. Our safe, supportive environment makes this class suitable for a wide range of abilities. Whether you’re returning to movement or looking to maintain your current fitness, Move Well will help you stay fit and move with confidence!
Please note that some classes may not be currently scheduled.
The YMCA has partnered with Interior Health & the KGH Foundation to collaboratively support the health of our community members by delivering a Pulmonary Rehab / COPD services program. Funding and service from the KGH Foundation, and delivery at the YMCA, will allow individuals to develop comfort and confidence transitioning into community services and the YMCA Breathe Well program.
Mavis' Story
“I originally came to the Y to find a way to manage pain after my Lupus diagnosis 25 years ago but I found so much more! Today, I’m still friends with people I met at that first Aqua Fit class, my bionic joints are in good shape, and the Y has become a routine part of my life.”
Volunteerism
We can find a role that suites your age, interests, and schedule. Give back to your community through the YMCA!