happy middle-aged man jogging on treadmill happy middle-aged man jogging on treadmill

It's time to feel better!

Learn to incorporate healthier eating habits and exercise into your daily routine.

57% of British Columbians who are at risk of type 2 diabetes aren’t aware they have prediabetes. Small Steps for Big Changes is a diabetes prevention program designed to help you lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This six-session program includes 1:1 diet and exercise counselling with a certified coach followed by guided exercise. If you are interested in taking steps to improve your health behaviours, check to see if you are eligible for Small Steps for Big Changes.

Get started

The support of my coach helped me realize how much I can achieve in such a short amount of time when given the right guidance. The small steps truly make the changes.”

Address your unique needs through an evidence-based program.

As part of our YMCA’s charitable mission to build a healthier community, we’ve partnered with UBCO’s Diabetes Prevention Research Group to provide their evidence-based program proven to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes through long-term exercise and dietary changes for free with your YMCA membership.

What you can expect:

  • Six weekly one-on-one sessions with your coach
  • Motivational techniques to help you stay on track with exercise and meal planning
  • Personalized support for your unique health needs and lifestyle
  • Tools to track your diet and exercise
  • 30 mins of counselling, followed by up to 20 mins of supervised exercise at each session
  • Additional follow-up appointments at 1, 6 and 12 months

Learn how to:

  • Set realistic goals and measure progress
  • Identify barriers to healthy behaviours
  • Build exercise habits
  • Build healthy nutrition habits
It wasn't just about fitness—this became evident after my initial session and I soon became excited about our weekly meetings and a structure that supported what I said I wanted for myself and my life.”

Take your first step.

Find out if you’re at risk and eligible to register for this research-based program.

Get started

When I was told that my blood sugar and pressure were too high, I felt defeated, mentally, physically, and emotionally. But, after meeting with my health coach once a week, I feel like my old self is back. My blood sugar and pressure have dropped and I feel better than I have in a long time. Don't think twice about joining this amazing program, as I can say with a smile that I did it, I'm still doing it, and I feel great!”

Not a member yet?

Our Y is offering UBC’s Small Steps for Big Changes at no extra cost with your YMCA membership!

Become a member

Small Steps for Big Changes really jump-started me to being active and gave me the confidence to work out at the gym.”
Small Steps for Big Changes is provided in partnership with the Diabetes Prevention Research Group at UBC Okanagan.
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Try the Y

This free 7-Day trial gives you access to the Kelowna Family Y, Downtown Y, and H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, so you can see which centre you like best.