As part of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, the YMCA invites the community to join us for Balance Day on Friday, September 26 at the Nashua YMCA. This free event will feature:

• Moving for Better Balance Sample Class (9:15–10:15am) – A Tai Chi–based session proven to improve balance and mobility.
• Functional Balance Training Sample Class (10:30–11:00am) – Targeted exercises to build flexibility, strength, and stability.
• Balance Assessments (11:00am–12:30pm) – Personalized screenings to learn about fall risk and strategies to improve confidence.
• Stability Workshop Presented by Ivy Rehab (12:30–1:30pm) – Hands-on training to strengthen coordination and reduce risk of falls.

The day will also include raffles, giveaways, and refreshments. Registration is free, but space is limited. Community members can register through the YMCA’s program registration portal

This Adaptive Yoga class is designed specifically for individuals living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and others.

Participants are guided through gentle yoga postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices that are personalized and accessible for a variety of mobility levels. Whether seated in a chair, standing with support, or practicing on the mat, students receive personalized guidance and use  of props to support safe, comfortable movement.

The class promotes improved balance, flexibility, coordination, and mental clarity, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Led by experienced instructors trained in adaptive and neurological yoga , this class creates a welcoming space to move, breathe, and connect — at your own pace.

Email healthyliving@nmymca.org for more information.

This is an evidenced -based small group exercise program designed to help adults w/ arthritis stay active. This class uses simple, easy -to-learn movements to increase cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance.

Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants. Enhance®Fitness is geared toward older adults. Those with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, need not worry; they will never have to do anything that hurts. Participants can use chairs for support, if necessary, and increase the weight they use for strength training at their own pace.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE

Functional Balance Training is an 8-week program that offers progressive balance and flexibility exercises to help improve your stability and help prevent falls. Designed to improve multiple factors that affect balance such as joint mobility, muscle flexibility and strengthening legs and core.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE

LiveSTRONG at the YMCA helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. Survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life. Since 2007, the LiveSTRONG Foundation has been the YMCA’s partner in developing and delivering LiveSTRONG at the YMCA.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any adult 18 years or older at any point in their cancer journey.

This program has special qualifications required for registration. Email healthyliving@nmymca.org for more information.

To learn more about the program and it’s outcomes visit our LiveSTRONG at the YMCA page on our web site.

Moving for Better Balance is a 24-week evidence-based falls prevention program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi to help older adults increase their strength, improve their balance, and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. Led by a Moving for Better Balance trained instructor, this program focuses on improving mental cognitive and physical functional ability especially balance to reduce fall-related risks and fall frequency.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE

Riding an indoor, stationary bicycle has been shown to reduce Parkinson’s motor symptoms by as much as 35%. This class focuses on hitting a certain number of revolutions per minute (RPM). Participants ride for total of 1 hour starting with a 10-minute warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80 to 90 RPM, and a 10-minute cool down. Our instructors are specially certified and work with the participants to make sure they’re working hard but also so they’re having fun!

This program is offered at both the Merrimack Y and the Nashua Y, but has special qualifications required for registration. Email healthyliving@nmymca.org for more information.

This is a free 10-week program for children and their parents. Children age 7-14 years old are referred to the program by their health care provider using the “Prescription for a Healthier You” form. The Welcome Center staff will register your child for the next open session upon handing in your referral. Expert wellness staff deliver a quality education and assist families in developing strategies to make healthy choices part of their daily routine. Personal trainers provide children with a caring, noncompetitive environment where they can experience the fun of physical activity and develop team-building skills while nutrition staff simplify healthy eating and help children explore options that are as appealing as they are nutritious. Children and families actively work each week to discover their path to health through balance and teamwork.

This program has special qualifications required for registration. Email healthyliving@nmymca.org for more information.

To learn more about the program and it’s outcomes visit our Prescribe the Y page on our web site.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program teaches participants how to eat better, reduce stress and exercise more to lower their risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.  This year-long program includes 16 weekly group sessions, and 8 monthly follow-up sessions. A certified instructor facilitates engaging discussion on a variety of topics and provides support to help you reach your goals!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any adult 18 years or older who has been diagnosed with prediabetes diagnosis or is at risk for Type 2 diabetes. You can determine your risk by visiting www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention or by talking with your health care provider.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE

Train to Thrive is a small-group training experience led by certified personal trainers in a safe and supportive environment. Each session focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance, building strength, and mastering proper form.

Through low-impact cardio, guided resistance training, and expert instruction, participants will boost stamina, enhance mobility, and gain confidence in everyday movement. With added accountability and personalized support, you’ll move better, feel stronger, and stay active for life.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE

Need relief from arthritis pain? Just want to be more active?  This walking program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. Increase balance, strength and walking pace, build confidence in your ability to be physically active and improve overall health!

This 8-week program is offered at the Nashua branch and welcomes older adults at all fitness levels. The program is especially beneficial for older adults living with arthritis.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email healthyliving@nmymca.org

REGISTER HERE