Specialty Health Programs

Delay the Disease™ is a fitness program designed to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological disorders by targeting symptoms and optimizing physical function. It is founded on evidence-based, structured exercise routines that are focused on strength training and correcting disease-specific physical challenges. Participation may lead to increased self-confidence and independence, decreased risk of falls, minimized fatigue, reduced rigidity, and improved mobility.

The Valley Shore YMCA is proud to offer this clinically proven program for our shoreline community.

A program for adult cancer survivors of all ages and fitness levels. This 12 week small group exercise program is for adults affected by cancer. It is provided under the guidance of specially trained health and wellness staff and offered at no cost to the participants. The program is designed to help individuals rebuild their strength and endurance and regain function that is lost through cancer and its treatment, and gain emotional support to build self-esteem. HOPE is POWER helps survivors move beyond cancer and reclaim their lives.

In the United States, fall related injuries are a major public health concern for individuals over 65 as well as those living with chronic conditions such as heart disease. Move for Better Balance is a “fall-prevention program” that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi in helping adults improve and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities.

The program works to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility to enhance overall physical health, which leads to better functioning in daily activities. Led by Mary Charlton & Bethany Nadow, certified Tai Ji Quan: Move for Better Balance instructors.

This program is made possible through a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. This grant is made possible, in part, through the Ann T. D’Addario Family Foundation Fund, John A. Barr Jr. Fund, and the Jean and Biff Shaw Fund.

Lifestyle changes such as getting regular physical activity, eating a variety of foods that are low in fat while maintaining an adequate calorie intake, and losing a modest amount of weight can cut diabetes risk and lead to a healthier way of life. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is proving to be a model that helps people achieve these changes. In fact, programs like ours have been shown to reduce the number of new cases of Diabetes by 58% in adults and by 71% in adults over the age of 60.  

The YMCA delivers a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). It is the largest in-person provider in the United States. 

The Diabetes Prevention Program at Regional YMCA of Western CT welcomes participants from across Connecticut, including the communities served by the Regional YMCA, the Valley Shore YMCA and Naugatuck YMCA. Classes are offered virtually and in person to make the program accessible to our neighbors near and far.

Give your child a head start on fitness. This 6 week course will teach your 10-13 year old the essentials to be safe and successful in the Wellness Center. This course is required for 10-12 year old members to utilize the Wellness Center Unattended.

Session 1

• November 3rd – December 8th
  • Mondays 4:30-5:30pm
• November 5th – December 10th
  • Wednesdays 5-6pm
• November 7th – December 12th
  • Fridays 4-5pm

$120 Registration Fee

Registration opens 10/15 Online!