Move More to Do More!
The Keene Family YMCA will join more than 1000 organizations and groups across the U.S. to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. As an official host site, the Y will hold an open house from 10 am – 2 pm with exhibitors and activities geared towards older adults and including free entry into a variety of group exercise classes both in and out of the pool.
Join a Group Exercise Class
All of the group exercise classes happening during the event are open to both YMCA members and non-members. Options include a handful of regularly occurring classes that are available to YMCA members every Wednesday. These include:
- 10am-11am: AEA Arthritis Class
Intensity Level: Low to Moderate
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program takes place in the pool and uses a variety of exercises in the water designed to improve range of motion, muscle strength, and flexibility for people with arthritis of similar conditions. - 10:30am-11:15am: Fit & Active/Yoga
Intensity Level: Low
This beginner friendly class will have you moving through a variety of exercises designed to gently increase strength and range of motion, incorporating simple yoga postures for balance and focus. - 11:30am-12:15pm: Yoga with a Chair
Intensity Level: Low
If you’ve ever wanted to try yoga but were concerned about getting down and coming up from the floor, this class is for you. This practice will introduce participants to poses that can be done with, or in a chair. The class also incorporates breath work and meditation. - 12:15pm-1:00pm: Anything Goes!
Intensity Level: Moderate to High
This high intensity class consists of a variety of cardio and strength exercises for a challenging workout that is guaranteed to shake up your routine. You never know what our trainers will come up with!
Members and non-members are welcome to join in any of the above classes. Members can pre-register through the Y app up to 24 hours in advance. Non-members can register when they arrive at the event, and will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
There will also be classes that are being offered only during the event (and possibly more often in the future!) Anyone who would like to participate in these classes (members and non-members) can register when they arrive at the event. Please note that space is limited, and participants will be registered on a first come, first served basis. These classes include:
- 10:30-11:00am: Stand & Stretch
Intensity Level: Low
Lengthen your entire body by standing up and stretching the arms, legs and core. This class is gently and moves slowly and fluidly. - 11:30-12:00pm: Let’s Move
Intensity Level: Low
Enjoy low impact cardiovascular exercise with simple movements. Light strength work may be included. - 12:30pm-1:00pm: Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance Demo Class
Intensity Level: Low
This program is designed to help improve balance, coordination and stability using gentle, low-impact movements based on the forms of Tai Chi. - 1:00pm-1:30pm: Gentle Aqua Stretch
Intensity Level: Low
Join Jen in the pool for some gentle stretching and experience the benefits of exercising using the resistance of the water. - 1:00-1:30pm: Zumba Gold
Intensity Level: Low
Have fun with this lower intensity version of Zumba. This class includes dance movements inspired by Latin music. - 1:30-2:00pm: Beatbox
Intensity Level: Low/Moderate
A cardiovascular class that combines light boxing moves performed to upbeat music.
The schedule and details for these additional classes is still being finalized and will be updated here soon!
Connect with Local Providers
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is all about living life to its fullest by staying active and taking good care of ourselves as we grow older. Making connections and staying on top of the resources available to you is a key component of healthy living.
At Senior Health and Fitness Day at the Y you’ll have the opportunity to meet with representatives from several local organizations that provide services for older adults. Amongst those expected at the event are:
- Monadnock Peer Support
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Home Healthcare, Hospice, and Community Services
- Keene State’s Cheshire Academy for Lifelong Learning
- Hearing Life
- Ted’s Shoe & Sport
- Cheshire Village at Home (a division of the Keene Senior Center)
Need a Lift?
Did you know that the City Express stops at the Keene Family YMCA seven times each day? You’ll find their schedule at www.cityexpress.org. Bus fair is only $1.00 for each ride.
We’re also excited to announce that anyone aged 60 and above can make reservations for rides to the Y for the event by calling the Friendly Bus at 603-352-8494. Reservations must be confirmed no later than noon on Tuesday, May 30th, and there is a suggested donation of $2.00 per trip.
Find Your Y!
The Keene Family YMCA has a wide range of programs and services that are designed to help you build spirit, mind and body. At the Y, you’ll find more than just a place to work out. With opportunities to connect with new people, develop new skills and explore new interests, you’ll discover new passions and a greater sense of purpose.