Free Programs to Improve Your Health
The MetroWest YMCA has an entire department devoted to helping individuals prevent and manage chronic conditions to reclaim their health and quality of life. These evidence-based programs have shown quantifiable results and support individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, cancer, and neuromuscular conditions like Parkinson's.
Most of these programs are FREE and offered on an ongoing basis. Classes will be held at the Framingham Branch. Day and time for each class may vary by session.
For questions or additional information, please contact Jesse Potter, Director of Evidence-Based and Older Adult Programs: jpotter@metrowestymca.org
YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program
Ages 18+
This one-year evidence-based program helps adults prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Guided by a YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, participants learn small, measurable changes to reduce the risk for Type 2 Diabetes and live a healthier lifestyle.
Free to Full-Access Framingham Members and Community Members
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals. They'll learn endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance, which helps to improve confidence and self-esteem by focusing on the whole person and not the disease. This is a 12-week program.
This program is free to anyone living with or beyond cancer treatments. Support/caregivers are welcome.
YMCA's Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
This four-month, evidence-based program helps participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure through blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars, and personalized support from a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador. Participants will receive a free blood pressure cuff and attend free monthly nutrition webinars. Sessions are provided in person or virtually.
Enhance Fitness
This evidence-based group exercise program for older adults offers simple, easy-to-learn movements designed to deliver cardio exercise, strength training, flexibility, and balance. The goal is to motivate participants to improve overall function and well-being. It may help you prevent falls and help with symptoms of arthritis. Class can be done seated or standing and exercises are modified for individual needs and abilities. This is a 16-week program.
Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays/, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
FREE to Full-Access Framingham Members
Walk with Ease
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. This program has been proven to improve overall health and:
- Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
- Increase balance, strength, and walking pace
- Build confidence in your ability to be physically active
Walk with Ease is offered as a self-guided course or in a community setting.
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cushing Park, Framingham
Full-Access Framingham Member $35
Community Member $70