YMCA DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach facilitates a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Reduce body weight by 7%
- Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25)* and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes** by a healthcare provider.
*Asian individual(s) BMI > 22
**Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
CLICK HERE to download an informational flier
DOWNLOAD A GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
We are very proud to offer a wide variety of over 100 group exercise classes each week taught by nationally trained and certified instructors. Our program includes a variety of different class formats. Classes start as early
as 6:00 am and run almost hourly until closing. Group-exercise class schedules are published monthly and can be picked up at the Member Service Center at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA or downloaded here. The following is a sample of a few of our most popular class formats, and these are all free to facility members!
Pilates
Pilates is a gentle and effective form of exercise. It consists of a series of controlled, flowing movements promoting flexibility, good posture, and stability (strength) in the "core" of the body.
Tai Chi
Lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve balance and coordination through this rejuvenating class. Stretch and Strength Therapy New! This class is taught by internationally acclaimed author, Noa Spector-Flock. This exercise program will help you look, move, and feel better. It will improve your strength, flexibility, and coordination through a series of exercises incorporating the use of resistance bands. It's a great class for everyone who would like a toned and fit body.
Zumba
Zumba combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow the Zumba participants to dance away their worries. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music & dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system.
Light and Lively
Revitalize with this class, which is perfect for the new exerciser. A combination of low impact aerobics, strength training, and flexibility work make up the light and lively experience.
BOSU Conditioning
This class does it all - cardio, core strength, balance, stability, and upper body conditioning while burning many calories. Based upon a basic step class format, this class utilizes the BOSU Balance Trainer to take the class to the next level. Cardio intervals with balance combinations, squats and lunges incorporating the body bar will help tone you up and trim you down.
PUMP
Take your fitness to the next level with this class taught by a YMCA personal trainer. Jump rope, push-ups, strength training, and more make this class a must for your schedule.
YOGA
We offer over 15 yoga classes a week at various times of the day. These classes vary from chair yoga for seniors to the more advanced power yoga. Build strength, flexibility, and endurance while improving your overall health, reducing stress, and elevating your quality of life!
Core and More
This one hour class will tone and trim your core area through a wide variety of exercises incorporating different tools such as the resist-a-ball, tubing, and more.
Bone Density Strength Training
Learn how to increase your bone density through effective strength training techniques with this amazing class. Tone up, trim down, and learn proper techniques while helping to eliminate injury.
Cardio Step/ Advanced Step
All step, all cardio for a fat blasting forty-five minutes. This energy packed class will help you to trim down and shape up while having fun at the same time. If you want to take your step aerobics to the next level, then Advanced Step Aerobics is for you!
Core Strength and Conditioning
Get stronger and improve your core conditioning with Core Strength and Conditioning. This class incorporates the BOSU ball which has become one of the most effective training tools in the fitness industry. Core Strength and Conditioning incorporates a variety of exercises from total body muscle conditioning to stretching and flexibility.
Spinning (Cycling)
Get the most action-packed and cardio slamming workout in the Fitness Center. We are proud to offer over 20 spinning classes a week at various times to fit individual scheduling needs. These classes will burn an excess of 400 calories during each class. Beginning cycling is offered at various times of the week to help you get started with this awesome program.
The Jim & Heather Gills YMCA has 2 full size basketball courts and has designated "open gym" times so members have access and can use the gymnasium. Please check the gymnasium schedule for those designated times.
The YMCA offers canoe trips once a month between March and May. The location of these trips alternates between Ft. DeSoto & Weedon Island. For more info please call 727-328-9622.
Adult Tae Kwon Do: Mon 6:30-7:30pm, Wed 7:00pm-8:00pm
Picklebal: Free Pickup games run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 7 and 10 am.
(Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net, but is mounted two inches lower. The game is played with a hard paddle and a polymer wiffle ball.)
Adult Basketball: For ages 18 and up. Next season start date has yet to be determined.
Adult Volleyball: Free Pickup games held on Monday and Thursday nights from 7pm to 9pm.
SUMMER SPECIALTY SPORTS CAMPSBASKETBALL
AGES 5-12
June 18th - 22nd
July 16th - 20th
July 30th -August 3rd
Learn the fundamentals of the game and have fun at the same time! Dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense are just some of the skills we’ll work on.
FLAG FOOTBALL
AGES 5-12
June 11th - June 15th
July 9th - 13th
Are you ready for some football? Passing, catching, running, and football strategies are just some of the skills we’ll work on.
SOCCER
AGES 5-12
June 25th - 29th
July 23rd - 27th
Do you have game? In this camp we’ll work on passing, dribbling, running, and soccer strategies.
CHEERLEADING
AGES 5-12
June 11th - June 15th
July 9th - 13th
Go Team, Go! During a week of cheerleading camp we’ll learn the basics of cheerleading as well as routines to perform.
GYMNASTICS
AGES 5-12
June 25th - 29th
July 23rd - 27th
Come and learn tumbling techniques & more during this week of fun!
T-BALL
AGES 3-6
July 9th - 13th
July 23rd - 27th
Does the next Evan Longoria live at your house? Then sign them up for T-Ball Camp!
The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they will carry with them throughout their lives. But the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Your child will build self-confidence and learn the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Our program is designed with families in mind and offers flexible practice schedules, opportunity to play on the same team with friends and family, scholarship assistance, shorter seasons, and all equipment is provided. For more information on the YMCA Youth Sports program, contact Bryan Sunnucks, at (727) 328-9622 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Little Dribblers- A 6 to 7 week introductory program for ages 3 and 4. Practices and games held on Saturday mornings. Each player receives a YMCA reversible jersey. Focus of program centers on skill building and a fun experience for players first time playing basketball.
Youth Basketball- A 7 to 9 week program (depending on season) for ages 5 to 12. Practices held once during the week and games on Saturdays. Each player receives a YMCA reversible jersey. Three seasons held in a year in May to June, July to August, and December to February.
Blastball Soccer- A 6 to 7 week introductory program for ages 3 and 4. Practices held once during the week and games held on Saturday mornings. Each player receives a YMCA jersey. Focus of program centers on skill building and a fun experience for players first time playing soccer.
Youth Soccer- A 7 to 9 week program (depending on season) for ages 5 to 12. Practices held one or times during the week and games on Saturdays. Each player receives a YMCA pro style jersey, shorts, and socks. Two seasons held in a year in the Spring (March to May) and in the Fall (September to November).
T-ball- A 6 to 7 week introductory program for ages 3 and 4. Two seasons run in a year in the Spring (May and June) and the Winter (November and December). Practices and games held on Saturday mornings. Each player receives a YMCA jersey and hat.
Our trained climbing staff will guide you through eight different climbing routes, a bouldering obstacle course and skill challenges that will have you reaching new heights!
At over 25 feet tall our Rock Climbing Wall is both a challenging and fun way to exercise! With eight different routes, our trained climbing staff can guide first time to seasoned climbers, kids to adults, through obstacle courses and skills challenges. This is a great experience for the entire family. The Rock Climbing Wall is free to members and is for ages 5+.
ROCK WALL HOURS
MONDAY-THURSDAY
3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
FRIDAY
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
ADULT CLIMBING CLUB
AGES 15+
THURSDAY'S
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Free to Members ($5.00 for non-members)
Learn how to climb, boulder, and self-belay
DOWNLOAD A GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
YOGA, TAI CHI, NIA, & PILATES
PILATES
A core strength-training program that will streamline you body and increase your flexibility.
OSTEO PILATES
The class is designed to incorporate safe Pilates exercises into your bone building program. Exercises are modified, incorporating sound physical therapy principles to build the bones of the most vulnerable areas of the hip and spinal vertebrae.
NIA
NIA draws from dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts. NIA is a movement practice that achieves mind, body, and spirit fitness.
TAI CHI
Lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve balance and coordination through ancient Tai Chi.
YOGA ON THE BALL
Yoga & exercise balls, light hand weights, and exercise bands for rapid gains in strength, flexibility, and deep muscle release. Meditation Focus. Beginners welcome.
YOGA
All fitness levels. Learn breath awareness, tone the body, lengthen contracted muscles, & increase stamina while building strength and flexibility.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Integrate mind/body/spirit connection through a gentle flow of postures, breath, sound vibration & meditation. Increases strength, flexibility & body awareness.
SILVERSNEAKERS® YOGA STRETCH
This class is incorporates a variety of simple and safe yoga exercises that you'll do at your own pace. Using a chair for support, you'll increase flexibility, build endurance and learn how to relax and think more clearly.
YOUNGEVITY YOGA
Youngevity Yoga has been used to successfully treat chronic neck back and pain. The routine improves flexibility and balance as well as athletic performance.
FAMILY YOGA
Music, song, story tale adventure and play are combined with basic yoga poses to create a fun and unique experience. Adults and children ages 6 and up.
AGELESS YOGA (Iyengar)
Ageless Yoga (Iyengar) increases flexibility & balance, builds strength/stamina, & helps to attain better concentration.
DOWNLOAD A GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
INDOOR CYCLING/SPINNING
TRI SPIN
Interval training for tri-athletes and athletes looking to maximize cycling fitness in minimal time. Focus is on form, efficiency, and effectiveness! After 50+ min class, there is an optional run workout (either drills, treadmill, outside) forming what tri-athletes call a "Brick" workout. All fitness levels welcome.
CYCLE JAM
Fast paced challenging cardio workout with top 40, pop, R&B and hip-hop music to get you going. Includes intervals, racing, hills and jumps for great 45 minute ride.
CYCLE POWER
Each class gives you a wide variety of intensity with sprints, hills, flat road races, and even core conditioning work.
SUPER CYCLE
Get a super workout with a variety of intensity and recovery segments that include hills, jumps, and flat roads. This class is followed by Core & More in Studio 3.
FREE STYLE SPIN
Anything goes, fun mix of music and a variety of spin workouts.
STRENGTH SPIN
Make the most of your lunch hour with this total body workout - 30 min spin class followed by 15 minutes of core and strength training will energize you for the rest of the day!
DOWNLOAD A GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
We are very proud to offer a wide variety of over 100 group exercise classes each week taught by nationally trained and certified instructors. Our program includes a variety of different class formats. Classes start as early as 6:00 am and run almost hourly until closing. Group-exercise class schedules are published monthly and can be picked up at the Member Service Center at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA. The following is a sample of a few of our most popular classes which of course are all FREE to facility members!
AEROBICS & STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES
Les Mills BodyCombat
We are very excited to add Les Mills BodyCombat to our group exercise schedule! BodyCombat is a high-energy, cardio-kickboxing class that can help you burn up to 545 calories per hour. This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and can help improve coordination, agility, bone density, posture, balance, muscle tone, and more!
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE CLASS
It is an intense interval class that combines cardio and strength training drills to help members test their skills, gain endurance, increase muscle definition, and burn mega calories. Are you up to the challenge? Limited to 18 participants. Wrist bands required. Pick up 15 minutes prior to class on the Cardio Deck.
CORE & MORE
Builds core strength, flexibility & focuses on the abs, glutes, thighs, lower back, shoulders & arms. Tone, strengthen & shape your core. Finish with yoga stretching.
BONE DENSITY STRENGTH TRAINING
This class increases bone density through strength training that incorporates slow motion exercises utilizing a variety of equipment.
BOOT CAMP
Lunges, squats, sprints, ladder work, and more mixed in with strength training segments will really work you out!
BOSU CARDIO CONDITIONING
This class uses the BOSU Balance Trainer for an awesome workout that combines cardio, balance, stability, and core strength to take your fitness to the next level.
BOSU CORE CONDITIONING
Cardio mixed w/ intervals of strengthening exercises on the Bosu using squats, lunges, push-ups & abs.
CARDIO KICK
Kick, punch, and jab your way to fitness. Tai Bo style, fast, fun, class for people looking to jump start their fitness routine.
CORE CONDITIONING/STRENGTH TRAINING
Strength training emphasis on the abs, glutes, thighs, & lower back. This class utilizes BOSU, resist-a-ball, hand weights, body bar, tubing and more!
TOTAL BODY TRAINING
Take weight lifting combined with cardio & you get an intense total body training class.
LIGHT AND LIVELY
Revitalize with a combination of low impact aerobics, strength training, resist-a-ball, and a lot of fun!
PUMP
This class has energy packed jump roping, hand weights, body bar, push ups, & more!
ZUMBA/ LATIN CARDIO DANCE
Latin based aerobics class that will have you smiling & working hard through the final cool down and stretch.
BALANCE & STRENGTH
Designed for seniors, helps them improve sense of well-being through strength, balance, flexibility, & endurance.