at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self esteem. In addition to the physical benefits, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a free 12-week program for cancer survivors, family members and is open to the community.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Bixler
727.328.9622 ext. 173
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LIVESTRONG NEWS
On April 9th, the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program received a $25,000 check from St. Petersburg YMCA member and cancer survivor Richard Spayde.
Spayde was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive type of cancer, in 2005. The YMCA was critical to Spayde's recovery, as he worked out at the YMCA daily -- strengthening his body, rediscovering his self-confidence, and renewing his faith in a total recovery.
Upon his full recovery in 2007, Spayde co-founded Cure on Wheels- a non-profit organization that raises money to help individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area cope with a diagnosis of cancer through an annual bike-a-thon. In 2012, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg was named a new recipient of Cure on Wheels donations for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is a free 16-week program offering those living with, through and beyond cancer a safe, empowering environment to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self esteem.
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.
Schedule of Upcoming Classes
**Tuesdays at 5:45pm beginning April 30th-
Northside Hospital Medical Plaza - St. Petersburg
**Wednesdays at 11am beginning April 24th-
Jim & Heather Gills YMCA – 3200 1st Ave S St Petersburg
**Mondays at 9:30am beginning June 3rd-
Sunshine Senior Center - St. Petersburg
*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.
**To confirm if the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is a covered benefit under you health insurance, contact the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance at 1-800-237-4942.CLICK HERE to download an informational flier.
For more information contact:
YMCA DIABETES PREVENTION COORDINATOR
SHELLEY SWAPP
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
727.895.9622 ext. 219
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
Pickleball: 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 & Up. Season will begin February 20th, and season will run until April 24th. Wednesday nights only. To sign up a team, contact Eric Jameson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Adult Volleyball - Free Pickup games held on Monday and Tuesday from 7:15 pm – 9:15pm.
SUMMER BASKETBALL
AGES 5-12 - Jim and Heather Gills Y
REGISTRATION: May 31st - July 5th
SEASON: July 13th - August 17th
Price: $45 member, $70 non member
Players will have one practice per week, with games taking place on Saturday. Jersey included in cost for participation. Contact Eric Jameson for more information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
LITTLE DRIBBLERS
AGES 3-4 - Jim and Heather Gills Y
REGISTRATION: May 31st - July 5th
SEASON: July 13th - August 17th
Price: $40 member, $65 non member
Players will have one practice per week, with games taking place on Saturday. Jersey included in cost for participation. Contact Eric Jameson for more information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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!