
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
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727.895.9622 ext. 219
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Private Swim Lessons
Available for two year olds through adults who want some extra attention and more instruction. All of our private lessons are taught by our own certified instructors.
Adult Swim Lessons
Classes consist of instruction in basic swimming, stroke techniques and personal safety skills. Class is set up to move at your own pace with no pressure to advance too quickly.
DOWNLOAD A WINTER AQUATICS SCHEDULE
Water Aerobics
Develop muscle tone and flexibility, while the buoyancy of the water cushions the joints. Exercises can be adjusted for low, medium or high impact. You do not have to be a swimmer to attend.
Deep Water Aerobics
Develop muscle tone and flexibility. Use flotation devices along with the buoyancy of water to cushion your joints. Exercises can be adjusted for low, medium, or high impact. You must be a swimmer to attend.
Happy Hinges
This is an opportunity for individuals with bone, muscle, or joint problems to exercise through a workout that fits their needs. Specially designed, low-impact workout consisting of three categories: range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and conditioning exercises. Warm water and slow movements can also help relieve pain and stiffness.
Moving Forward
Specialized program for people who want one-on-one assisted exercise in the water. These sessions are held in chest-deep water and use a variety of equipment and aquatic apparatuses. Great for victims of stroke, accidents, CP, etc.
Open/Family Swim
Open for your swimming enjoyment. There will be no classes and all swimming activities will be open to members. Children 8 years and older are allowed in the pool without supervision; any child younger then 8 needs to have parental supervision. *No exceptions*
Lap Swim
Pool time for lap swim only. Lap swim is an Adult Fitness Activity. Youth under the age of 13 are not allowed to participate. Youth under the age of 16 must pass a swim test in order to participate. Masks, fins, snorkels, and kickboards are allowed. Noodles and other instructional floatation devices are not allowed in the lap lanes. If more than two swimmers are in a lane, you must stay to the right and circle swim. **A minimum of one lap lane will be open at all times.
Fit for All Kids
All Children's Hospital and the Y are committed to helping address the problem of childhood obesity and supporting the children and parents in the community that want to adopt and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. So, All Children's and the Y teamed up to offer families the Fit4Allkids weight management and fitness for families program. This interactive program encourages children to reach their own individual goals for weight loss, weight management and physical activity. After receiving a physician referral, participants can choose to take part in the group program located at the Y. The group program is available for kids ages 8 through 12 and provides the following:
- Eight weekly group sessions (up to 10 families per session)
- Goal setting and strategies
- Orientation session
- Nutrition and physical activity information and log books provided
- Materials and tools for families to support their child in the program
- Incentives to encourage participation
For more information on this Fit4allkids program or to find out how you can get involved please visit www.allkids.org/fit4allkids, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 727-767-6923.
Our YMCA Health and Well Being Consult is a one-on-one consultation with a Wellness Staff Associate designed to help members achieve their health and well being goals. This is a great way to get started at our YMCA!
SILVERSNEAKERS/ ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS ACTIVITIES
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has an active older adult community that puts on and participants in a variety of events each month including Ice Cream Social & Movie, Birthday Celebrations, luncheons, fieldtrips and more! Please see below for a list of upcoming events. Monthly activities listed below or for more information call 727-328-9622.





