YMCA Evidence-based Health Programs

The YMCA’s DPP and MDPP helps overweight adults at risk for type 2 diabetes reduce their risk through lifestyle modification. Delivered by health coaches, the Y’s DPP is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-approved curriculum.

• The program provides a supportive environment for participants to achieve the goals of 7% weight loss and attaining 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (the equivalent of brisk walking) per week.
• Health coaches deliver the program over a 12-month period in a classroom setting to participants who meet qualification criteria.

How It Works

In a classroom setting or virtually, a trained lifestyle coach facilitates a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over 25 sessions. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and then three sessions every other week during the first six months, followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months.

Program Goals

• Reduce body weight by 7%
• Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week

Who  Can Participate?

• Adults 18+ who are overweight (BMI > 25, Asian adults: BMI > 22) and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes

The Minority Diabetes Prevention Program supports African American and Latinos. 

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is an evidence-based program that features personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months lowers blood pressure.

Program Goals:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve blood pressure management
• Increase awareness of triggers that elevate pressure
• Enhance knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

Who  Can Participate?

• Adults (18+) diagnosed with high blood pressure

Helping Participants Feel Strong, Steady & Safe

Every 14 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 29 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall-related injury. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)​​​ In the United States, falls related injuries are a major public health concern for individuals over 65 ​as well as those living with chronic conditions such as heart disease. 

Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week evidence-based falls prevention program developed by researchers at the Oregon Research Institute. The group exercise program uses the principles of Tai Chi. Qualified instructors teach eight Tai Chi movements modified especially for falls prevention. Participants meet twice a week for 24 sessions.

Program Goals:

• Improve balance
• Improve muscle strength
• Improve flexibility
• Improve mobility

Who  Can Participate?

• Adults 65+ physically mobile or with impaired stability/mobility
• Adults 45+ with a condition that may impact stability/mobility

LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA is a small-group program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health following a cancer diagnosis. Through this program, YMCAs create communities of cancer survivors and guide them through safe physical activity – leading to an improved quality of life.

Program Goals:

• Reclaim health and well-being through safe physical activity
• Build supportive relationships and reduce stress

Who  Can Participate?

• Adults 18+ living with or beyond cancer treatment

Parents and children (ages 7-13) learn together through this 15-week family-based weight management program that focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and behavior modification. The program empowers children and families to live a healthier and active lifestyle.

Families registered for this program will work with trained leaders. During this time, children and an adult caregiver will learn about topics, including:

• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Portion control
• Internal and external triggers
• Food label reading
• Goal setting and rewards

Program Goals:

• Reduce BMI
• Increase in daily physical activity
• Adoption of healthy eating habits

Who Can Participate?

• Family-based program for children 7-13 years old, at 95^th BMI percentile or greater (parent/caregiver attends too)

The 12-week YMCA Weight Loss Program is designed to help adults seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable, healthy habits. Each week, participants:

• Weigh in
• Discuss a new topic relevant to weight loss
• Discuss successes, challenges and suggestions on the weekly topic
• Develop goals for the coming week.
• Topics may include nutrition, physical activity, stress and sleep, positive psychology, goal setting and sustainability.

Who Can Participate?

• Adults 18+

Enhance^®Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life. Each class in the 16-week program includes cardiovascular, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises, while fostering strong social relationships between participants.

Enhance®Fitness has been nationally recognized by:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US Department of Health and Human Services
• Administration for Community Living
• National Council on Aging.

Program Goals:

• Increase cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility and balance to help reduce severity of arthritis symptoms
• Provide an atmosphere encouraging social interaction

Who  Can Participate?

• Older adults, especially those with arthritis

Read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's article about arthritis in the United States and how YMCAs are playing a role in helping people live more fully with arthritis. 

(June 2020: Enhance^®Fitness is not currently offered virtually.)