Prevention + Support

PREVENTION + SUPPORT

Enhancing Quality of Life for People Living with Chronic Illness

With Chronic Disease Prevention and Support, adults living with chronic diseases experience a strong sense of belonging and create a network of friends who provide support for sustained health and well-being. Through ongoing fun, safe, and engaging specialized programs, members build relationships and increase self-confidence while celebrating the successes of each member of their community.

Ping Pong Parkinson

Ping Pong Parkinson (PPP) is a global sports organization dedicated to empowering individuals with Parkinson’s disease through table tennis. By combining sport and therapy, PPP creates an inclusive and supportive community where participants can enhance movement, coordination, and developing neuroplasticity. Through weekly sessions, players engage in table tennis as a fun and effective form of physical therapy, helping to improve motor skills and overall well-being. Whether playing recreationally or training for international competition—including the World Championships—PPP offers opportunities for all skill levels.

Visit the Ping Pong Parkinson website to learn more about the program.

Love to play table tennis? We’re also looking for volunteers to join and serve as practice partners!
To volunteer contact Megan Nayden at [email protected]

Program typically runs year-round.

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Parkinson's Disease/Movement Disorders Support Program

Our Parkinson’s Program is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease with flexible and customizable options. Participants can choose from a variety of classes tailored to improve physical function, strength, balance, and coordination while addressing cognitive and emotional well-being. The program fosters a sense of community and provides therapeutic exercises aimed at delaying the progression of symptoms.

Choose from packages that offer 1-5 classes per week. Sessions run in consecutive 8-week blocks. Participants are given a complimentary Y membership with enrollment.

Program typically runs year-round.

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Participants can choose from the following classes:

Parkinson’s Support Group 
Mondays | 11:30AM-12:30PM
This support group is designed to help individuals cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Participating in this support group can help alleviate the burden of frustrations that are often hard to express to loved ones or while living alone. This support group is an opportunity to exchange experiences, stories, and share resources and education with like-minded people and can be truly restorative.  

The Art of BIG: BONGO by Simona (begins October 6, 2025)
Mondays | 12:45-1:45PM
The Art of BIG: BONGO is an uplifting new program designed especially for people with Parkinson’s. Rooted in research, this class combines the joy of rhythm with BIG movements to support coordination, dexterity, and balance while also reducing stress and enhancing mood. Participants will play bongos while seated, standing, and in circles, allowing the body to move freely and align with rhythm and emotion. No musical experience is needed; just come ready to tap, move, and connect.

Research shows that drumming can:
  • Enhance quality of life and emotional well-being

You Move BIG
Tuesdays + Thursdays | 11:45AM-12:45PM
A fitness program designed to empower people living with Parkinson’s disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. The goal is to motivate participants to develop a habit of consistent exercise routines best suited to their individual needs. Recommended for anyone with limited mobility. Includes weight training, balance and gait work, along with gentle cardiovascular exercises.

Core Balance Coordination for Parkinson’s
Wednesdays | 1:30-2:30PM
This moderate-intensity core strengthening, balance, and coordination class offers significant benefits to people with Parkinson’s. These targeted exercises help improve posture, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of falls—key concerns for those managing the condition. Strengthening the core muscles promotes better movement control and functional mobility, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. Coordination exercises can also support improved motor skills, helping to counteract the effects of tremors and stiffness. Beyond the physical benefits, such classes can foster a sense of community and empowerment, providing a supportive environment to maintain independence and overall well-being.

Box Out Parkinson’s
Fridays | 12:00-1:00PM
Box Out Parkinson’s is a full-body workout exercise regimen where you perform non-combat boxing exercises. This class will include stretches and warmup exercises to prepare the body for the workout and to avoid injury. Participants will use heavy punching bags to build strength and muscle. Vocal exercises are incorporated into the workout to help with any voice disorder symptoms of Parkinson’s while footwork and other agility exercises will be used to help improve balance.

Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.

Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members and non-members.

Program typically runs year-round.

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Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) is an 8-week exercise program that helps improve the physical health of adults with arthritis. Led by an AFAP-certified instructor, participants of all swimming abilities can engage in water-based exercises designed to improve range of motion, muscle strength, and daily function as the buoyancy effect of the water helps to reduce fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members only.

Program typically runs year-round.

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Enhance Fitness | Enhance Chair Fitness

A moderate-impact class with high-impact results.

EnhanceFitness 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 lives.
NEW! Enhance Chair Fitness is similar, but with the added support of a chair for those who need a gentler routine.

Participants report noticing

  • More energy
  • Better balance
  • Increases in upper and lower body strength
  • More flexibility and range of motion
  • Better sleep
  • More feelings of happiness
  • Sense of independence

In addition to the physical benefits, research has shown that among older adults who participate in EnhanceFitness, health costs were lowered each year by close to $1,000.

Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises, and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants. EnhanceFitness is geared toward older adults. Those with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, need not worry; they will never have to do anything that hurts. Participants can use chairs for support, if necessary, and increase the weight they use for strength training at their own pace.

Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members only.

Program typically runs year-round.

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Osteoblast

Osteoblast is a targeted fitness class designed for individuals with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. Using resistance and impact training, Osteoblast helps improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of falls. The class emphasizes muscle strengthening, mobility, balance, and impact loading, all of which are key to building stronger bones and greater stability. Participants gain the confidence to stay active, protect their bone health, and support overall well-being.

Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members only.

Program typically runs year-round.

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Walk with Ease

Walk With Ease is an evidence-based walking program appropriate for adults with arthritis. Walk With Ease reduces the pain and discomfort of arthritis while increasing balance, strength, and walking stride. It also builds the confidence needed to be physically active and improve one’s overall health.

The program is facilitated by certified instructors and is conducted in small, supportive group settings. The only pre-requisite for the program is the ability to be on your feet for at least ten minutes without feeling increased pain.

Walk With Ease can inspire you to start a personalized, safe, successful, and enjoyable walking program that can help you

  • Develop a walking routine that can meet your needs
  • Stay motivated
  • Manage your pain
  • Improve overall health
  • Learn to exercise safely
  • Reach your health goals

Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members only. Class meets outside and is weather dependent.

Program typically runs during Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.

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Coming Soon!

Please contact Megan Nayden at [email protected]

FALL I SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2025 | REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 28

SessionRegistration opensSession beginsSession ends

Winter

December 9 2024

January 6 2025

March 2 2025

Spring I

February 3

March 3

April 27

Spring II

March 31

April 28

June 22

Summer

May 26

June 23

August 17

Fall I

July 28

September 8

November 2

Fall II

October 6

November 3

December 28

Winter (2026)

December 8

January 5 2026

March 1 2026

Programs typically run in 8-week session blocks.

Registration remains open two weeks into each session. Late registration costs will be prorated.

Not all programs run during each session. To view individual program availability, please visit the program registration page or click the button below.

View programs

For questions and more information, please contact Megan Nayden at [email protected]

Financial Aid

We believe the opportunity to gain personal growth from our programming should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. Our Membership for All program ensures that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.

Download our application here.

Want to stay up to date on the latest program offerings? Sign up to receive updates about upcoming sessions and registration windows.

By submitting your email address, you agree to receive newsletters from the Ridgewood YMCA that are relevant to your interests. We will not share your address with anyone. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the UNSUBSCRIBE link in the newsletter.

Expand to view class descriptions

BODY SCULPT
Shape and define lean muscles through targeted exercises that blend dumbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight movements. This energizing workout focuses on sculpting and toning, helping you build strength and flexibility. Every session is designed to leave you feeling strong, balanced, and revitalized, creating lean, graceful muscle definition from head to toe.

CIRCUITS
Boost strength, endurance, and agility with this high-energy, full-body circuit workout! Rotate through timed stations featuring strength reps, cardio bursts, and functional movements to keep your heart rate up and muscles engaged. With minimal rest between exercises, you’ll build power and push your limits.

CORE + MORE
Build strength and sculpt your upper body with targeted exercises designed to tone your core, chest, shoulders, back, biceps, and triceps. From various core exercises to weighted upper body exercises, this class delivers a dynamic workout that builds muscle, boosts posture, and leaves you feeling powerful.

HIIT SQUAD
Experience High-Intensity Interval Training taken to the next level. These dynamic classes combine functional and athletic movements using the TRX, treadmill, bikes, kettlebells, and more. Get ready for an intense, full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and agility.

METCON
Challenge yourself with CrossFit-style circuits that combine strength, conditioning, and plyometric exercises. These workouts engage all three metabolic systems to enhance muscular power, strength, and endurance. Each month, you’ll repeat the same workout, allowing you to track your progress and compete against your own time and reps!

PLYOFIT BOOT CAMP
Get ready to sweat with this all-levels high-energy, full-body workout! PlyoFit combines cardio drills, bodyweight exercises, dumbbell strength work, and multi-station circuits for a high-intensity routine that builds strength, endurance, and power.

SMALL GROUP FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Improve your strength, stability, and mobility through functional movements designed to enhance everyday performance. A small class size ensures you receive 1-on-1 guidance to ensure proper form and maximum results. Push your limits, prevent injury, and build a stronger, more capable body in this challenging yet supportive environment.

STRENGTH TRAINING
Get ready to build strength from head to toe in this full-body workout using barbells and dumbbells. Move to the beat of energizing music as you challenge your muscles, break a sweat, and push your limits. This class is designed to keep you motivated while improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

SUNRISE CIRCUITS
Boost strength, endurance, and agility with this high-energy, full-body circuit workout! Rotate through 4 rounds of 8 exercises, featuring strength reps, cardio bursts, and functional movements to keep your heart rate up and muscles engaged. Using sandbags, gliders, and stability balls, you’ll challenge every muscle. With minimal rest between exercises, you’ll build power and push your limits—and if your morning is packed, you can head out early and still get a complete workout.

TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
This high-energy class provides an invigorating full-body challenge, with intensity tailored by the instructor. You’ll engage in dynamic high-rep strength exercises using a variety of equipment—dumbells, stability balls, steps, disks, and resistance bands—to build muscle, enhance balance, and boost endurance. No two sessions are the same, keeping your workouts fresh, engaging, and effective.

UPGRADE BOOTCAMP
Push your limits and unleash your potential with Travis Sample’s Upgrade BootCamp! This high-energy, full-body workout combines strength training, cardio, and functional movements to challenge every muscle and boost your endurance. Whether you’re sprinting, lifting, or powering through circuits, you’ll leave feeling stronger, fitter, and ready to conquer anything.

WEEKEND RE-BOOT
Kickstart your weekend with this all-levels bootcamp-style class that blends strength and cardio for a full-body reset. Using a mix of dumbbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight moves, you’ll sweat, recharge, and leave feeling strong and energized.

WOMEN’S BARBELL CLUB
Develop the strength and technique you need to approach the bar with confidence! Led by experienced female lifters, this class will focus on basic power and Olympic lifts as well as accessory exercises to build strength and power.
Woman-identifying and gender expansive individuals welcome.

HEAVY BAG
A high-intensity workout centered on striking a heavy bag, this class blends dynamic boxing moves to boost upper body strength, sharpen technique, and supercharge endurance. With punch combinations, body movements, and proper form guided by an instructor, it delivers a full-body challenge perfect for beginners and seasoned boxers alike, all while torching calories and channeling the spirit of a boxer in training.

KICKBOXING
An upbeat, full-body workout set to music, combining powerful punches and kicks with dynamic conditioning. Build strength, boost energy, and leave feeling empowered.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FOR SELF DEFENSE
Mixed Martial Arts for Self-Defense incorporates techniques from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, grappling, and karate with the goal of producing skillful, accomplished, and well-rounded students proficient in the art of self-defense.
All new students must be at least 18 years old, sign a liability waiver, and purchase a white karate gi online (with a white belt) prior to beginning any class.

TAI CHI
Experience the calming power of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. This “meditation in motion” focuses on gentle, flowing movements that relieve stress, promote relaxation, and enhance balance and coordination. Suitable for all levels, Tai Chi encourages mindfulness and inner peace while building strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, offering profound health benefits for overall well-being.

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS
Tai Chi for Arthritis is an ideal, low-impact exercise for those looking to support joint health and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Designed with controlled, slow movements and focused breathing, this class is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other joint concerns. Tai Chi can aid in chronic pain management, enhance mobility, and promote relaxation, providing both physical and mental well-being.

UPGRADE BOXING
Experience Travis Sample’s signature high-energy boxing class, featuring dynamic drills, heavy bag and one-on-one mitt work, and high-intensity interval training. Perfect for all fitness levels.

CYCLE
Prepare for a high-energy workout in our cycling studio! This fast-paced ride lets you climb steep hills, sprint on straightaways, and power through challenging intervals—all set to motivating, heart-pumping music. Transform your fitness and push your limits in every session!

RIDE WITH DDB FITNESS
Get ready to RIDE! Known for her eclectic playlists and smart programming, Danielle Devine-Baum creates cycling workouts that challenge your body and ignite your spirit. With over 15 years of experience teaching in NYC and virtually, Danielle brings unmatched energy and expertise to every class, leaving you energized and ready to come back for more.

DYNAMIC YOGA
Dynamic yoga focuses on flowing movements and breathwork. It is a more vigorous style of yoga than traditional Hatha yoga, and it can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.

GENTLE YOGA
This form of Hatha yoga practice involves breath, body, and mind, with poses not as strenuous as in a traditional yoga class.

HATHA YOGA
Hatha yoga is a traditional style of yoga that focuses on aligning the body, breath, and mind through deliberate movement and controlled breathing. This practice incorporates a series of postures, or asanas, held for extended moments to build strength, flexibility, and balance while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Experience the transformative power of moving meditation.

HATHA FOR HEALTHY BONES
This practice combines traditional Hatha yoga postures with an emphasis on weight-bearing postures to promote bone density, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Suitable for all levels, this class is ideal for those looking to support long-term bone health while enjoying a balanced, focused, and restorative yoga experience.

IYENGAR YOGA
Iyengar yoga offers a structured and precise approach to building strength, flexibility, and inner calm. The class begins with foundational postures—standing, sitting, and lying down—and gradually introduces inversions, deeper backbends, and breathing techniques as the practice develops. Emphasizing proper alignment and posture, the Iyengar method utilizes props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to support practitioners of all levels, ensuring each pose is accessible and safely executed. This methodical approach encourages focused awareness, helping students cultivate both physical discipline and mental clarity, resulting in a balanced, mindful, and transformative experience.

MEDITATION + RESTORATIVE YOGA
This is our gentlest yoga class. Designed for those who wish to find healing, recovery physically and emotionally, and to learn to release chronic tension and stress. 

YOGA
This class will guide you through foundational poses, gentle stretches, and mindful breathing techniques to cultivate flexibility, strength, and balance. Whether you are new to yoga or have an established practice, each sequence is structured to allow you to move with intention, adapting to your own pace and ability.

YOGALATES
Yogalates combines the balance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and awareness of yoga with Pilates techniques to improve posture, core strength, and stability.

BALLS + BANDS
Balls + Bands is a dynamic 45-minute class designed to sculpt, strengthen, and stretch your entire body. Using resistance bands and stability balls, this class enhances core stability, improves flexibility, and tones muscles with controlled, low-impact movements. Expect a mix of balance challenges, deep muscle engagement, and fluid sequences that leave you feeling strong, centered, and energized.

MAT PILATES
Mat Pilates is a core-centered exercise method designed to build strength, flexibility, and body awareness through a series of controlled movements. This form of Pilates focuses on engaging deep stabilizing muscles, especially in the core, while also incorporating the arms, legs, and back for a full-body workout. Rooted in the original exercises created by Joseph Pilates, it is performed on a mat without specialized equipment, making it accessible yet highly effective for developing stability, improving posture, and enhancing balance and coordination.

YOGALATES
Yogalates combines the balance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and awareness of yoga with Pilates techniques to improve posture, core strength, and stability.

BARRE
Barre combines the grace and precision of classical dance with strength-building moves inspired by yoga and Pilates. In addition to the barre, the class incorporates resistance bands, gliding discs, and exercise balls to add variety, challenge, and support for each movement. This dynamic mix of equipment helps enhance flexibility, balance, and core strength, creating a full-body workout that tones muscles and improves posture.

SOULBODY BARRE
Experience the power of Soul Body’s signature method and flow that is smart, functional, and more athletic, yet mindful in its approach. Shape, tone, and strengthen the body in this results-driven program brings that “boutique barre experience” to group fitness.

STRETCH
Improve flexibility, relieve tension, and leave feeling both relaxed and revitalized. Through a series of gentle yet effective stretching exercises, you’ll increase your range of motion, enhance circulation, and release stress held in the body. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class offers a blend of relaxing stretches and invigorating movements that help you reset and recharge. Join us to restore balance, boost flexibility, and leave feeling refreshed from head to toe.

LABLAST® FITNESS
LaBlast® Fitness is a fun, partner-free dance workout created by world-renowned dancer Louis van Amstel, known for his work on Dancing with the Stars. Suitable for all levels, LaBlast® guides you through a variety of ballroom dance styles set to popular music from pop and rock to hip-hop and country. With options for adding plyometric moves, weights, or keeping it low-impact, LaBlast® lets you choose your intensity while toning your body, improving rhythm, and enjoying a fantastic workout. As Louis says, “If you can clap it, you can dance it!”

ZUMBA®
Zumba® is a high-energy, dance-fitness party designed for everybody and every body! This class combines low and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning workout set to Latin and World rhythms, making exercise feel like a celebration. You’ll enjoy a total-body workout that includes cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility—leaving you energized, uplifted, and ready for more!

AQUA EX
Aqua exercise combines shallow and deep-water movements to provide a full-body workout with minimal impact on the joints. Using the natural resistance of water alongside specialized equipment like foam dumbbells and pool noodles, each session targets core stability, muscle strength, and coordination. Ideal for all fitness levels, Aqua exercise offers a challenging yet gentle way to build strength, boost stamina, and increase mobility in a supportive, low-impact environment.

AQUA ZUMBA®
Enjoy Zumba® on land? Try your favorite dance workout in the water for a great low-impact workout!

DEEP WATER RUNNING
Deep Water Fitness is a low-impact, joint-friendly workout that builds strength and cardiovascular health through the natural resistance of water. With the support of a flotation device, participants engage in underwater running drills, core exercises, and resistance movements for a full-body workout that boosts endurance, balance, and flexibility. Fun, effective, and suitable for all fitness levels!