A personal trainer spotting a senior member at a YMCA gym

Healthy Living

The YMCA aims to improve our nation's health by providing programs and activities that promote overall well-being, no matter where you are on your journey toward better health. And when people feel their best and have fulfilling lifestyles, their communities become stronger, too.

Our Healthy Living Programs

At the heart of the Y lies the power to transform—both yourself and the world around you. From our wide range of fitness, personal training, sports and aquatics programs, to our group social activities, as well as fun family and community events, we offer an array of options focused on strengthening spirit, mind and body.

  • Mother and daughter entering a YMCA together

    Health, Well-Being & Fitness

    At the Y, we believe health and fitness are vital components of individual well-being. That’s why we design programs to meet the needs of every individual, no matter their age or skill level. We provide fun and welcoming environments focused on building personal strength, endurance and confidence.

  • Girl running with football while boy chases during a game of flag football - YMCA

    Sports & Recreation

    We believe sports, friendly competition and exploring new interests are for everyone. And when teamwork is involved, there’s the added benefit of connecting with others. That’s why you’ll find a wide range of recreational activities at the Y, so there's always something for everyone.

  • Lifeguard overlooking pool while children play

    Water Safety & Swimming

    Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. That's precisely why our Safety Around Water program teaches essential water safety skills, which opens up a world of possibilities to satisfying youthful curiosity in a safe, structured environment.

  • Mother and daughter posing in park - YMCA

    Family Time

    Our goal is to provide memorable, meaningful experiences for everyone who sets foot in one of our locations. Whether you’re looking to try new activities as a family or make new friends, the Y is a place for all families to come together.

  • 4 seniors socializing

    Social Activities

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    Shared interests bring people together. They're key to making—and keeping—our communities strong. Regardless of what you're passionate about, we can connect you with like-minded individuals. So, if you want to learn to cook something new, create pottery or even try to learn a new language (and everything in between), you've come to the right place.

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    Mental Health Support

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    The Y is uniquely positioned to support the mental health of individuals and communities in all the work we do to help people reach their full potential—whether it’s teaching life skills to youth in our summer camps, supporting our staff, helping people achieve their best physical health or helping newcomer immigrants access services.

  • Healthy Heart Ambassador instructing a member in office on how to use a blood pressure cuff

    Healthier Communities

    We strive to strengthen the bond—and bridge the gap—between traditional healthcare and community-based preventative strategies. Efforts like increasing a community's walkability and linking policy and environmental strategies to health outcomes help prevent chronic disease and create communities we all want to live in.

  • Young girl playing outside in water

    Healthy Kids Day®

    As part of the Y's commitment to strengthen community by addressing critical gaps in health and education, Healthy Kids Day encourages kids and parents to commit to keeping the body and mind active this summer.

    Join your local Y for a day full of fun activities that celebrate kids being kids!

Healthy Living in Action

Check out the different ways that people have transformed their lives through hard work, perseverance and patience. At the Y, we inspire each other to be the best version of ourselves.

Watch more Y stories

  • BoxMaster®: We Always Have a lot of Fun as a Group.

    Greg likes to run—and he has five marathons and several other races under his belt. But when he wants to build endurance, strength and overall conditioning, he heads to YMCA of South Hampton Roads for BoxMaster® class. Along with his wife and friends, he boxes, dances, rocks burpees and other active recovery moves with a fun group that energizes and motivates him. This is his Y. His camera. His story.

  • Family Time: We Enjoy the Company of Other Families.

    Collins & Katz Family YMCA has something for everyone in this active family. The Goodwins spend time swimming or playing basketball together, enjoying activities individually and making friends with other families and staff. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Join the Y: I Feel Like a New Person, Full of Life.

    Maria didn’t let a life-changing car accident keep her from living an active lifestyle. From water aerobics, to Pilates, to working out with a personal trainer, Maria has improved her mobility and inspired others at South Palm Beach County YMCA with her perseverance. The community of support she found in the process is an added bonus. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.

  • Cancer Survivorship: It Helped Me Physically and Mentally.

    Ron and his cousin joined LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at North Augusta Family YMCA while both recovering from cancer. Ron expected they'd regain physical strength through the program, but he found that they also gained mental strength and determination. Every day Ron’s perseverance in and out of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA brings him one step closer to his goal: returning to work. This is his Y. His camera. His story.

  • Personal Training: I Found the Energy to Play with My Kids Again.

    Not everyone was born to run, but that hasn't stopped Leslie from getting back the energy she needed to spend quality time with her family. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.

Find Your Y

Find the Y closest to you and visit their website to learn how to get involved today.

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