Health & Wellness


Relax Rejuvenate Restore

yoga pose art2 Hour Yoga Workshop

Join Jo McIntosh, RYT 500 in our restorative yoga workshop to heal and restore your body through relaxing poses

Find contentment, both in our practice and in our lives off the mat. How can our yoga practice help to find the state of happiness.

Stretch, be still, meditate, and breathe.

Restorative yoga is a restful practice that holds yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. Through the use of props for support, many of the postures are held almost effortlessly.

When the body and mind are relaxed, tension is released. Become aware of sensations and thoughts that may arise.

The benefits of restorative yoga are similar to the many benefits of other styles of yoga, including:

  • Increased relaxation
  • Better sleep
  • Improved well-being
  • Better mood
  • Reduced pain
  • Gentle on the body

Bolsters, blocks and straps are provided. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket or two, a hard pillow and a bottle of water. Don’t forget your warm socks!

WHEN: Tuesday, April 8

TIME: 1:00 PM —3:00 PM

FEE: Facility Member $40/Program Participant $80

Space limited to 12 participants. Register online or call Member Services at 203 481 9622.


Create Better Days

better ways logoCannabidiol Education

Better Ways LLC is a locally owned Cannabis Therapeutics store located on the Branford Green.

Co-founder and owner Duncan Markovich takes a transformative approach, passionately educating the community about the significant benefits of cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

WHEN: Wednesday, February 19

TIME: 6:00pm

IN PERSON LOCATION: Soundview Family YMCA – 628 E. Main Street Branford

ZOOM OPTION: Meeting ID 845 0120 1377-Passcode 403492

Registration required. For more information, contact Colleen Villano, Director of Healthy Living at cvillano@cccymca.org or call 203 481 9622.


Family to Family

NAMI logo8 Week Wellness Program for Mental Illness

The NAMI Family-to-Family program is a free educational course designed for family members, partners, friends, and significant others of adults living with mental health conditions.

The sessions are led by trained NAMI instructors who are family members with lived experience, offering empathy and practical guidance.

Participants often describe the program as transformative and empowering.

Join us for an information session on Thursday, February 20 in Studio AB. We’ll be joined by a guest speaker, Thomas Burr, Public Policy & Affiliates Relations Manager, NAMI Connecticut.

WHEN: Thursdays, March 6 – May 1

TIME: 6:15pm – 8:45pm

Click here to register

For more information, visit https://namishoreline.org/


Sweat For A Cause

Sweat For A Cause 2025SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, June 7

Together we can make a difference in the lives of others.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is dedicated to the health of all people in our community, especially those with chronic disease. Our programs go beyond the physical, they provide a space for social and emotional healing, creating a community of support.

Help us raise funds to support our life-changing programs: LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA, MS YOGA, Programs for People with Parkinson’s such as ROCKSTEADY BOXING; and other evidence-based/chronic disease programs. Most are offered to those who qualify, free of charge.


Join Our Wellness Challenge!

Y ALL IN Social Media 1ALL IN – Group Exercise Challenge

4 weeks January 13 – February 16, 2025

ALL IN is a 4-week challenge where you can earn points and win prizes for participating in group exercise classes.

Here’s How it Works:

  • Pick up an All In Workout Card.
  • Whenever you complete a group exercise class, ask the instructor to initial a box on the card. You get one (1) point per workout, and you can earn up to five (5) points for working out each week. Turn in your card each week and pick up another one.
  • Every week there is a prize drawing. As long as you have turned in a Workout Card or Referral Card for points that week, your name will be entered in the drawing for a weekly prize. As long as you keep participating, you can win a weekly prize.
  • A grand prize raffled to the member with the highest number of total points at the end of the challenge period.

Connect with Member Services or a Group Exercise Instructor for more information! Join today!


H.E.L.P.

Health, Education and Logical Planning People talking 1

Here at the YMCA, we understand that sorting through all the conflicting nutritional information out there can be both confusing and frustrating. We are here to H.E.L.P.

Perhaps you want more energy. Maybe you have those nagging sweet cravings that you can’t seem to get under control. Or, perhaps it’s time to finally figure out how to look and feel great in your own body. Does any of this sound familiar?

Two 60-minute sessions will get you on track to:

  • Understanding your goals and expectations together so that we can develop an action plan to ensure your success.
  • Know your dedicated H.E.L.P. Coach
  • Understand your body’s unique needs and create a personal blueprint.
  • Set personal goals.
  • Practice simple suggestions towards sustainable change.

FEE:  FREE

Meet your H.E.L.P. Coach, Christina Murphy. In 2015, Christina started coaching for the Living Fierce Club where she coached women into transformation through step-by-step changes to their food and lifestyle, so that they permanently reach their goals in a way that’s enjoyable and easily integrated into their lives.
Christina furthered her training in 2019 from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she received in-depth training in nutrition, health and wellness, and coaching skills. She offers workshops, 1-on-1 and group coaching programs to individuals needing extra help and support to create lifelong healthy habits.

To schedule an appointment, contact Christina Murphy, Nutrition Health Coach at cmurphy@cccymca.org.

 

 


Let’s Play Pickleball

picklebal playerBeginner Clinic for Adults

Be confident on the Pickleball court and have more fun!

Four (4) session program will cover basic Pickleball skills – building a strong foundation.

Week 1: Game rules & Understanding the Court, Scoring, Paddle use, and Dinking
Week 2: Serving and Return of Serve
Week 3: Transition and 3rd Shot Drop
Week 4: Blocking the Bangers and Punch Volley

FEE: Facility Member $100 / Program Participant $150

Call today for session dates. Registration is required. Limited to only 8 players.


LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA

20111208 2107 hr RGB

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a FREE twelve-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors.

Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self-esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, Y staff and members. Y cancer exercise trainers work with each participant to fit the program to their individual needs. Trainers are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise and supportive cancer care. Classes will be offered weekdays with daytime and evening classes.

The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program includes:
• Two 75 minute classes per week
• Full access to the Y seven days a week

NEXT SESSION: To be Announced

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION

  • Strong personal desire and commitment to participate for the full 12 weeks; twice a week for 75 minutes to strength train and cardio.
  • Complete the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Medical Clearance Form for participation from doctor.
  • Complete a confidential health assessment intake interview.

To learn more about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, contact Christina Murphy, Lead Instructor of LIVESTRONG, E cmurphy@cccymca.org


YMCA360 TVs FingertipsYMCA360 ON-DEMAND AND LIVE

At the YMCA we believe that when people experience all that our Y has to offer, they will be drawn into supportive, healthier relationships with one another and their community.

YMCA360 is an on-demand video platform for our Y community. YMCA360 offers 2500+ group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes and more to serve you wherever you are. Whether you are at home or on the road, take the Y with you along with your favorite classes, instructors and more. Watch this brief introduction! 

These programs are free to all full-facility members of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCAs.

From your desktop, laptop, tablet, smart TV or mobile device, YMCA360 is available wherever you are with an internet connection. Instructions for access:

  • Please visit ymca360.org
  • Click the login button
  • Enter your email address, click continue
  • Enter your zip code, click continue
  • Click your YMCA
  • You will receive a 6 digit email code, via email
  • Enter this code, click continue
  • You will be let in!

Please reach out to the Y with questions or check our YMCA360 FAQs for CCCY Members. If you have a recommendation for a new program, please let us know.

ymca360 live buttonymca360 mindbody button ymca360 kids button ymca360 fitness button ymca360 boomer button


Movement for Parkinson’s

senior AOA fitness6418A class designed to help adults of all levels maintain an active lifestyle while focusing on cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and balance.

Care partners are welcome to participate.

Registration required.

For more information contact Colleen Villano, Director of Healthy Living at cvillano@cccymca.org.


Get F.I.T.

2014 06 23 AOF 6388 RGB 1Free Introductory Training

As a New Y Member, we would like you to achieve your wellness goals and get the most out of your Y investment. Please sign up for F.I.T. (Free Introductory Training) Sessions so that we can help you get started.

  • Time to get to know each other. Your dedicated F.I.T. Coach is here to serve you!
  • Understanding your goals and expectations together so that we can develop an action plan to ensure your success.
  • Answer any questions you may have about wellness, equipment, and our facility.
  • Teach some basic tips so you can hit the ground running.
  • Review your progress toward your wellness goals and expectations. Offer some innovative tips to help you progress even faster and discuss potential barriers.
  • Start working towards your wellness goals and having some fun!
  • An introduction to our Personal Training Program.

Balance & Flex Together

BFT SoYouCan ShareSquare v3 01So You Can Balance the Important Things.

BALANCE & FLEX TOGETHER will grow you longer and stronger with an invigorating 60-minute mind-body workout. It incorporates yoga and Pilates fundamentals with athletic training for balance, mobility, flexibility and the core. Emotive music drives the experience as you breathe and sweat through this full-body fitness journey. Getting Started Details

Try Balance & Flex Together! Class days and times are listed in the Group Exercise Schedule posted on our schedules web page.


Strength Train Together

STT SoYouCan ShareSquare v3 01So You Can Be Strong for Them!

STRENGTH TRAIN TOGETHER maximizes your workout results within 60 minutes of impactful strength training. You’ll get stronger while improving movement when you combine traditional strength training with functional exercises using an adjustable barbell, weights and body weight. Getting Started Details

Try Strength Train Together! Class days and times are listed in the Group Exercise Schedule posted on our schedules web page.


Active Together

AT SoYouCan ShareSquare 01So you can explore life to the fullest!

ACTIVE TOGETHER is an innovative 60-minute workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, builds total body strength and enhances movement health for daily life. Inspiring music and supportive coaching will insure you succeed with simple, athletic exercises that use dumbbells, bodyweight and The STEP®. Getting Started Details

Try Active Together! Class days and times are listed in the Group Exercise Schedule posted on our schedules web page.


Supporting Wellness Together

A man reading milk labelReach your wellness goals with us! Weight Loss Program

This program is designed to help those seeking a healthier weight to achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and form sustainable, healthy habits. Participants will build skills for a successful lifestyle change.

Program Overview: 

  • 12 weeks / 1 session per week
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Tools, knowledge and group support will be provided to help you develop plans that support your weight loss goals.

Join today and get started on creating lasting change!

Detailed information can be found in our Program Guide, at our Member Service Desk or by calling the Y.


Personal Training

Picture1 1Inspire, Motivate, Maintain

If you are 14, 80 or in between, and if your goal is to lose weight; gain strength; improve balance; flexibility and agility; rehabilitate a new or old injury, or just push yourself – a Y personal trainer can help you get there.

Our certified personal trainers will help develop a personalized program that is perfect for you. They will support you with expert knowledge, coaching and motivation to help you feel and live better! A trainer will work at your pace, on your schedule, to encourage and motivate you to be all you can be.

Schedule a FREE evaluation today! We’ll discuss your goals and define a training program tailored just for you!