Arthritis Management Programs
Arthritis is a painful joint stiffness and inflammation affecting 1 in 5 Americans. That is approximately 52.5 million Americans. 50% of which are adults over the age of 65, making Arthritis the most common cause of disability in the United States. The Granite YMCA offers programs to help reduce the pain of arthritis including Tai Ji Quan™: Moving for Better Balance and Enhance®Fitness. Both of these programs are offered virtually and in person.
If you would like to learn more about our health intervention programs, such as LIVESTRONG®at the YMCA or the YMCA's Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, please visit our Health Intervention Programs page.
tai ji quan™: moving for better balance
Tai Ji Quan™: Moving for Better Balance aims to improve balance, coordination, and stability using gentle, low-impact movements based on the forms of Tai Chi. This progressive, evidence-based, 12-week program has been shown to increase confidence, reduce the risk of falling, and enhance overall fitness for participants. This program meets twice a week for one hour.
Participants in the program:
- Improve their balance
- Increase their self-confidence
- Gain a sense of achievement
- Improve their well-being
In addition to the program’s physical benefits, the safe, supportive group setting provides an opportunity for participants to enjoy learning with like-minded adults and find relief from the isolation that can sometimes come from living with limited mobility.
enhance®fitness
Enhance®Fitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. It helps older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living. Enhance®Fitness has been nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, and the National Council on Aging. This program meets 3 times per week for one hour.
The program focuses on:
- Stretching
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Low impact aerobics
- Strength training exercises
Though there is no known cure, low-intensity physical activity has been proven to reduce pain, improve functioning, elevate mood, and delay disability. Enhance®Fitness classes are led by certified instructors trained to bring out the physical best from older adults. Instructors adapt exercises to match the fitness level of each person, including seated versions of nearly every exercise. Classes take place in a relaxed atmosphere filled with opportunities for laughter and making new friends.
“Please let people with Parkinson’s Disease know that this program is very effective in helping delay the progression of symptoms. That has been my experience. The program has kept me moving.”
- Janet Daniels, Enhance®Fitness Participant
Learn More
If have any questions or would like to learn more about these programs, please view the brochures below or contact:
Cindy Lafond, Executive Director of Health Interventions
603.232.8668 | clafond@graniteymca.org
YMCA Health INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
As a leader in preventative health care, The Granite YMCA offers a broad range of research-based programs that target specific health issues. All of our programs are people-centric and are designed to help each individual reach a personal best. YMCA certified instructors are there to guide and support each participant while fostering a community where individuals are open to share with other participants. We offer programs for participants who are battling or recovering from cancer, at risk for diabetes, experiencing hypertension, and more. You can learn more about all of our Health Intervention Programs here.
