Programs Overview
The Granite YMCA offers a wide variety of fun and enriching programs and classes designed to help every member of the family develop and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. With more than 100 classes to choose from each week, there's sure to be something for everyone at the Y!
Fall I Session: September 5 - October 23, 2023 (registration opens August 21)
Fall II Session: October 30 - December 17, 2023 (registration opens October 16)
Please Note: Our enrichment programs run throughout the year as "sessions" that are typically 6-7 weeks long with interim weeks in between. If you do not see any programs available, we are likely in the middle of a program session. Please review our program session schedule to see all upcoming sessions and registration dates.
The YMCA of Downtown Manchester offers programs that promote youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Please call the Welcome Center at 603.623.3558 if you have any questions.
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Health & Wellness
The Y is much more than a wellness facility. Our Wellness Coaches are always available in the Wellness Center to answer any questions you may have. If you would like additional motivation and support to reach your goals, the Y offers additional personal training and small group options for a fee. We also provide a wide range of free group exercise classes throughout the week.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve your sports performance, or simply stay fit, we're here to help! Wellness Coaches are available to help you set up a workout routine, stay motivated, develop a new strength training program, or help you learn how to use our equipment. Stop by the Welcome Center to sign up for any of the following FREE programs to help you get started!
Wellness Coaching
Our professionally trained and certified wellness staff members are here to help you reach your health and wellness goals. They seek to provide answers to your fitness questions while providing information and guidance for you to feel comfortable using the Wellness Center. We strongly suggest you take advantage of one of our FREE new member wellness coaching sessions. During these sessions you will be able to:
- Consult with a Personal Trainer about your wellness goals.
- Learn how to safely and properly operate the wellness equipment.
- Create a plan to help you develop a healthier lifestyle through proper exercise and nutritional habits.
Personal Training
Discover new pathways to healthy living with our new and improved individual and small group personal training. At the Y, personal training provides all individuals, from health seekers to athletes, with the ability to achieve their healthy living goals regardless of the degree of difficulty. Sign up for individual personal training sessions or small group personal training sessions.
Individual Personal Training
Certified, professional, and motivated staff work with clients on health and nutrition education in addition to developing personalized routines based on individual goals. Clients start with a customized wellness evaluation measuring current abilities, reviewing history, and making goals. These goals are monitored to celebrate success. Through traditional and innovative techniques, clients will build relationships, gain confidence, and maintain a focus on long-term health and sustainability.
Small Group Personal Training
Small group personal training inspires participants to team up to take advantage of the benefits of variety, community, and accountability while exceeding their individual wellness goals. This small group setting allows our professional trainers to incorporate flexibility and choice into workouts, yet still customize training methods and workout routines to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
Personal training sessions can help you:
- Work with a wellness coach to establish goals
- Connect to a small group of other members just starting
- Overcome obstacles such as lack of time and motivation
- Feel more comfortable in an exercise environment
- Improve at your favorite sport or competitive event
- Stay motivated
- Increase muscle mass
- Enhance your routine and lifestyle
- Sample different exercises
- Learn proper intensity, frequency, and form of exercises
- Learn healthy eating habits reducing stress and anxiety
- Enhance immunity
- Improve coordination
- Increase energy, stamina, endurance and sports performance
"Personal training gave me the one-on-one attention I needed to get motivated, and stay on track. My trainer helped me transform my body, gain self-confidence and challenge myself to set and achieve goals I never thought possible!" - Y Member
Learn More About Personal Training
Group Exercise Classes
Have fun and get fit as you build friendships within our supportive Y community! The Granite YMCA offers a wide variety of weekly group exercise and aquatics classes for all ages and fitness levels. We offer cardio, muscle conditioning, stretching and relaxation, swimming, and so much more! Our friendly, supportive instructors design all classes to help keep you motivated and on track.
- Most Group Exercises Classes are free with membership
- Free Kid Zone drop-off is also available while you work out
View Our Group Wellness Schedule
Questions?
Learn More About Our Wellness Offerings
Kathy Raiche-Stephens, Director of Healthy Living
603.232.8666 | kraiche-stephens@graniteymca.org -
Aquatics
The YMCA of Downtown Manchester has an indoor 4-lane lap pool. The pool can be accessed via stairs and a portable chair lift as needed.
Swim Lessons
Available for Infants - Adults
Swim lessons are one of the most popular programs at the YMCA because we are successful in teaching children and adults to be safe and to enjoy the water. Our aquatics team at The Granite YMCA has evaluated our swim lesson program and has implemented a skill-based swim program designed to teach safety, technique, and positive swim values while promoting self-esteem, and fun. Take a look at our helpful chart if you are wondering which swim class you should enroll your child in.
For older swimmers, learn to swim and train with the nationwide leader in aquatics! Let the trained professionals at the Y help you improve your swimming ability with one-on-one training sessions or a customized workout designed around your personal goals. Click here to learn more about swim lessons and aquatics programs.
The Granite YMCA Catalinas
Competitive Synchronized Swimming Team
The Granite YMCA Catalinas is a competitive synchronized swimming team out of the YMCA of Downtown Manchester. The sport is a wholesome combination of speed swimming, running, dance, and gymnastics. Swimmers learn about different types of music and how to count it, effective and safe stretching techniques, and healthy cardio and endurance training. Coaches also teach swimmers about health and nutrition for positive body image. The Catalinas team is comprised of several competitive divisions. Younger and older girls work together sharing and mentoring important aspects of the sport. View our Catalina's Synchronized Swimming webpage to learn more!
Learn More About Synchronized Swimming
Catalinas Swim Team Coach
dtsynchro@graniteymca.orgLearn More About Synchronized Swimming
Other Aquatics Programs
We strive to make aquatics a regular part of your fitness routine by offering a wide variety of fun activities and programs for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here are just some of the ongoing programs we offer:
- Water Exercise Classes
- Lap Swim
- Open Swim*
- Swim Lessons
- Synchronized Swimming
- Adult Competitive Training Club
- Lifeguard Trainings
- Pool Rentals
Please Note: If you do not see any programs available, we are likely between program sessions. Please review our program session schedule and our latest program guide for additional information.
*Open Swim Policies: The Granite YMCA has implemented the TEST. MARK. PROTECT. program, which more formally swim tests our children for open swim time. Please take a moment to review our current policies and frequently asked questions.
Questions?
Learn More About Our Aquatics Programs
Ronny Rose, Aquatics Director
rrose@graniteymca.org | 603.232.8622 -
Sports & Play
YMCA sports programs offer fun ways to stay active, get fit, and explore new hobbies. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking to explore a new hobby, we have something for you. The Granite YMCA offers a variety of adult sports leagues and programs that provide fun and healthy activities for adults of all levels. You’re never too old to get in the game! Our instructors emphasize good sportsmanship and teamwork so that everyone is able to learn and play in a fun, friendly environment. Sports programs vary and may include:
- Open Gym
- Basketball
- Pickleball
- Volleyball
Please Note: If you do not see any programs available, we are likely between program sessions. Please review our program session schedule and our latest program guide for additional information.
Questions?
Learn More About Our Sports Programs
Connor Robinson, Senior Director of Youth, Adult & Family Programs
crobinson@graniteymca.org | 603.232.8632 (ext. 2232) -
Family Engagement
Families love coming to the YMCA, and we love having them. Whether you want to deepen your relationships, play and be active, or meet other families, our activities, programs and events encourage your family to grow together.
Family Engagement
Family strengthening at The Granite YMCA is about giving families as a unit, and as individuals, the opportunities to deepen relationships, develop new skills and interests, improve their health and well-being, and connect to the community. We offer seven week programs and a variety of free family fun events encouraging the whole family to unplug and connect with each other. We also have an accessible playground at the Allard Center that is open free to the community so that younger community members can enjoy social active play with their peers.
Please Note: If you do not see any programs available, we are likely between program sessions. Please review our program session schedule and our latest program guide for additional information.
Kid Zone
Your workout should be stress free. To make it easy for you, we offer FREE child care so your child can have fun at the Y while you enjoy your workout in our facilities! Kid Zone is FREE to those with family memberships and available to children 8 weeks - 9 years old. Kid Zone may be utilized for up to 2 hours. If you have any questions about Kid Zone, please contact Amanda Griffith, Operations Director, at 603.232.8656 or agriffith@graniteymca.org.
View Current Kid Zone Schedule
Kid's Night at the Y
Kids Night at the Y events allow parents to enjoy a night on the town or at home while we provide your children with fun themed, age-appropriate activities and snacks right at the Y! You or your child do not have to be members of The Granite YMCA to participate in these or Teen Night events!
Please Note: If you do not see any programs available, we are likely between program sessions. Please review our program session schedule and our latest program guide for additional information.
Healthy Kids Day
A tummy full of healthy food. A cup of physical activity. A tablespoon of laugher. A pinch of curiosity. And a dash of fun! Held each spring, our annual Healthy Kids Day event provides all the ingredients for developing healthy, resilient kids. Join the Y for a day full of fun activities that celebrate kids being kids! Stay tuned for next year's Healthy Kids Day details.
Questions?
Learn More About Family Engagement Programs
Amanda Griffith, Operations Director
603.232.8656 | agriffith@graniteymca.org -
Teen Programs
At the Y we provide a large variety of programs in a supervised environment so teens can have fun, make friends, and learn new skills. Choose from an assortment of seven week programs just for teens like sports, competitive teams, strength and agility training, seasonal specialty class offerings, and more.
Teen Center
The Teen Center is open to teens in grades 5 - 12 in our community. It offers a safe and fun environment to socialize with peers, hang out with friends, make new ones, and get involved in the community. Our staff are dedicated role models and experienced mentors that help your teen feel comfortable and have fun! Daily activities may include:
- Homework Help
- Teen Nights
- Swimming (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
- Basketball (3:30 - 4:30 pm daily)
- Supervised Access to the Y
- Cooking & Baking
- Community Service Opportunities
- Arts & Crafts
- Pool Table & Board Games
- Videogames
- Sports Tournaments
The Teen Center is open Monday - Friday from 2:30 - 6:00 pm. We follow the Manchester School District calendar and closure schedule. Bus transportation is provided from Southside, McLaughlin, Parkside, and Hillside Middle schools and Memorial, MST, and West High Schools daily. Dinner is also provided each day to students through the CACFP program. Registration is required to participate in the Teen Center. The fee is $20/month.
Teen Nights
The YMCA offers a safe and fun environment to socialize with peers, hang out with friends, make some new ones, and get involved in the community. Teens will participate in a variety of activities including indoor rock climb, basketball, dodgeball, crafts, and so much more! Our staff are dedicated role models and mentors that help teens feel comfortable and have fun!
Teen Leaders Club
Make a difference through YMCA Leaders Club, a leadership development community service program that helps teens discover their full potential. It is a safe place where teens can come and simply be themselves. Leaders Club is a school year-long leadership-development program for middle and high school teens. This program provides teens with extensive leadership training and volunteer opportunities that support YMCA programs and services to the community. In addition to teaching teens leadership through service, Leaders Clubs advisors:
- Introduce teens to all the work the Y does to strengthen community
- Inspire and prepare teens to become future Y leaders
Our goal is to challenge teens to serve the community, and to help them grow in who they are and lead those around them. Leaders Club includes weekly meetings, service and social events, as well as trips throughout the year including rallies, service work weekends, optional spring break trips and Blue Ridge Leaders School.
AGES: Leaders Club helps teens ages 12 - 18 find the leader within.
REGISTRATION: Registration is currently open for Leaders Club.
DATE & TIME: Meets every Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
DUES: $40 for the yearIf you have any questions or would like to join Leaders Club, please contact Bri Hess, Y-YOUTH Matters Stay Program Director, at 603.232.8630 or bhess@graniteymca.org.
Learn More
Y-YOUTH Matter Programs:
Chris Stetson
Director of Teen Outreach and Education
603.232.8630
cstetson@graniteymca.orgTeen Leaders Club:
Bri Hess
Y-YOUTH Matters Stay Program Director
603.232.8630
bhess@graniteymca.org.org -
Active Older Adults
The YMCA of Downtown Manchester offers a safe and fun environment for active older adults to socialize with peers, spend time with friends, make some new ones, and get involved in the community. A variety of activities and programs are offered each month and can be found in our monthly newsletter below.
Active Older Adults Newsletter
If you have any questions about these activities, please contact Kathy Raiche-Stephens, Director of Healthy Living.
Learn More
Kathy Raiche-Stephens
Director of Healthy Living
603.232.8666
kraiche-stephens@graniteymca.org -
WHIM & Adaptive Programs
Adaptive Programs & Equipment
At the Y, the goal is to provide wellness opportunities to all members of the community regardless of their ability. Our adaptive programs help individuals gain confidence, promote independence and responsibility, socialize and work with others, as well as nurture a healthy and active lifestyle. All programs are led by qualified, trained individuals who help promote a safe, friendly, and supportive environment for all needs.
Our state-of-the-art Wellness Center offers equipment for all members to use their abilities for a cardio workout, an upper body workout, a lower body workout, or a workout that combines both. Our indoor pool also features an ADA compliant pool chairlift.
Wheelchair Health in Motion
The Granite YMCA partners with Wheelchair Health in Motion (WHIM) to offer a wellness program designed for both wheelchair users and individuals with low mobility and focuses on upper-body strength routines and aerobic exercise. Participants learn about health and wellness topics that are relevant to them and the group setting provides them a chance to socialize and connect with people who understand them. To learn more and attend this free program, please contact your Healthy Living Director.
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Parties & Rentals
The YMCA of Downtown Manchester offers various pool rentals, room rentals, and birthday parties. For more information, please contact the Welcome Center at 603.623.3558.
Are you planning a birthday party, corporate event, church outing, or family get-together? Make it a party to remember at the YMCA of Downtown Manchester! Please visit or contact us at 603.623.3558 to schedule your party. All rentals will receive access to the facility and the staff to help lead the event. Your Y party includes:
- Admission for up to 45 participants (see specific parties below for more details).
- Exclusive 1 hour use in the program area with one staff person to facilitate the activity and one lifeguard (when applicable).
- Exclusive 1 hour use of a designated space/room for your party.
- 15 additional minutes prior to your scheduled party time to set up.
- You are responsible to provide the food, paper goods, and decorations.
- Please allow for clean up within your party time.
- Free guest passes for party guests.
- A free birthday t-shirt for the birthday child (Please note there is an additional fee if more than one t-shirt is needed).
All attendees must have a signed party/rental waiver in order to participate. Payment is due in full in order to book the party. Please see the rental contract for our refund/cancellation policy.
View the Party & Rental Brochure
Birthday Parties
Sports Party
Pass! Kick! Score! Many sports are available for your party including basketball, soccer, floor hockey, and more.
- Ages: 3+
- 1 - 15 Attendees: Contact for pricing
- 16 - 25 Attendees: +$30
- Location: Gymnasium
Pool Party
Pool parties are a splash! Children will enjoy a variety of pool games and swim time all under the supervision of our certified lifeguards. All non-swimmers under 6 and those using flotation devices must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times. A brief swim assessment is given at the start of your party to assure the safety of the group.
- Ages: All ages!
- Location: Indoor or Outdoor Pool
- 1 - 25 Attendees: Contact for pricing
- 26 - 45 Attendees: +$30
Facility Rentals:
All facility rentals are subject to availability. Please call the Welcome Center at 603.623.3558 for more details. Rental locations include:
- Indoor Pool: Up to 45 guests
- East Gym: 100+ guests
- Blake Room: Up to 100 guests
- Studio A: Up to 50 guests
- Teen Center: Up to 50 guests
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Y-YOUTH Matter
Y-YOUTH Matter Programs
To bring about meaningful change, individuals need ongoing encouragement and tools. The Granite YMCA is here day-in and day-out with extensive outreach services to empower our neighbors to make change, bridge gaps, and overcome obstacles. We work to ensure that every child, adult, and family has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Y has programs that drive academic achievement, strengthen families, inspire individuals to lead healthier lives, and more.
The Granite YMCA's Y-YOUTH Matter Programs:
- Y-START, Y-STAY & Y-STRIVE
- Power Scholars Academy
- Teen Leaders Club
- Teen & Senior Centers
- PASTA (Parenting A Second Time Around)
- Food Programs
Learn More About Community Outreach
Questions?
Learn More About Our Community Outreach Programs
Chris Stetson, Director of Teen Outreach and Education
603.232.8630 | cstetson@graniteymca.org -
Health Intervention Programs
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.
Health Intervention Programs:
- YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program
- Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Program
- Walk With Ease
- Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
- Tai Ji Quan™: Moving for Better Balance
- Livestrong at the YMCA
- Enhance®Fitness
- Healthy Weight & Your Child
- Weight Loss Program
- Mood Lifters
- Living Well in the Community
- Healthy Weight and Your Child
- Weight Loss Program
Learn More About Health Intervention Programs
Questions?
Learn More About Our Health Intervention Programs
Cindy Lafond, Executive Director of Healthy Living Initiatives
603.232.8650 | clafond@graniteymca.org
