Recognizing the Importance of National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month at the Y

June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown that physical activity and social connectedness reduces the risk of cognitive decline? At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we promote the importance of physical activity at any age! Just a little bit of activity can go a long way in helping improve brain health. Check out some of our great offerings below, which can be used a great start on your health and wellness journey:

SILVER SNEAKERS & SENIOR YOGA

Silver Sneakers focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a Silver Sneakers ball. Often, a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support. Silver Sneakers is offered twice weekly. Senior Yoga is a specialized form of yoga perfect for older adults. This class is offered once a week at the Greater Scranton YMCA.

SHALLOW & DEEP WATER EXERCISE

Shallow Water Exercise class is a fun way to use the resistance of the water to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Classes are a light to moderate aerobic workout. Deep Water Exercise provides a great opportunity for people of all fitness abilities. This type of workout is non-weight bearing, which means it’s gentler on your body while remaining extremely beneficial to it. Shallow and Deep Water Exercise Classes are offered weekly, as well as an Arthritis Water Exercise Class.

PICKLEBALL

Pickleball is a fun and active way for adults to socialize. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Paddles and balls are provided. Those interested in playing can join during open play time, which is offered three days a week at various times. Registration is not required.

ENHANCE®FITNESS

Enhance®Fitness is a proven, community-based fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. The program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging. The Greater Scranton YMCA offers Enhance®Fitness sessions throughout the year. For more information, visit the Y online.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Training with our certified personal trainers is a great way to get in shape safely, efficiently and effectively. Personal trainers provide the motivation necessary for individuals to achieve their goals with regular fitness testing, personalized programming and accountability.

In addition to classes and programs, beginning at 5:30 a.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA serves fresh coffee daily and invites members to connect and socialize in our welcoming teaching kitchen and café space. For more information about membership and wellness programming at the Y, as well as class schedules, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online. For questions, please contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at [email protected].