HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS
Dealing with ongoing chronic health conditions can make achieving an active life challenging. YMCA-YWCA Healthy Living Programs are community based small group training designed to help you enhance your physical and mental health.
The Healthy Living Program Initiative is much more than a simple exercise program! Our Healthy Living programs will provide you with a safe and supportive environment surrounded by fellow members whom share in your experiences. Each Healthy Living Program will:
- Improve Quality of Life
- Promote self-management
- Maintain and/or Improve physical abilities
- Provide peer-support
- Boost self-esteem
- Reduce overall fatigue and improve sleep quality
Registration / Information
All Healthy Living programs are held at Westhills Y in Langford, located up the road from the Westhills Stadium at 1319 Westhills Drive. This location provides participants with accessibility options for each level of the building, Handy-Dart/ BC Transit drop off and free parking!
All Healthy Living programs require an Intake Assessment for eligibility into our Healthy Living programs prior to taking part. Intake assessments are free for everyone.
- Choose To Move
Making a change to become more active can be tougher than it seems. It’s hard to do it alone without support. Here at the Y, helping adults experience optimal health as they age is our top priority.
Are you over the age of 65 and physically inactive? Do you want to learn how to build physical activity into your lifestyle to support your health and over all well-being? Are you interested in meeting new people and being part of a safe and supportive community?
Choose to Move is a three-month choice based wellness program, based on research from the Active Aging research team which helps break down barriers to physical inactivity. Working with a certified Activity Coach, participants design a personalized physical activity program based on their interests, goals and abilities. Participants are supported throughout the program with opportunities to connect with other Choose to Move participants through ongoing motivational meetings held virtually with our Activity Coach.
Participants benefit from:
- A personalized physical activity action plan
- One-on-one check-ins with a certified Activity Coach
- Weekly to bi-weekly meetings with program participants
- Resources and tools to keep participants on track
To participate in the program you must be:
- 65 years or older
- Physically sedentary or minimally inactive
- Medically cleared to exercise by your physician
- Not a current member of the Y or a previous participant in the Choose to Move program
Information Sessions and Program are offered at the Westhills Y in Langford, located at 1319 Westhills Drive.
Information Sessions:
Winter 2025 Information Session – Feb 5th 2025 at 12:30pm.
To book your private information session please contact our Activity Coach at: healthyliving@vancouverislandy.ca
Program Dates:
Next Program Session Tentative start state: February 12th 2025 at 12:30pm.
To book your private information session please contact our Activity Coach at: healthyliving@vancouverislandy.ca
- Breathe Fit
A small group training program designed for people living with/recovering from heart and lung conditions; including but not limited to COPD, chronic asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, heart health risk factors, high/low blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, etc. This functional exercise maintenance program provides a safe environment for participants to continue and/or begin their active lifestyle through a cardiovascular and muscular strengthening program..
Program Session: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:15am – 1:05pm
- Laughter Yoga
Everyone has heard that “laughter is the best medicine.” It’s true that laughter can provide many physical, social, mental, and emotional benefits including enhanced immune function, reduced stress, greater clarity, and connection. Usually we think we need humour, like a funny video, to make us laugh. It’s a lot easier to get a good dose of laughter by joining with others in this fun, social, gentle exercise.
The only “yoga” part is really “pranayama” or controlled breathing, that we do along with some gentle stretching between laughter exercises. No equipment is needed and there’s no asana (or poses that people think you need to bend like a pretzel to do) included. We add laughter to playful movements. Everyone is welcome. If you could use a laugh, give it a try.
Program Session: Tuesdays 12:15pm-1:05pm
- R.E.C. Fit
Restore-Evolve-Change (R.E.C) Fitness offers a community-based cancer survivor fitness program that is committed to helping you become stronger, breathe better, reduce body-mind fatigue, and improve mental health.
Program Session:
Currently on hold.
- Fit For Bones
A small group training program tailored to help those living with Osteoperosis, Osteopenia, low bone density and/or muscle atrophy from sedentary lifestyles. This program aims to provide safe and effective exercises for individuals looking to reduce risk of falls and fractures; improve joint functions, bone density and balance; all while increasing your confidence and building social connections.
Program Session:
Mondays and Wednesdays 12:15pm – 1:05pm.
- Small Group Exercise Classes
The following classes require an active membership and program registration for desired class enrolled on your membership by the Healthy Living Coordinator. No daily class registration required.
Healthy Living: Stretch Fit
The first 20 minutes of this workout will involve low-moderate intensity training to improve both core and balance. The final 20 minutes of this class will focus on a deeper full body stretch that leaves you feeling energized and refreshed!
Program Session: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:15am – 12:05pm
- Healthy Living Social Walk
Come join us as we explore some of the wonderful trails the Westshore has to offer in our Social Walk! These walks have an emphasis on being socially connected with other, while maintaining a relaxed pace. Walks are outdoors and do not require a membership to participate. Walks occur rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Fridays 9:45am-10:45am. Please contact Healthy Living for the location of the walk and the meeting place.
CONTACT US
For more information and to register for these programs, contact:
YMCA-YWCA Healthy Living Team Leader
E: healthyliving@vancouverislandy.ca
P: (250) 386.7511 extension 223