A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning FREE 8-week program open to Y members and the community designed. Matter of Balance is a cognitive restructuring class designed to view falls as manageable and make changes to reduce fall risks at home. This class is ideal for anyone concerned about falls, anyone who has fallen in the past, and anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns. Pre-registration is required.
Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch
April 2 – June 11
Wednesdays: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Naik Family Branch
April 3 – June 12
Thursdays: 11am-1:30pm
Part of the Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. This FREE 12-week small group program is designed for adult cancer survivors and uses traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness. Pre-registration is required.
Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch
April 1 – June 19
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1:00pm-2:30pm or 5:30pm-7:00pm
This is an evidence-based, instructor-led group program designed to help improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility through the slow and therapeutic movements of Tai Chi, a graceful form of exercise and deep breathing. Participants gain a positive social experience while working to improve their balance and stability, memory and cognition, flexibility, and overall muscle strength. Free for members and available to non-members via drop-in day pass.
Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch
Starting March 3
Mondays & Wednesdays: 11:15am-12:15pm
Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch
April 4 – May 9
Fridays: 12:30pm-2:30pm
National DPP is the CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, a research-based program focusing on healthy eating and physical activity which showed that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). Please call for more information.
BPSM is designed to help adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. The 4-month program focuses on regular home self-monitoring, one-on-one consultations with a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador, support and group-based nutrition education for better blood pressure management. The first 10 participants registered will receive a free blood pressure monitor. Registration open now.
This program designed for individuals with a Parkinson’s Diagnosis to help slow disease progression, improve symptoms, restore function, and increase your quality of life. Exercises will focus overall movement, balance, core strength, posture, and rhythm. Free for members and available to non-members via drop-in day pass.
Available at the Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch.
Financial Assistance Available
Jasmine began training as a Fitness Specialist in 1983, gaining 40 years of experience. She has created diverse programs using equipment like weights, bands, machines, and paddle boards. She enjoys focusing on exploring the science of recovery and practical modality instruction.
Areas of Strength: Applying fitness exercises in a variety of gym, spa, and outdoor environments. Aerobic Dance, Barre, Sunrise Yoga, Kids Camp Paddle Fit Training, Weight Training, Aqua Classes, Pilates
Maryann, a longtime YMCA member from Ledyard, CT, has a lifelong passion for health and fitness, starting with high school sports and long-distance running. She now focuses on helping others improve mobility, strength, and balance through foundational fitness, and is committed to continuous learning and growth.
Athletes centric training, sports specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits, and pushing through plateaus. “You’ll never be bored and you are always guaranteed a big smile!”
Laurie became a personal trainer to share the benefits of functional movement, focusing on mobility, stability, and balance for better overall movement. She believes everyone can improve fitness and resilience, regardless of age or ability.
Incorporating screening and corrective exercise programming into workouts. Focus on balance, agility training, core and glute control, active aging.
Health & Wellness Director at OCY Naik Family Branch, is a lifelong athlete, dancer, and U.S. Army veteran. With a background in military training and bodybuilding, she believes physical discipline supports balance in work, family, and healthy living.
Provide corrective exercises and fascial network support tailored to each client’s fitness level, promoting a holistic approach to mental and physical balance. “Find your OWN healthy balance in life!”
Janek is a passionate personal trainer at the YMCA. With a love for fitness and a dedication to helping others, Janek is committed to guiding members to achieve their goals. Whether it’s building strength, improving endurance, losing weight, or reaching new milestones, he is there every step of the way. Get ready to be motivated and inspired!
Friendly and easy to approach and connects well with clients of all ages. “Your HEALTH is your WEALTH!”
Heather is an avid gardener and poetry and fiction writer who has worked for the YMCA for 8 years. Her experience teaching the basics with great form will build a foundation for excellent results.
Works well with all ages and fitness levels while specializing in dynamic stretching and strengthening.
Landon volunteers with the Westerly Fire Dept. In his own training, Landon prioritizes the development of barbell movements paired with complimentary Isolation exercises. Landon is going to put you as the client and your goals first.
Improve strength while teaching fundamental movement patterns.
“With awareness and commitment, your goal is never out of reach.”
Jim is a US Marine Corps veteran, dog lover, and retired RI Police Officer. Jim was a defensive tactics instructor on the dive team and assisted the RI Police Academy with physical fitness assessments while on the police force. NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) d personal trainer
Emphatic outlook towards clients with in-depth effort to ensure the most progress in each clients goals.
“If you are looking for someone that believes in the golden rule of quality service (I give the quality service that | would like to receive) then | am the coach for you”
Amy is a retired military officer and navy pilot. Amy has expertise meeting the unique training needs of women, retirees, and cancer survivors. Amy’s passionate about creating a positive, safe & motivating space where individuals can pursue their personal fitness goals
Areas of Strength: YMCA‘s “Women on Weights,” “Livestrong” programs, and is a Livestrong Coach
“Define Your Own Strong–Your Best Workout Starts Today!”
Cameron is our full-time Fitness Coordinator. While working for the YMCA for 3 years, he has become very confident in his ability to listen to and understand the needs of clients and implement the proper program. He is commended for his extensive knowledge of the fitness floor and his easy-going attitude while helping clients to meet their goals.
Connects well with all different types of clients from youth to seniors, demonstrated by his coaching of the youth/teen strength and conditioning classes, Punch Back @Parkinsons Instructor
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Ethan, a Team USA athlete and 9x world games medalist, is also Stonington’s Deputy Harbormaster. A former U.S. Naval Academy rowing captain and wilderness ranger with the National Park Service, he offers training for goals like hiking the AT, preparing for sports, military service, or marathons
Athlete-centric training, sports-specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits and pushing through plateaus.
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
As a competitive soccer player in Mexico City, Gerardo developed a passion for lifelong wellness and total life fitness—both mentally and physically. He studied Communications and is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English.
Body core strengthening, functional body weight training, and balance-stability focus especially for seniors
Helen is a triathlete, marathon runner, author, wife, and mother of two. As a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer, she helps women achieve health goals across 10 life areas, offering personalized nutrition and workout plans for overall wellness.
Strength, nutrition, running, flexibility, LIVESTRONG Instructor
“Anything is possible!”
Anna has 34 years of experience in fitness and is a military spouse, has moved 17 times in 40+ years of marriage. A mother and grandmother, she’s patient and dedicated to helping clients reach their fitness goals. Friendly and approachable, she enjoys sharing healthy habits.
Strength training, women’s programs, cancer survivors, and clients with Parkinson’s. She’s a former WBFF and NPC bodybuilding competitor.
Originally from New Hampshire, Brennan is a former Division 3 basketball player with a degree in sports management. He emphasizes the importance of balancing fitness with daily life to help you thrive and feel your best at any age.
Trigger point therapy, corrective exercises, weight loss, strength training, TRX, Golf & Basketball
“It’s not just fitness, it’s a lifestyle.”
Providing support to current levels of fitness to recovering from surgery, a long bout of inactivity or looking to progress to the next level of fitness.
“My greatest joys are to help my clients discover or rediscover their personal strength, flexibility, range of motion and endurance capabilities waiting to be realized!”