Group Exercise
The Richmond District YMCA offers a full range of group exercise and wellness classes for all ages, all skill levels, and all interests.
Up to the minute group exercise schedule
Cardio Classes
C3-Cardio, Core, & Conditioning is a high-energy class that takes participants through a workout designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, core strength, balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Cardio, core, and strength drills are alternated with rest and functional training intervals resulting in a workout for your spirit, mind, and body!
Cardio Salsa will teach you the steps and rhythms of popular Latin dances wile achieving the benefits of an aerobic workout.
Cardio Mix combines traditional aerobic exercises with basic dance moves and kickboxing to increase cardiovascular health and endurance. High intensity movements and low impact alternatives are offered making this a great class for all levels. Round out your workout with abdominal work and full body stretches.This is a fun and stress-free way to add spice to your regular exercise routine. No dancing experience required.
Cycling (Spinning®) provides an intense workout done on specially designed, indoor stationary bikes. Increase endurance, work the lower body (quads, glutes, and hamstrings). You'll simulate hilly and flat rides, pedal at different speeds, and perform intervals of standing and sitting, among other drills, for a complete cardiovascular workout.
Hip Hop Hustle takes the fun factor up a notch with super hot moves that will have everyone wanting more! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! This class is a completely cool hip-hop dance class that's easy to follow. Which, by the way, makes it even better because anyone can do the moves and make them their own!
Rock & Low is a custom-designed low impact work out (by long-time Group Exercise Instructor, Tony) set to the music of the 70's, 80's and 90's. A core conditioning and stretch segment complete this invigorating workout.
Rock Your Body combines fun Latin dance moves with easy, yet effective, aerobic movements that will tone those target areas we would all like to improve.
Step & Works will work you head to toe; Lisa uses fun and effective combinations with an adjustable platform to get your heart thmping! The class also includes muscle-conditioning to work your muscles.
ZUMBA® fitness offers a high energy and motivating workout using Latin rhythms sychronized with fun and easy-to-follow Latin dance moves. Come join the party!
Dance Classes
Ballet is comprised of classical dance moves promoting technique, grace and precision. Under the professional instruction of Monique, you will accomplish specific gestures and flowing patterns with and without the ballet barre. While they are not required, ballet shoes are recommended.
Belly Dance In this traditional Middle Eastern dance form, basic techniques are used to isolate different body parts to form circular motions. You will shimmy and body roll yourself into shape in this exhilarating workout. This group, along with other dancers in the community, perform Haflas twice per year here at the Richmond District YMCA. Stay tuned to this site for upcoming events.
Strength and Conditioning Classes
Abs Express is a class designed to strengthen your core and abdomindal muscles. You will learn to use a variety of equipment to keep your ab workouts fun and exciting.
Bodyworks classes are resistance training workouts designed to define and strengthen your muscles from head to toe. Some classes incorporate use of weights, tubes, bands stability ball and steps. A stretch completes the workout.
Dance Conditioning combines basic ballet technique with Yoga and Pilates to create a strengthening core centered class. Using only body weight in this mat based class you will lengthen and strengthen your muscles and improve the alignment. Open to all levels and no dance experience required.
Full Body Blast is a high intensity, full body workout that combines rigorous and fast paced, explosive movements with resistance training to help increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Come ready to sweat and move for the entire class! This class utilizes bodyweight, free weights, resistance bands, and the bosu.
Power Bodyworks combines whole body strength training with intervals of explosive cardio moves both on the step and on the floor. All levels welcome; lots of modifications offered. Get a total body strength and cardio workout in just one hour.
Flexiblity/Alignment Classes
Stretch & Relaxation Sean knows how to guide you in increasing your range of motion (improving flexibility) as well as in calming your mind and spirit. All levels of fitness are welcome to attend this very effective session.
Body/Mind Classes
Yoga Basics offers instruction on the core elements of a Yoga practice, focusing on breath, relaxation and familiarizing oneself with a variety of fundamental postures.
Hatha Yoga uses mind-body techniques for relaxation and rejuvenation with a focus on self-awareness, strength and flexibility. Some classes include head stands, or chanting...be sure to let the instructor know if you're new to this form of exercise.
Hatha Flow emphasizes "flowing" from one movement to another, based on the use of breath. This is an appropriate class for those who have already been introduced to the practice of yoga.
Iyengar Yoga is form of Hatha Yoga following the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. It focuses on form and alignment of Yoga Asanas, using props and sequential practice to deepen poses. While this class is suitable for all levels, it is recommended that if you are new to Yoga as a practice, let the instructor know so they may provide modifications where necessary.
Mindfulness Mediation or Vispassana is the practice of sitting quietly and observing one’s breath and body sensations. Through the simple cultivation of stillness we can learn to calm the mind, quiet the body and open the heart. Class includes guided mediation followed by a period of quiet sitting. (Seasonal Offering)
Martial Arts Classes
Tai Chi Combines movement, meditation and breath to enhance to flow of vital energy. Tai Chi based on Chinese teachings over 6,000 years old, literally translates to "The Grand Ultimate way of Life" as taught through movement. The slow, rhythmic movements are very effective in returning the skeletal structure, muscles and organs to their natural alignment.
Falun Gong (also know as Falun Dafa), is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It combines movement, meditation and breathing to enhance the flow of energy in the body, improve circulation and enhance immune function.
Pilates
Pilates was developed in the 1920's by the renowned physical trainer Joseph Pilates. Pilates focuses on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body, your spirit and mind, with balance training and stretching. Regular practice improves strength, flexibility, and posture.
Pilates Basics focuses on the fundamental elements of Pilates to achieve core strength. This is an excellent introduction to the basic movements of a sound Pilates practice.
Pilates-Yoga will guide you through a series of floor exercises incorperating both Pilates Mat work and yoga poses to warm up the body. You will then progress to a sequence of standing exercises and finish off with a deep relaxation and meditation.
AOA (Classes designed for Active Older Adults)
AOA classes are specifically designed to meet the needs of our mumbers who might have a slightly older body but have the spirit and energy of a much younger age.
AOA Bodyworks classes are designed to increase strength and balance to create a sense of body awareness which is important for everyday movement.
AOA Danceworks is a fun cardio workout to World Beat music, utilizing a variety of dance techniques and styles. Everything from hip-hop to Cajun, Celtic to Latin, African to rock, it's all here in this class. You do not need to be a dancer to enjoy this class and get a great workout. all levels are welcome, and the more you attend, the more comfortable you will be with the choreography.
AOA Sit & Be Fit is a work out for Seniors that will improve circulation and range of motion at the joints, increasing flexibility. Muscle strength will be increased, too, as perform the exercises around or on a chair. Sometimes props such as balls, light hand weights and exercise bands are included in the work out.
AOA ZUMBA® fitness offers a high energy and motivating workout using Latin rhythms sychronized with fun and easy-to-follow Latin dance moves.
Please take time at the beginning of class to speak to the instructor if any of the situations below apply to you:
- Are you new to class?
- Are you recovering from an injury?
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you have health issues or physical limitations?
Group Exercise Policies
- Please be on time. After 10 minutes, instructors may decline additional participants if the class is too full of if they are too far along in their routine.
- Be sure to communicate any injuries or physical limitations so the instructor can modify the movements to suit your needs.
- Store all personal items in the locker rooms to keep the studio clear and safe for all participants.
- Return all equipment to its proper location and wipe down mats and bikes at the end of each class.
- Cell phone and camera use is prohibited in the group exercise studios, fitness center, community center and locker rooms.
The Richmond District YMCA offers a wide variety of workshops and group activities for adults and seniors in topics ranging from health and recreation to fitness, arts, and enrichment.
Ballet Workshop (Beginning and Intermediate Levels)
In this 8 week workshop, you will learn the very basics of ballet in a highly personalized and encouraging environment. The basic stance, body placement, feeling of the music and basic terminology will all be part of the learning experience throughout the session.
Sundays 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
- Session 1: January 6 - February 24
- Session 2: March 3 - April 28
- Session 3: May 5 - June 30
Fees:
- Facility Members: $40/session
- Program Members: $60/session