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.

Click here to see an up to the minute feed of changes to our Group Exercise schedule.

Click here to search for a class and view our Group Exercise Schedule

Cardio Classes

Cardio 3-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.  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!

Retro High/Low is a a "classic" aerobic work out. Experience group exercise the way it was when vinyl and leg warmers were cool.

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.

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.

Muscle 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.

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.

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 Nia is a movement practice inspired by dance, martial arts and healing arts.  With the assistance of a chair for stability and through conscience movement you will explore the five sensations: flexibility, mobility, agility, stability and strength.

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.

 

 

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

  1. 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.
  2. Be sure to communicate any injuries or physical limitations so the instructor can modify the movements to suit your needs.
  3. Store all personal items in the locker rooms to keep the studio clear and safe for all participants. 
  4. Return all equipment to its proper location and wipe down mats and bikes at the end of each class. 
  5. Cell phone and camera use is prohibited in the group exercise studios, fitness center, community center and locker rooms.
 

 

BODYWORKS

Try one of these well rounded, total body workouts today!

Mondays at 7:15-8:00pm with Annie

  • Level: Low intermediate level class
  • Equipment: Free weights and mat, sometimes steps and BOSU
  • Description: This is a total body workout incorporating strength training and core work.  We work from bigger muscle groups to smaller and keep moving for the entire 45 minutes. 
  • My style: I use cardio intervals to keep your heart rate up including jumps, burpies and every type of plank you can imagine.

 Tuesdays at 6:15-7:00pm with Yolanda

  • Level: Although it is challenging, I invite all levels to participate, I always modify each movement so that all fitness types can benefit from the class. It's a quick but intense workout with core and flexibility training rounding out every class.
  • My style: I like to mix each class up by combining short spurts of cardio with a lot of weight training. We work all muscle groups intensely using long sets incorporating kicks and punches or jacks and jumps. The focus is on technique so every member can walk away from the class with some knowledge to take with them and feel confident in the weight room.
  •  Equipment: Free weights, body bar, step, BOSU, mat, and sometimes jump rope

 Wednesdays at 12:30-1:30pm with Lisa 

  • Level: All levels
  • Equipment: Free weights, steps, tubing and gliding disks
  • Description: Power bodyworks is a full body strength workout with cardiovascular high intensity intervals. Whether you are new to exercising or an experienced athlete, you will get a great workout in this class.
  • About the instructor: Lisa is a seasoned fitness professional of many years, she will show you how to modify or "amp up" your workout in order for you to have the best class for YOU.

 Thursdays at 5:30-6:10pm with Annie

  • Level: Beginner to intermediate
  • Equipment: Varies each week
  • Description:  This is a full body workout that focuses on proper technique and holding positions.  Intermediate and advance modifications will be offered and always encouraged.
  • Instructor’s tip: This is a good place to start if you are new to bodyworks.  Classes are generally smaller which enables me to pay individual attention to each participant.

 

Saturdays at 10:45-11:30am with Erin

  • Level: All levels
  • Equipment: Free weights, stability ball and mat
  • Description: This is a fun full body workout.
  • Instructor’s tip: Listen to your body and enjoy yourself!
 

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: March 11-May 6
  • Session 2: May 20-July 8
  • Session 3: September 9-October 28
  • Session 4: November 4-December 23

Fees:

  • Facility Members: $40/session
  • Program Members: $60/session