The year-long DPP helps adults at risk for Type 2 Diabetes lower their risk for type 2 diabetes by up to 70% through developing a healthier lifestyle based on increased physical activity, healthy eating, and modest weight loss. Check out the CDC eligibility page or take the CDC diabetes risk test here to see if you are considered high risk for diabetes and would quality for the program. This is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, or may be paid for through a Health Savings Account (HSA). The DPP is available statewide virtually, or in-person at certain locations.

WA Ys offer 12-16 week programs to support adults in setting goals and achieving long-term behavior change conducive to healthy weight loss and weight management, such as Wellness for Life and Y Weight Loss. These programs are available virtually statewide and in-person at certain locations.  

A 13-week program to support youth aged 8-14 and their parents in building lifelong healthy habits. Over two decades ago, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the YMCA of Greater Seattle partnered to create the ACT! Program. Program outcomes include increased physical activity, families cooking and eating meals together, improved knowledge of nutrition labels, decreased screen time, and decreased intake of fast food and sugary beverages. ACT! is a CDC-recognized family healthy weight management program. This program is available virtually statewide and in-person at certain locations.  

A 12-week program that enables cancer survivors to meet with a certified instructor to increase flexibility and endurance, build muscle, and improve ability to perform daily activities, all within a supportive group environment. This program is available in-person only – see table below for current program locations.

Research shows that consistently engaging in certain exercises a few times per week, including cycling or boxing, can help manage certain symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Several WA Ys offer in-person Parkinson’s programming such as Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Rock Steady Boxing, and Move & Shout. This program is available in-person only – see table below for current program locations.

Older adults can build strength and balance at WA Ys through specialized Active Older Adult group fitness classes and personal training, as well as certain evidence-based programs including the 16-week Enhance®Fitness and 12-week Tai Chi: Moving For Better Balance. All WA Ys offer older adult fitness classes that support falls prevention. Some provide evidence-based programs including Enhance®Fitness which is also available virtually statewide.

Lifestyle change related to diet and exercise is a key long-term success indicator for GLP-1 users, but supportive programming can be difficult to find. WA Ys have specially tailored our year-long Diabetes Prevention and 12-16 week Adult Weight Management programs to help those who are taking GLP-1s create lifestyle changes to support their long-term health and wellness journeys, available virtually statewide and in-person in King County. Many WA Ys also employ personal trainers and health coaches trained to support people along their GLP1 journey – check your local Y’s website for more information.

Several WA Ys offer one-to-one or group-based BPSM programs that pair a certified Heart Health Ambassador with individuals managing hypertension. BPSM also provides education and guidance around physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle factors affecting blood pressure control. This 16-week program is offered virtually statewide and in-person at select locations.

A 6-week highly effective, evidence-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers that builds the skills needed to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others. This program is available virtually only, statewide.