COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVES
Day of Mindfulness - December Session
Date and Time
December 5th, 2026
Sat @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help reduce stress and provide a way to face life's challenges with more ease, composure, awareness, and balance. This one-day retreat provides an ideal opportunity for:
- Learning various types of meditation (sitting, walking, breathing, body scan)
- Sharing the practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
- Getting an introduction to the philosophy/origin of Mindfulness
- Participant dialogue/sharing
- Mindful movement
Tom Buhler has been practicing mindfulness meditation for over 50 years. Tom has been leading mindfulness training classes at the prison for young men in Racine for the past three-and-a-half years and offers mindfulness workshops to senior citizens’ groups.
Craig Welch, a retired Milwaukee Police Officer, is a lead visitor with St. Vincent de Paul and a facilitator at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. His spiritual journey and work in immigration have guided him to explore mindfulness and meditation.
Location
Image Management Family YMCA
8501 Campus Drive
Mount Pleasant, WI 53406
Costs
Member: $25.00
Non-Member: $35.00
Contact
Abbi Potts
apotts@ymcaracine.org
(262) 898-4555
National Diabetes Prevention Program
The National DPP lifestyle change program is an evidence-based program focused on helping participants make positive lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity. Research shows that people with prediabetes who take part in this structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). This is the result of the program helping people lose 5%-7% of their body weight through healthier eating and 150 minutes of physical activity each week. If you are at high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, this program can help you make lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health and well-being and reduce your chances of developing the disease. In order to qualify for the program, participants must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI ≥ 25), and at high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes or diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Class dates, times, and location are based on demand. To see if this program is a covered benefit, please check with your employer or health insurance provider.
Cost: Members $475 / General Public $575
Pedaling For Parkinson’s
More than one million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease, and nearly 60,000 new diagnoses occur each year. There is no known cure, and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age. Pedaling for Parkinson’s uses group cycling and support to reduce symptoms in Parkinson’s disease sufferers and improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. YMCA staff are trained by certified indoor cycling instructors following the Pedaling for Parkinson’s protocol and monitor heart rate and exercise frequency.
Eligibility Requirements
- Measure and record their blood pressure at least two times per month
- Adults ages 30-75
- Parkinson's disease clinical diagnosis, medical clearance
- YMCA membership not required
Location
- Image Management Family YMCA
Monthly Fees
- $45 Y Members, $90 Community Participant
- Fees are based on class two times per week
Exercise for Parkinson's
Building Strength to Thrive (Offered through a partnership with Aurora Health Care). Our Exercise for Parkinson's class helps individuals with Parkinson's maintain an active lifestyle while focusing on cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and balance. Participants work with a Physical Therapist and Fitness Specialist.
Location
Image Management Family YMCA
Monthly Fees
- $55 Y Members, $90 Community Participant (based on class two times per week)
- $75 Y Members, $100 Community Participant (based on class three times per week)
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
This research-based physical activity and well-being program helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the “whole person,” instead of the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body. 12-week program. To learn more, contact Chris Brown at cbrown@ymcaracine.org or 262.898.4556.
Enhance Fitness - Modified Moves, Maximum Results
This is an evidence-based group exercise program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. Enhance Fitness focuses on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility—everything older adults need to maintain health and function as they age, manage arthritis, and reduce the risk of falls.
Participants have experienced the following changes:
- More energy
- Better balance
- Increases in upper-body and lower-body strength
- More flexibility and range of motion
- Better sleep
- More feelings of happiness
- Sense of independence
What participants can expect:
- Classes meet three times per week for 60 minutes each.
- Stand, sit, or hold onto a chair for support.
- Focus on strength, flexibility, movement, and balance.
- Make friends who support and cheer you on.
Monthly Fees
- $30 Y Members, $60 Community Participant
- Participant Fees are based on two classes per week
Tai Chi
This centuries-old Chinese martial art descends from qigong, an ancient Chinese discipline that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Tai Chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. This class has physical and mental benefits. If done regularly, it improves muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Many older people find that it boosts their energy, stamina, and agility, sharpens their reflexes, and gives an overall sense of well-being. Aaron Richie, certified Tai Chi instructor, will lead you through an hour-long class over an 8-week session. Pre-registration is required! Minimum enrollment: 6
- Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Saturday 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Advanced Canes
- Wednesday 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
- Location: Image Management Family YMCA
Monthly Fees
- $25 Y Members, $50 Community Participant
- Unlimited classes per week
Tri-Fitness Swim Workout
Stroke Analysis and technique drills, speed, endurance, and efficiency. To join this class, participants must be able to complete 25 yards and be safe in deep water. The Y's coaching staff will teach the rest. Great for triathletes and fitness swimmers who are looking for a pool challenge in a team environment.
Location
Image Management Family YMCA
Monthly Fees
- $25 Members, $50 Community Participant
- Fees are based on a class, one time per week
For more information, contact Chris Brown (cbrown@ymcaracine.org) or call 262.898.4556
