Programs & Schedules: Health & Fitness

How to Get Started on an Exercise Program

It's as easy as one, two, three!

Stop by the YMCA to make an appointment with a Wellness Mentor.
Our staff will design an exercise program that incorporates your personal goals and interests. You will be given information on strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility and class recommendations. Trained staff will teach you proper use of the exercise equipment.
Wear your exercise clothing and you are set to go!

Personal Training

Get motivated with a Personal Trainer. Our trainers are experienced and friendly. They'll help you get started with an exercise regime or stay on track with the one you have. Find out how to improve your flexibility with assisted stretching or how to get out of an exercise plateau with Periodization training. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Physical Director.

Women's Free-Weight Workout

Phase One
Have you been interested in how to start lifting free weights and don't know where to begin? This might be just the class for you. Taught by one of our experienced personal trainers, you'll get a chance to learn a basic free-weight workout, learn correct techniques and alignment, learn the principles of periodization training and spend time in the weight room when other women are there. Class size limited to 6.

Phase Two
This class is specifically to expand the knowledge about free weights and periodization gained in Women's free-weight workout Phase One. We will incorporate new pieces of equipment including the body bar and the Bosu. Class size limited to 6.

Cardiovascular Center

Bring your FM headset radio and tune into one of our TV stations while you pedal, climb, row, walk, jog, and ski your way to fitness. You will condition and improve your cardiovascular system on our equipment, including Cybex Stationary and Recumbent Bikes, Stairmasters, Ellipticals, Star Trac Treadmills, Concept II Rowing Machines and Nordic Trac machines.

Ages: 15 - adult (13 - 14 year olds with parent permission and required orientation)

Studio Cycling Classes

Classes are available only to YMCA members and are included in membership. See schedule below.

Intro to Cycling
For members who are new to indoor cycling classes. An instructor will show each participant individually how to set up and use the Lemond Revmaster indoor cycle. Immediately following the one-on-one instruction, a 35-minute introductory class, including warm-up, aerobic workout, and cool down/ stretch, will familiarize participants with indoor cycling terminology and techniques.

Cycle 45
This 45-minute class is for all levels of participants. It includes a warm-up, a 30 to 35 minute aerobic workout, and a stretching segment. This can be a good class for beginning exercises, for those new to Studio Cycling, or for busy members and athletes who want to fit a challenging cardio workout into a short period of time.

Cycle 60
This class employs a longer format than Cycle 45. It includes a warm-up, 45-50 minutes of aerobic/anaerobic workout, and a stretching segment. It is recommended for members who can tolerate 45 minutes or more of aerobic exercise, or for those who have taken and enjoyed Cycle 45.

Pedal Metal Floor (PMF)
This 60-minute class combines the aerobics of indoor cycling ("Pedal") with core and upper body strength training with free weights ("Metal"), bands, and floor work, and a stretching segment ("Floor"). Anticipate a 40-minute aerobic workout, 20 minutes of focused body work, and 10 minutes of stretching. How do we fit this all into one hour? Come try it out and you'll see! Please show up 5 to 10 minutes early to set up. Three strength training segments. There is a full-body stretch segment at the end of class. Class is appropriate for all levels of exercisers.

New! Body Bar Workout

Have you ever used the Body Bar? A Body Bar is a weighted bar that provides a different feel than your usual hand weights or barbells. This workout conditions and strengthens the muscles, increases balance skills, and gets your heart rate up. We move non-stop, so get ready for a workout that will get you strong. Some sets will be done in a standing position and some will be done supine (lying down)

Yoga

New! Beginning Yoga
These classes are a great way to start and build a strong foundation in Yoga. We cover all the basics in breathing, Yoga postures and meditation.

All Level Yoga
All Level Yoga is an eclectic approach and consists of a blend of postures taken from various styles of Yoga. This class starts with warm ups for the releasing of tension from the back, neck and shoulders and promotes flexibility of the joints and hamstrings. Props such as belts, blocks and blankets are used. Much work is done on strengthening the wrists, arms and abdominals. Calming and reenergizing breathing techniques are also included. The second segment promotes balance, builds strength and stamina, and restores flexibility. Sun salutes and Iyengar influenced standing poses are employed. Precision and proper alignment and form is stressed. The last segment consists of various back strengthening poses, lying or sitting twists, forward bends and reverse postures. The class ends with guided relaxation.

Dynamic Flow Yoga
A fun, hot, flowing Yoga practice centered on Hatha Yoga postures. Breath and movement are synchronized to build heat in the body, refreshing the nervous system and revitalizing the spirit. Empower yourself and gain mental clarity while enhancing core strength and flexibility. This class is designed for students with basic Yoga experience and for students with no chronic injuries.

Nuevo! Yoga en Español
Todas las mejores practicas en una sola clase de Yoga de todos niveles. Para todas las personas que hablan español o a quienes les qustaria practicar español. La instructora tambien habla ingles.

Gentle Yoga
This class is a great gentle Yoga experience and is good for beginners and continuing yoga students working to perfect their technique. It will cover the basics of each posture (and modification as needed), deep breathing techniques and guided relaxation. Through this course you will restore your flexibility, lengthen and strengthen your muscles, achieve optimal back health, improve your balance and coordination and you will experience relief from your everyday stresses and tensions.

Let it Go Yoga
This unique and challenging style of Yoga stresses the importance of deep breathing while performing long and gentle stretches targeting the hip area. The complete practice is performed lying down and with the eyes closed. You are in charge of the depth to which you take a pose. Let It Go offers the benefits of realigning the spine and stretching and strengthening the hips. Stress and tension melt away as the rhythm of your own breathing and the gentle cadence of the voice of the Yoga teacher helps keep your mind focused on the breath and on each pose.

Yoga for Core Strength
This dynamic class integrates the core strengthening and alignment principles of Pilates with the practice of Hatha Yoga. You will leave feeling stronger, more centered, graceful, and exhilarated! This class is open to all levels.

Fit for Life

A total body fitness program for all levels.

Includes:

Stretching, strengthening and toning entire body
Muscle conditioning & flexibility
Safe wall & floor balance exercises
20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to music
Helps promote weight loss and well-being
Meet new people and socialize with friends
Included in YMCA membership

Adult Kung Fu

Kung Fu is the ancient art of Chinese self-defense where students learn practical techniques that will improve balance, build self-esteem and increase self-confidence. Chris Millner, 3rd degree black belt, instructs this class.

T'ai Chi

T'ai Chi is a slow, gentle exercise based on the internal, soft Chinese martial arts. The benefits of T'ai Chi include improved posture, coordination, flexibility, stress management, balance, strength and more. For more information, please contact the Physical Director.

Baby Bonding

Learn the essentials of quality bonding with your newborn.

Pre-Natal Exercise

Specialized fitness promoting a strong, healthy body and positive attitude towards pregnancy and birth. Class includes aerobic movement, resistance training, soothing stretches, Yoga postures and relaxation techniques. These skills will help in labor and life, and include breathing, visualization and prenatal bonding. Enjoy the company of other woman as we share health tips and encouragement. You will have more energy and less aches and pains after this workout! Instructor Tracy Schmidt is a mother of five and a Certified Exercise Instructor and an Accredited Childbirth Educator. For more information, please contact the Physical Director.

Post-Partum Exercise

Join other moms for a fun and relaxed time of exercise, education and support. This class was created by a mother of five for moms of all ages. Designed to help you develop a strong, flexible body and bring stability back to your center core (tummy). Lengthen, loosen, and lighten with dance, resistance training and stability ball exercises. Occasional guest speakers and special events included. For more information, please contact the Physical Director.

Breastfeeding is Best Feeding

A comprehensive class to give you all the essential information to successfully breastfeed your precious newborn. Films, slides and lecture included. Instructor Kitty Maxwell is a local lactation consultant who has been making a difference by educating and supporting the medical and breastfeeding community of Santa Barbara for 20 years.

Jumpstart

A fun and fast-moving class that combines jump rope intervals with creative strength-training exercises designed to target all of the major muscle groups. Class participants will be led through a 45-minute cardio and strength-training workout followed by 15 minutes of abdominal exercises and stretching. Please bring water and a towel. Jump ropes will be provided or participants are welcome to bring their own.

Fitness Classes

The following classes are included in your YMCA membership and are available to members only. Classes strive to achieve Target Heart Rate (THR).

Step I

Beginning level Step Aerobics
Participant should have some understanding of terminology
25 minutes of THR exercise

Step II

Beginning-Intermediate level Step Aerobics
30 - 35 minutes of THR exercise

Challenge Step

Intermediate-Advanced level Step Aerobics

Challenging Choreography

High intensity
35 - 40 minutes of THR exercise

Pilates

Multi-Level class
Strengthen core muscle groups
Lengthen the body
Full body stretch

Body Bar

Intermediate muscle conditioning
30 minutes of intense strength and endurance exercises

Pure Stretch

Multi-level class
Flexibility only

Balance Class

Beginner level
Incorporates exercises for the visual system, inner ear sensory
organs, somatosensory system, and the muscular system

Prime Cut

Intermediate/Advanced Level
Full body strength training

Hi-Lo Impact

Beginner/Intermediate Level Aerobics
Learn how to vary your exercise intensity
30 - 35 minutes of THR exercise

Senior Cardio Workout

Intermediate level Aerobics
Challenging choreography
30 - 35 minutes of THR exercise
Emphasizes cardiovascular exercise

Kickbox Aerobics

Beginner-Advanced (multi-level)
Build speed, strength, and flexibility
Improve aerobic and anaerobic conditioning
Fast paced workout

On-the-Ball

Multi-level class
Improve balance and body awareness
All exercises done with stability ball

The NIA Technique Neuromuscular Integrative Action

Multi-Level class
The concentration of T'ai Chi
The dynamism of Yoga
The power of martial arts
The grace of dance

Body Sculpting

Multi-level class
Improves muscle strength
Incorporates dumbbells, exercise bands, medicine ball & stability ball

Ballet

All levels welcome
Emphasis on technique
Strengthen legs & hips
Improves poise & posture
Slow, concentrated movement

Hip-Hop

All levels welcome
Builds musical rhythm
Quick & fun