Group Exercise at the Y
Unlimited group exercise classes for members!
Group exercise at the Y is where our members build community, strength, and healthy lifestyles! We offer over 125 different class options across our 15 branch locations.
Why is group exercise at the Y so special? We make sure everyone feels welcome! If you are a beginner, instructors are happy to provide modifications and work with you to make sure you can enjoy the class your way. The same goes for longtime classgoers; instructors provide modifications to increase the difficulty to take your workout to the next level.
When you are ready to get started, check the group exercise schedule in the YMCA360 app or on the Y website.
Featured Group Exercise Class Options
LES MILLS BODYPUMP
Using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. It will burn up to 400 calories. Instructors will coach you through the scientifically-backed moves and techniques pumping out encouragement, motivation and great music – helping you achieve much more than on your own! You’ll leave the class feeling challenged and motivated, ready to come back for more.
Cycle
An indoor cycling class created to challenge both the beginner fitness enthusiast and the seasoned athlete. Each ride on the bike helps to increase your cardiovascular endurance, reduce body fat and increase muscular strength. As part of the team you travel on flat roads, climb hills, sprint and race! You get a great workout – no matter what the weather is outside!
Zumba
Zumba is a fusion of body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps to Latin and International music. Aerobic interval training using fast and slow rhythms maximizes caloric output, fat burning and total body toning.
LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT
BODYCOMBAT is a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is totally non-contact. Punch and kick your way to fitness and burn up to 570 calories in a class. No experience needed. Learn moves from Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Kung Fu. Release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ. Bring your best fighter attitude and leave inhibitions at the door.
Silver & Fit
This class is for moderately active older adults who exercise in some way at least one to two days per week. The class is designed to increase the flexibility, joint stability, dynamic balance, coordination, agility, reaction-time, muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. Options for everyone!
Pilates
This class focuses on the ‘powerhouse’. It is from within the abdominal region of the body, the powerhouse that supports the spine and all of our major organs. When you strengthen this area you dramatically improve your alignment and posture.
Yoga
Traditional yoga for the first-time enthusiast. Learn the foundations of yoga postures for strength, flexibility, balance, breath work and relaxation.
Aquacise
An exercise program to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Appropriate for beginners, seniors and pre & post-natal, swimmers and non-swimmers accommodated.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is practiced either sitting or using chairs for support in various postures and is designed to mindfully increase range of motion while meeting students where they are. This class is ideal for students with limited mobility or healing from injury.
Aqua Zumba
A low impact, high energy aquatic exercise program for people of all abilities. Water creates a natural resistance, which means every step is more challenging.
Silver Cardio Fusion
This class consists of varied exercises including walking, stretching, light strength training, low-impact aerobics and relaxation techniques.
Vinyasa Yoga
An active class emphasizing the development of strength, flexibility, balance and grace through the use of postures linked through the synchronization of breath with movement.
Do I need to register for group exercise classes?
The majority of group exercise classes do not require registration. Certain branch locations may have reservation based classes. Members should check the group exercise schedule in the YMCA360 app or on the website to plan which classes they want to attend.
Any reservation based classes will be noted on the schedule and members can reserve a spot if they wish to attend.
What are the age requirements for group exercise classes?
Members aged 10-11 years old may participate in select Group Exercise Classes after completing a fitness orientation with one of our fitness team members to learn safe, effective workout techniques. However, a parent or guardian aged 18 years or older must be present and be a Y member. This age group is not permitted to participate in strength training classes including Bootcamp & LES MILLS BODYPUMP.
Members aged 12-14 years old may participate in all Group Exercise Classes after completing a fitness orientation with one of our fitness team members.
Members aged 15 and up may participate in any of our Group Exercise Classes.
Do you offer water group exercise classes?
Yes! We offer group exercise classes in the pool at each branch across the Greater Philadelphia Y. Our two most popular classes are:
Aquacise
An exercise program to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Appropriate for beginners, seniors and pre & post-natal, swimmers and non-swimmers accommodated.
Aqua Cardio & Strength
A combination of Cardio and Strength conditioning. Using low impact cardio to build endurance and total body strengthening to condition your muscles. This class will also include water resistance training to keep your bones strong and your muscles toned. All levels are welcome for this workout.
Members can find upcoming water group exercise classes in the YMCA360 mobile app or on the group exercise schedules page.
Are certain group exercise classes for advanced skill levels?
Yes, some group exercise classes are designed for advanced skill levels for the category of class. However, instructors are trained to provide accommodations and modifications to allow anyone to participate in all of our group exercise classes.
Be sure to talk with your instructor before the class begins so they can assist you.
Are Les Mills Classes included with my membership?
Yes! Your membership gives you access to unlimited Les Mills classes at branches across the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Association. Additionally, your membership provides access to on-demand Les Mills content via the YMCA360 mobile app.
Are SilverSneakers classes included with my membership?
Yes! Your membership gives you access to unlimited SilverSneakers classes at branches across the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Association.