Whatever your age or stage, there’s a YMCA Health and Fitness program to help you or your family achieve your health and fitness goals and reach your full potential. Our expert staff and volunteers are always available to support and guide you to positive outcomes, every step of the way. And when you choose the Y, you get the added benefit of being part of a community.
Specific days and times for all fitness activities are found on the Schedules page of our website.
Fitness Centre
Our YMCA Fitness Centre offers many resources and supports to improve your overall health and fitness. Our friendly and approachable staff and volunteers are here to support you on your journey to better health.
The YMCA has a state-of-the art Fitness Centre. In a space surrounded with natural light enjoy cardio equipment, circuit equipment, plate loaded equipment and free weights. The Fitness Centre includes two studios – a studio that is used for classes and for individual workouts and stretching and a cycle fit studio.
Welcome Orientation
Are you a new health and fitness member? Our welcome orientation will help you get acquainted and comfortable with our facilities, programs, and equipment so you can start enjoying the benefits of your new YMCA membership right away.
Strength and Conditioning Orientation
Get the best start at the YMCA. Learn the proper way to use the equipment, meet the staff, and gain confidence on the fitness floor. If you are between the ages of 12 and 14 years old you must complete a Strength and Conditioning Orientation.
For an a Welcome or Strength and Conditioning Orientation, please contact our Health, Fitness and Recreation, Director, Marla Sim
Fitness Classes
Whatever your age or stage, there’s a Y health and fitness program to help you and your family achieve your health and fitness goals and reach your full potential.
Our expert staff and volunteers are always available to support and guide you to positive outcomes, every step of the way. And when you choose the Y, you get the added benefit of being part of a community — because it’s important to feel safe and welcome while working to improve your health.
Explore our YMCA Health and Fitness programs and services to see which will meet your needs. All of the programs below can be accessed by membership or drop-in fee.
All participants and members need to pre-book their spot in all Fitness Classes via the My Y App, On-line Scheduler or by calling 902-752-0202
Check the schedule or the My Y App to see when the Fitness programs are offered.
Aqua Fit
Warm Water Aqua Fit
This class will offer low-impact exercises for strength, range of motion and flexibility. This class takes place in the leisure pool. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Boot Camp
A great strength and cardiovascular workout. A variety of equipment and drills are used. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Fit
Allows you to use the resistance of the water in a full range of motion to maximize your strength and cardio workout. Aqua Fit is a workout that strengthens the entire body using water resistance, various equipment, and flotation belts.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Tethering
A great HIIT cardiovascular workout using the flotation belts and tethers in the deep water. HIIT is high intensity interval training. This is a 45-minute class that is suitable for intermediate to advanced. Confidence in deep water is required. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Fit Deep Water
A great cardiovascular workout using a flotation belt in the deep water. There is less impact on the joints. This is a 45-minute class suitable for beginners to advanced participants. Confidence in deep water is required. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Age 12+
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Cardio & Strength
Barre
This ballet-inspired fusion class mixes Pilates, dance, yoga, and strength training. Barre focuses on high reps of small range movements. In this class you will use your body weight, light dumbbells and Pilate balls. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: indoor sneakers, photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, small towel, and yoga mat (mats are available at the Centre).
Boot Camp
Challenge your fitness level with these variety set high-intensity workouts that utilize various equipment and your bodyweight. Boot camps are of a mix of cardio and strength training designed to improve balance, speed, agility, and coordination. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: indoor sneakers, photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, small towel, and yoga mat (mats are available at the Centre).
Fit for Life
Fit for Life uses a variety of equipment to strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance for everyday activities. This is a low-impact class.
You will need: indoor sneakers and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle and lock.
Cardio & Strength
Balance
This fun friendly class will work on balance strength and coordination using light weights and resistance bands. No mat work included. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You may need: indoor sneakers and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock and small towel.
Chair Exercises
This class focuses on stretching while sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support. The poses are adaptations of those performed on the mat. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: photo I.D. (16+) or membership card | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, small cloth, and yoga mat (mats are available at the Centre).
Group Power®
Group Power® MOSSA Group Power® will blast all your muscles with a high-rep weight training workout. Using an adjustable barbell, weight plates, and body weight, Group Power combines squats, lunges, presses, and curls with functional integrated exercises.
Dynamic music and a motivating group atmosphere will get your heart rate up, make you sweat, and push you to a personal best! Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 14+
Group Power® is continuously refreshed with new music and choreography.
You may need: indoor sneakers and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock and small towel.
Muscle Express
This express class will focus on a different muscle group each day to build strength & tone. This class ends with a 5 minute core component.
Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 14+
You may need: indoor sneakers and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock and small towel.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
True HIIT, quick & dirty, in and out. It’s a 5 minutes warmup, 20 minues of non-stop interval training, followed by 5 minutes cooldown.
Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: indoor sneakers, photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle and lock.
Cycle Fitness
CycleFit
CycleFit gets your legs pumping with a high-powered indoor bike class set to energetic music. Working those major muscles in your legs also strengthens your most important muscle: your heart.
Since you control the intensity of the workout by adjusting your own bike, it’s a great workout for individuals of all ages and experiences.
Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: indoor sneakers and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock and small towel.
Mind & Body
Chair Yoga
This class focuses on stretching while sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support. The poses are adaptations of those performed on the mat. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: photo I.D. (16+) or membership card | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, small cloth, and yoga mat (mats are available at the Centre).
Gentle Yoga
A calming, stress-relieving yoga class to stretch and strengthen the body gradually. Emphasis is on building awareness of the breath and the body. Yoga practiced at a slower pace with attention to alignment and detail. Recommended for all levels looking for a soothing, relaxing, and restorative experience. This is a great class for people who are new to yoga or working with special concerns or injuries. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12
You will need: photo I.D. (16+) or membership card | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, small cloth, and yoga mat (mats are available at the Centre).
Tai Chi
Tai Chi combines gently physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness. Tai Chi can improve balance control, fitness and flexibility. Member + program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: indoor sneakers, photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle and lock.
Yoga
Yoga Rediscover and improve your strength, balance, and flexibility through yoga. YMCA Yoga classes will help you relax your mind while gently challenging, stretching, and relaxing your muscles. Don’t worry if you’re not flexible: yoga is safe and healthy for a wide range of body types. You’ll soon notice a stronger, more balanced body and an increase in your overall feeling of health and vitality. Member+ program or drop-in fee. Ages 12+
You will need: photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle and lock. This class is performed in bare feet.
All participants and members need to pre-book their spot in Recreation Sports via the My Y App, On-line Scheduler or by phoning 902-752-0202.
Check the Schedule or the My Y App to see when Recreation Sports are offered.
Sport & Recreation
Game on! There are lots of ways to get moving at the Y. Play your favorite sports and games, or try something new. From kids to adults, we’ve got something for everyone. Grab some friends and come down to the YMCA for a pick-up game and some friendly competition.
Basketball
The YMCA offers a variety of open pickup basketball times.
- Basketball (non-instructed)
- Parent must be in the building if child is under the age of 12 years old.
- Included in a membership.
- Youth 16+ must sign in with a photo I.D.
- Basketball (30+)
- Everyone 16+ must sign in with a photo I.D. or membership card.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a fun racquet sport for players of all levels. Similar to badminton or tennis, players use solid square racquets to hit a perforated ball over a net. Invented in the 1960s, pickleball has exploded in popularity. Come join us to play one of North America’s fastest growing sports!
Open Gym
During Open Gym time drop into the YMCA to use the various equipment.
- Everyone 16+ must sign in with photo I.D. or a membership card.
Personal Training & Workshops
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, a YMCA personal trainer can help you reach your fitness goals faster, and have more fun along the way. Is your workout getting stale? Are you looking to get to the next level? Or do you just need some help getting started? A YMCA personal trainer will work with you to create a workout plan tailored to meet your needs, and then help guide you through it.
Personal Training
Small Group Personal Training (12+yrs)
Get a personalized workout program and train with a small group of people like you. You’ll still enjoy close attention from an exercise expert and a plan, but you’ll also get to spend quality time with your partner, gym buddy, or a whole group of friends.
Sign up as a group through Member Services. A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required to secure the required space and staff team. Specific programs include customized sport-specific training, dry-land training, functional-fitness circuit, and customized boot camp. Two to eight participants are required for this program.
Fees 4 week sessions
Group 0f 2 – $160+ tax per person
Group of 3 – $120+ tax per person
Group of 4-6 – $80+ tax per person
Independent Personal Training
The YMCA is committed to providing the fitness resources you need to realize your goals. Personal trainers offer valuable services that help keep you on track with your fitness goals.
- Improve overall fitness
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight
- Motivation to stick to your fitness plan
- Focus on your unique health concerns
- Find the right way to work out for youand your goals
Independent Personal Training Fees
YMCA Members/Staff and Volunteers (member only program)
- 5 sessions $218 +tax
- 10 sessions $381 +tax
- 20 sessions $707 +tax
Workshops
See the Program Guide and Program Schedule documents for specific Workshop dates & times: http://pcymca.ca/schedules/
To register for Workshops please visit our online registration page: https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/pcymca
Learn to Lift: Breaking Down the Big Three
Kettlebell Workshop
This 3-hour workshop will introduce participants to fundamental movements using the kettlebell. The instructor will break down the technique for the most popular kettlebell movements: the Kettlebell Swing, Racked Squat and Turkish Get Up. Members Only.
Self-Defense Workshop
How do I sign up?
Sign up at the YMCA Membership Services!
What is YThrive? What can I expect?
YThrive is an exercise program that will help you improve your health and physical performance or help you take more control of your life and achieve results. It provides you with the support to get started, the flexibility to do it on your own, results to stay motivated, and the opportunities to connect with others just like you.
Each workout is designed to be 50-minutes in length, and every 90 days you get a new routine and a new set of results to work toward. YThrive has five streams based on your familiarity with fitness and fitness level.
BEGIN stream is for individuals looking to get started on a fitness program who have little to no experience with a formal exercise program or exercising in a fitness centre environment.
FLEX stream is for a confident exerciser looking to maximize strength and muscle gain.
BOOST stream is for an occasional or active exerciser looking to maintain a healthy weight or lifestyle.
BALANCE stream is for individuals looking to improve their overall health, increase energy levels and lead a more active lifestyle.
GROW stream is for a safe start (10-14 year old) into using the conditioning Centre. This program will give them the basic foundation in resistance training and cardio training.
How is this different than Personal Training?
The biggest difference between YThrive and personal training is that unlike personal training, this program requires no additional cost, appointment times or locked in contract. YThrive also gives you the ability to meet with a group in a social setting, is less formal, and can be completed at your own time/schedule, whereas with personal training you work one-on-one with a trainer.
I already have my routine, and know what I am doing...why would I need YThrive?
YThrive is designed to keep you motivated and help you reach your goals faster! The 50-minute, 2-3x week program is designed by experts to fit your lifestyle and help you get the result you want. At 20 and 60 days you will be introduced to 1-2 new exercises and this is important to overcome plateaus. Plus, there is a dedicated team of fitness experts to support you with every step.
How do I track my progress?
When you come to the orientation and take part in the program you will get a personal workout card where you will be able to track and chart your progress. It’s important to track your success, fitness level, and ensure you’re not plateauing. Not only that, but you’d be part of the YThrive group, which means you get communications about new program releases.
Do you guarantee results with this?
It’s fairly difficult to guarantee results but we can guarantee you a proven program designed by a team of experts that will provide you with the support and motivation to keep going. If you stick with the program you’ll experience faster results, better health and increase energy.
Will this make me bigger? I don't want to bulk up.
The YThrive BOOST and BALANCE streams will not make you any bigger or bulk up. Creating lean muscle mass will increase your resting metabolism, which allows you to trim inches, move better and increase your overall energy.
Is there a food program included?
There is not a food program included in this program. We do encourage anyone who has food-related questions to seek the advice and expertise of a nutritionist.
YThrive
Put a stronger, happier, faster you in motion!
Getting and staying fit isn’t easy.
But the biggest barrier isn’t necessarily the exercise, it’s getting there and knowing what exercises to do to reach your goals. How many sets? How heavy? How many kms of cardio?
But not anymore.
YThrive is the easiest way to get into the best shape of your life. And at no extra cost — that’s right, absolutely free forever — because you’re a valued Y member.
And every 90 days, you get a new routine and a new set of results.
Faster Results
Whether you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance, lose weight, increase your energy or reduce your stress, our team of dedicated fitness experts has designed a program to fit your life. Find out which program stream best suits you!
YThrive provides you with the support to get started, quick results to stay motivated and flexibility to get it done solo.
No additional cost, appointment times or intimidating routines.
It doesn’t matter where you are now with your fitness and health goals, it matters where you’re going.
Don’t wait another 90 days. It’s as simple stopping by the Membership Services to register.
YThrive Benefits
- Faster results. Better health. Stronger you.
- The support and motivation to get you here today.
- The results to keep you coming back.
- The support to get started, quick results to stay motivated and flexibility to get it done solo.
- The easiest way to get into the best shape of your life. And at no extra cost – that’s right, absolutely free forever – because you’re a valued Y member.
- A 50-min, 2-3x week program designed by experts to fit your liefstyle and help you get the results you want.
- A dedicated team of fitness experts to support you with every step. And lift. And stretch.
There is also a youth (10+) YThrive program called Grow. This program is on the Centre schedule, please see the schedule for days and times. Youth workout with a coach in a group setting.