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INDEPENDENT HEALTH AND THE YMCA PRESENT

Fitness in the parks logo

Fitness in the Parks 2024


Independent Health and the YMCA are celebrating 13 years of Fitness in the Parks!
Join us June 3 through August 31 for more than 500 FREE outdoor fitness classes at parks across Western New York, led by certified YMCA instructors. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. Parking is always free and registration is never required; just show up at the scheduled time.

Now, you never have to trade good weather for a workout again! 

Here’s what to expect for 2024:

44

Outdoor classes

Offered each week all summer long at a park near you. 

26

Park locations

Including longtime favorites like Delaware Park, Outer Harbor, and Chestnut Ridge Park.

15

Class Styles

Featuring Yoga, Pilates, Zumba® and more!

Schedule

No classes July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. See notes for other blackout dates. 

Class Types

Western New Yorkers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in our FREE outdoor fitness classes, led by YMCA certified instructors. It is recommended that you check with your physician before embarking on any type of fitness program.

Barre

Fusing some of the elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. Freestyle Barre is guaranteed to tone in a low impact, high-intensity setting. Focus is centered on postural strength and alignment along with upper and lower body strength.

Beginners Qigong

This class focuses on an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques and meditations. Qigong is a gentle form of exercise that can help improve overall health and well-being.

Cardio Dance

Simple yet challenging choreography set to music. Cardio dance will enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, flexibility and coordination.

Circuit Training

A combination of low impact and/or high impact aerobics training, bodyweight strength training, and core work makes this class a total body workout. Exercises can be tailored to a variety of levels for all to join.

Core & More

This progressive exercise program combines relaxation, flexibility and strengthening exercises to build strength and stamina in core areas, keeping you strong for life.

Meditation

Relax, unwind and discover your mind. Enjoy guided journeys that open the heart, support healing of the whole person and free the spirit.  Benefits of meditation include increased concentration, lowered blood pressure and improved immune system. Please bring your own mat.

Pilates

Strengthen the body’s core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, with this method of body conditioning. You’ll tone your body and increase flexibility. Please bring your own mat.

PiYo

This class combines the muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefit of Pilates with the strength and flexibility of yoga. Please bring your own mat.

Pound®

This is a full-body cardio jam session, combining light resistance with constant simulated drumming. The workout fuses cardio, Pilates, strength movements, plyometric, and isometric poses. Pound® utilizes continual upper body motion using lightly weighted exercise drumsticks.

Strength & Movement

Get a little bit of everything in this “15/30/15” class – a 15-minute warm-up followed by 30 minutes of bodyweight strength and movement (targeting areas like glutes, abs, and core, which can be great for lower back health) and a 15-minute cool-down.

Tai Chi

Gentle movements of the body through poses, as well as static postures with mental images and a focus on breathing.

Walk to Better Health

Walk as a group while you walk at your own pace. Enjoy a short 5-minute warm-up followed by 30-40 minutes of light to brisk walking, then wind down with some light bodyweight strength training and stretching for the last 10-15 minutes. 

Yoga

Enjoy gentle, effective postures that promote stretching, strengthening and relaxation. Benefits include increased blood circulation, improved mental awareness, strengthened muscles and reduced stress! Please bring your own mat.

Yoga / Pilates / Fusion

This class strengthens the body’s core muscles, including the abdominals and the lower back, and increases flexibility. Please bring your own mat.

Zumba®

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout – just lose yourself in the music and feel yourself getting physically fit with the original dance-fitness party! Zumba® classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats.

Frequently Asked Questions