Enhance®Fitness

Enhance®Fitness

Across the country, a growing number of Y associations

Moderate-impact classes with high-impact results

Across the country, a growing number of Ys offer Enhance®Fitness, an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life.

Here are some of the changes our participants have noticed:


  • More energy
  • Better balance
  • Increases in upper and lower body strength
  • More flexibility and range of motion
  • Better sleep
  • More feelings of happiness
  • Sense of independence

In addition to the physical benefits, research has shown that among older adults who participate in Enhance®Fitness, health costs were lowered each year by close to $1,000.

Our aim: To help you feel better

Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants. Enhance®Fitness is geared toward older adults. Those with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, need not worry; they will never have to do anything that hurts. Participants can use chairs for support, if necessary, and increase the weight they use for strength training at their own pace.

My Y Stories: Enhance®Fitness

Watch more Y stories

  • Enhance®Fitness: It Has Helped Us Feel Better in Every Way!

    In Enhance®Fitness at Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center, Fernando and Edith Patiño have gained strength and improved their balance and flexibility while cutting a rug with new friends. Enjoy their insider look at Enhance®Fitness, a proven community-based senior fitness program. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Enhance®Fitness: Whatever Exercise You Could Want, Find It Here.

    As a lifelong, medal-winning athlete, Mary Elizabeth only becomes more active and more social over time. Enjoy her insider look at Enhance®Fitness, a proven community-based senior fitness program. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.

  • Enhance®Fitness: It Becomes a Support. I Think It’s Vital.

    As an avid gardener, Ann Pretty’s participation in Enhance®Fitness helps her literally stop and smell the roses. Along with improving mobility, it also connects her to dear friends and encourages her to try to new activities. Enjoy her insider look at Enhance®Fitness, a proven community-based senior fitness program. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.

  • Enhance®Fitness: We Get to Know Each Other.

    Following a stroke, the Patels began participating in fitness activities and found themselves stronger physically, socially and mentally. Enjoy their insider look at Enhance®Fitness, a proven community-based senior fitness program. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Enhance®Fitness: We’ve Made Friendships from All Walks of Life.

    The Bundicks have always been social and have always been active, but in Enhance®Fitness, they found the unique pairing of friendship with healthy activity. Enjoy their insider look at Enhance®Fitness, a proven community-based senior fitness program. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.