Heart disease remains the leading cause of death of men and women in the U.S., and nearly 1 in 2 adults has high blood pressure — often without knowing it. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure control has gotten worse since the pandemic, making now the perfect time to check in on your heart health.
The good news? You don't have to make big changes overnight to make a big difference. Simple actions like getting your blood pressure checked, cutting back on sodium, and moving your body daily can all help lower your risk of heart disease.
At the YMCA of Central Kentucky, we're making heart health easier and more accessible than ever with program designed to support every step of your journey.
Local Fitness & Nutrition Programs
From heart-pumping group fitness classes to our Active Older Adults walking clubs, the Y offers something for every heart. Whether you're just getting started or looking to push your limits, we've got the tools, trainers, and support to keep you moving in the right direction.
Prefer a community of support? Try out one of our many martial arts classes built for all levels and all ages. Like a something for individualized for your needs? Our friendly, supportive personal trainers are here to help you find a routine that supports your health needs.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Heart health and diabetes prevention go hand in hand. That's why we offer the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program at the Prevention Park YMCA in Frankfort. The program helps adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes build healthy habits around nutrition and physical activity. Participants meet regularly in small groups with a trained Lifestyle Coach — and the impact speaks for itself.
The Future of Health
The YMCA has all of the tried and true methods of improving your heart health, but we're also leading the pack in how technology can play a supporting role on your health journey.
For instance, at the Whitaker Family YMCA, the EGYM smart strength system does all the metaphorical heavy lifting for you. After you complete your initial assessment, each strength machine part of the circuit automatically sets the weight level and range of motion for you. A video game-like interface on every machine guides you to move at the right pace with the right form, taking the guesswork out of your workout.
If you're ready to do a deep dive on your health, the SECA body composition scan at the North Lexington Family YMCA gives you a detailed analysis of your skeletal muscle and fat mass to help you see progress, and opportunities, that a simple scale will miss.
Take the First Step Today
Whether you're looking to reduce your risk of heart disease, or simply feel more energized, the Y has programs, people, and passion to help. Stop by the YMCA of Central Kentucky to learn more. Your heart will thank you!
