New for 2025! The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is pleased to announce our new pilot intensive, designed to provide strong support to people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or newly diagnosed* with type 2 diabetes.
Class Description
In a classroom setting, trained lifestyle coaches will help facilitate a small group (6-8 participants) in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over a 3-month period, with twice weekly, 90-minute sessions. The first session of the week will be in the classroom and in the Y's cardio fitness center. The second day will be solely small group training.
Who Can Participate?*
Anyone 18 years and older, overweight (BMI = 25), at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes indicated by a confirmatory blood value, prediabetes determined by clinical diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes (GDM) during a previous pregnancy, or a qualifying risk score using the CDC's prediabetes risk test.
Program Goals
- Reduce body weight by 3.5%
- Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week (includes small group training)
- Weekly weigh-ins
Requirements
Participants must be able to ambulate on their own without assistive devices and be able to get on the floor.
Class Dates & Times
- Starts January 7 and ends March 25, 2025
- Tuesdays and Thursday, 5:30pm-7:00 pm
- at the Portage Y, 2900 W. Centre Ave, Portage
Cost
- Members — $150
- Non-Members — $225
- Financial Assistance is available.
Instructors
- Shashu Baraka
- Lynda Rhodes
Free Y Membership
Free, single adult membership with program registration for the duration of the program dates and joiner fee waived within 30 days of the program date ending if you choose to join. Click here for an overview of membership benefits.
Before Your First Class Membership
Please download this CDC Assessment form and bring to class with you.
Questions & Contact Information
For more information please contact Shashu Baraka or call (269) 459-4856.
