INDEPENDENT HEATH AND THE YMCA PRESENT
Four locations continuing through September
Independent Health and the YMCA are celebrating 11 years of Fitness in the Parks! Join us all summer long for more than 500 FREE outdoor fitness classes at parks across Western New York, led by YMCA certified instructors. Classes run June 1 through August 31, with four select locations extending into September (see schedule below). All ages and skill levels are encouraged 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 2022
42
Outdoor classes
Offered each week at a park near you!
25
Park locations
Including longtime favorites like Delaware Park, Outer Harbor and Chestnut Ridge Park!
14
Different class types
Featuring Yoga, HIIT, Cardio Dance, Pilates,
Zumba® and more!
Schedule
No registration required; just show up at the outdoor class! Check back on this page for schedule alerts and updates. No classes July 4 or September 5.
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.
Boot Camp
Join us for this challenging yet enjoyable workout that focuses on speed, endurance, agility, strength, power moves and cardiovascular training.
Cardio Dance
Simple yet challenging choreography set to music. Cardio dance will enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, flexibility and coordination.
Cardio Interval
This class offers a combination of strength training and aerobic workouts, with bursts of high intensity movement.
Cardio Kickboxing
These classes are combinations of strength training and aerobic workouts. You will get a great strength workout as well as an intense cardio workout in the same class!
Centergy (Yoga/Pilates)
Feel yourself growing longer and stronger with this invigorating workout for the mind and body. Fundamentals from yoga and Pilates are incorporated along with athletic training for balance, mobility, flexibility, and strengthening the core.
Family Walk
With this class, you can sneak in some exercise for the whole family to enjoy! Family Walk encourages families of all ages to gather for a weekly group walk at the park, offering a light warm-up/stretch before and after. Strollers, wagons, and trikes are welcome to join!
Family Yoga
This class offers the same great benefits of yoga but designed to include your whole family! Parents, grandparents, and children alike will learn to stretch, strengthen, and relax their bodies together through gentle yet effective postures.
Fusion
Get an entire-body workout in one class with 15 minutes of high/low aerobics, 15 minutes of body conditioning, and 15 minutes of abdominal work.
HIIT & Core
Through High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), this class alternates between intense bursts of activity and light movement or rest, followed by progressive exercises that combine relaxation and flexibility. You’ll build strength and stamina in core areas, which can be great for lower back health.
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!
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.
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!
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
Independent Health and the YMCA recommend the following safety precautions to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all:
- Masks are recommended for those who are not vaccinated or at high risk for severe illness.
- Social distancing is encouraged (a minimum of six feet).
- Please DO NOT participate if feeling ill.
All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in Fitness in the Parks! It is recommended that you check with your physician before embarking on any type of fitness program. Also, some classes may be more age-appropriate than others. Please view the class descriptions for any age restrictions.
Classes will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Day-of cancellations will be listed on at least one (if not all) of the following places:
Buffalo-Niagara
Jamestown
No sign-up or registration is required! Just show up at the scheduled times.
Class offerings change each year. View the schedule above or download the full schedule.
All classes are taught by certified YMCA instructors.
At Independent Health, we believe a healthy community is something that everyone can benefit from. That’s why all Fitness in the Parks classes are FREE.