Choose to Move

Personalized support to help older adults become more active and confident.

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Choose to Move

Program Description

Choose to Move is a free, choice-based physical activity program for seniors and older adults looking to be more active. It is a health coaching and motivational program designed to give participants the tools, skills, and resources to create lasting lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.

3 Months
Free
Group of 10 to 15
Y Membership Required: No
Choose to Move
Program overview

We know that making a change to your physical activity level can feel overwhelming. Choose to Move is a transformative journey that ignites your motivation and connects you with a supportive community.

This program is designed to help you start moving at your own pace, ensuring your path to better health is one of confidence, enjoyment, and sustainable progress. Choose to Move is evidence-based and is delivered in partnership with Active Aging BC.

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Please note that this is not a group fitness class or a personal training program.
Program benefits
  • Personalized Guidance: Work one-on-one with a certified Activity Coach to craft a tailor-made physical activity plan
  • Community Connection: Join 8 dynamic group meetings to share goals, stay accountable, and explore health and wellness topics together
  • Focus on Habit Building: You choose activities (from organized classes to walking or gardening) that you enjoy and can stick to
  • Exclusive Benefit: Participants attending through YMCA BC will receive a complimentary YMCA membership valid for three months
  • Science-Based: Program developed by the University of British Columbia’s Active Aging Research Team
  • Complimentary Y Membership: Participants will receive a complimentary 3-month Y membership (certain conditions apply)
Program eligibility
  • Age: 55 and older
  • Activity Level: Must be currently inactive (under 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week) and looking to become more active. Suitable for anyone who wants to become active, regardless of ability
  • Y Membership Status: Must not be a YMCA member within the last 6 months
Program schedule
  • Mode: Virtual AND In-person at select YMCA centres
  • Hours: Facilitated group sessions are held weekly and are an hour long
  • Program locations vary each season. Our winter program will run from February to April in downtown Vancouver and Chilliwack
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Choose to Move
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Program registration steps may vary by region. Please select your region below to get started.

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Program FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our program below.

What kind of support do I get?

You receive both individual and group support:

  • Individual: You work one-on-one with a trained Activity Coach to create a tailor-made activity plan.
  • Group: You join up to 8 dynamic group meetings with peers to share goals, stay accountable, and learn about health topics.

What is the difference between Choose to Move and a regular fitness program?

Choose to Move is not a group fitness class or personal training program. It's an empowering, science-backed experience focused on health coaching and motivation. You work one-on-one with an Activity Coach to help you develop an individualized fitness plan that works for you, to integrate physical activity into your daily routine, rather than following a fixed exercise routine.

What kinds of activities will I be doing in the program?

The program is choice-based: you choose activities that fill you with joy and that you know you will stick to. Activities can range from organized fitness classes (e.g., Tai Chi, yoga) to individual activities you do on your own schedule (e.g., gardening, walking). The goal is to build physical activity into your daily life.

When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.