YMCA Mental and Physical Health

Health looks different for everyone, which is why our programs focus on both the body and the mind.

YMCA BC's mental and physical health programs are built to support people through real life challenges with care, evidence-based practices, and community connection.

About YMCA Mental and Physical Health

Y programs that nurture mind and body

Our mental and physical health programs reflect the diversity of ways people build strength, confidence and resilience. Whether you are looking for movement that feels supportive, mental wellness tools to navigate life’s challenges or a safe place to learn alongside others, the Y offers programs that honour your unique story and help you move toward better well-being.

Wellness that grows with you

Why choose YMCA Mental and Physical Support

At YMCA BC, we believe that wellness is not a destination, but a lifelong journey supported by belonging, equity and meaningful human connection. Explore our programs designed to uplift individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Across Life Stages

Our programs include active aging, disease prevention, therapeutic services, and mental wellness support for youth, adults, parents, and caregivers.

Built Around You

Whether you need support to stay active, improve function, mental wellness tools, or shared learning, we offer support that meets you where you are.

Evidence-Based Care

Our programs use proven methods, expert support, and trusted practices to promote long-term well-being.

Belong & Connect

Every YMCA BC program creates a safe and supportive environment where people can connect, learn, and grow together.

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Active & Healthy Aging

Healthy aging with strength and connection

Supportive programs that help older adults build strength, mobility, and confidence. Stay active in welcoming spaces that encourage connection and well-being at every stage of life.

Choose to Move

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.

Moving Through Menopause

The Moving Through Menopause Program is a 6-week strength training program designed specifically to support women navigating the physical and mental changes of perimenopause and menopause. It combines expert-led workouts with vital, evidence-based health information to empower women with the knowledge and skills to improve their health outcomes.

Disease Prevention & Management

Helping you stay healthy longer

Evidence-based programs that help people reduce risk, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. Receive compassionate support in a community setting that encourages progress and hope.

Healthy Heart

The YMCA Healthy Heart program has been supporting heart health in the community since 1976. This is a crucial cardiac prevention, rehabilitation, and maintenance program designed to support people living with cardiac risk through expert education and medically supervised exercise.

Healthy Hips, Healthy Knees

Healthy Hips, Healthy Knees (also known as Better Hips, Better Knees) is a physiotherapist supported circuit exercise program for people waiting for hip or knee replacement surgery, or those who are at least six weeks post operative. The program focuses on building strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance to support a smoother recovery and help reduce complications before and after surgery.

Power Over Parkinson's

Regaining confidence and maintaining independence are vital steps in managing Parkinson's disease. Offered in partnership with Interior Health, Power Over Parkinson's program is a unique, specific, group circuit exercise program designed to maintain flexibility, strength, and balance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Small Steps for Big Changes

We know that big changes happen when you have someone in your corner. Small Steps for Big Changes pairs you with an empathetic health coach who listens to understand your unique needs. We provide the structure and accountability necessary to help you lower your diabetes risk, empowering you to build sustainable, healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Minds in Motion®

Minds in Motion® is a gentle fitness and social engagement program designed for people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners. Offered in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., each session is designed to build confidence, connection, and joy.

Heart and Lung Health

YMCA BC is committed to being a supportive partner in your recovery. Our Heart and Lung Health programs help you reduce health risks and improve your physical quality of life, ensuring you feel empowered and cared for as you heal.

Therapeutic Services

Helping you heal and move with ease

Healing and recovery look different for everyone. Our therapeutic services provide individualized care to help you reduce pain, regain mobility and rebuild confidence in your body’s ability to move. Through registered massage therapy and physiotherapy, our team offers professional, compassionate support that respects your pace and your goals.

Orthopedic & Sports Physiotherapy

At the Y, we value your ability to move through life with confidence. Our Physiotherapy services lead with integrity and excellence, offering expert care for orthopedic and sports-related injuries. We are accountable to your recovery goals, providing the specialized treatment you need to return to strength and function.

Massage Therapy & Stress Reduction

As part of the Y's commitment to accessible wellness, our Massage Therapy & Stress Reduction service offers a supportive space to manage pain, recover from injury, or address chronic physical issues. We focus on meeting your specific physical needs, helping you maintain your well-being so you can continue to thrive.

Mental Wellness for Parents and Caregivers

Helping you nurture stronger family well-being

Caring for others begins with caring for yourself. These mental wellness programs offer families, parents and caregivers supportive spaces to learn, connect and strengthen their emotional well-being.

Whether you are preparing for the arrival of a new baby, navigating postpartum changes or seeking tools to support healthy family dynamics, the Y provides programs rooted in compassion, community and evidence-based strategies.

Prenatal Wellness Support

Prenatal Wellness is a free support group for expecting parents offered in Kamloops. The group blends guided mindfulness, gentle relaxation practices and self-compassion strategies that can be used before, during and after birth.

Postpartum Connections

Postpartum Connections is a supportive group for women experiencing mild to moderate postpartum depression, anxiety or feelings of isolation. Sessions combine peer connection with gentle educational content that helps parents explore emotional well-being, self-care and coping strategies.‍

Mental Wellness Workshops

Mental Wellness Workshops offer accessible, community-rooted learning experiences on a wide range of mental health and wellness topics. Designed for families, caregivers and community members, these workshops help build practical skills that reduce stress, strengthen emotional resilience and support healthier relationships at home.

Circle of Security

The Circle of Security Parenting Program helps caregivers build stronger, more secure relationships with their children through guided learning, reflection and supportive discussion. Grounded in attachment science and offered in an inclusive YMCA environment, the program strengthens parenting skills by helping caregivers understand their child’s emotional needs. Participants build confidence, compassion and practical tools for daily parenting challenges.

Foundry for Parents and Caregivers

Foundry offers free, confidential support for parents and caregivers navigating a young person’s mental health or substance use journey. From professional counselling and peer support to educational groups, we provide the tools and community you need to ensure you and the young person you support are never alone.

Mental Wellness for Adults

Tools and community for a healthier mind

Adulthood brings many responsibilities, and mental wellness often gets pushed aside. These programs create space for adults to pause, learn and reconnect with what well-being means in their everyday lives.

Whether learning coping skills for anxiety or exploring mindfulness as part of healthy ageing, our programs honour each participant’s unique experiences.

Y Mind Adult

Y Mind Adult creates a supportive, welcoming space for adults ages 31+ who want to build healthier ways to manage stress, worry and mild to moderate anxiety. Rooted in evidence-based approaches and aligned with YMCA values of equity, inclusion and community well-being, Y Mind Adult empowers participants to feel supported, capable and more confident in their daily lives.

Aging Mindfully

At the YMCA, we believe that aging should be supported with dignity, connection and opportunities to thrive. Aging Mindfully reflects this commitment by helping older adults strengthen their mental, physical and social well-being in a welcoming community.

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