More than 76% of U.S. adults—that’s over 150 million people—live with at least one chronic condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or kidney disease. Over half are living with more than one.
These illnesses are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., accounting for 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare costs.
Our Response: Prescribe the Y
At the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, we believe that health and wellness should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer Prescribe the Y—evidence-based programs designed to help individuals manage chronic conditions and transition from medical care to long-term wellness.
How to Get Started
You can join Prescribe the Y in two simple ways!
Self-Referral
Register Online Now or stop by the Welcome Center!
Physician Referral
We work with healthcare providers to offer a confidential referral process that makes it easy to get started.
Contact if you have any questions about the registration process.
Nutrition and Exercise Programs
Programs tailored to individual needs, including options like Diabetes Prevention and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
Proven, Evidence-Based Approach
Proven, evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes.
Supportive Atmosphere
Support from certified Y staff and and a caring community environment that encourages sustainable lifestyle changes.
Take Control of Your Health
Whether you're managing a chronic condition or looking to prevent one, Prescribe the Y empowers you to take charge of your health—with the encouragement of a supportive Y community every step of the way.
Learn more at Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults and CDC: Fast Facts – Chronic Conditions
Browse Health Management & Disease Prevention Programs
The impact of these programs goes far beyond the fun activities planned. The Y believes that in a diverse world we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why at the Y, our cause is to strengthen the foundations of our community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Specialized fitness offerings can relieve the severity of arthritis symptoms, including:
Aqua Arthritis
Designed for anyone with arthritis or similar conditions. Participants reduce stiffness and improve range of motion, muscle strength and endurance while supported with the water's buoyancy.
EnhanceFitness: Modified Moves, Maximum Benefit. EnhanceFitness is a 16-week evidence-based group exercise program that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate older adults to stay active throughout their lives.
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity level of older adults who have this concern. The first step toward a healthier attitude toward falls and fear of falling is to understand one’s own beliefs or biases.
The eight-session program meets weekly, and instructors cover how to set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and how to increase strength and balance, all with a larger goal of viewing falls as controllable. Each class meets for two hours.
The program is recommended by the National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A Matter of Balance is held at multiple YMCA of Greater Brandywine locations and typical participants are ages 65 and older, but registration is not limited to a specific age.
The YMCA is dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and activity levels to improve their overall health and to providing a supportive community for individuals to pursue a healthier version of themselves.
This class is available at the Coatesville YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA.
Functional Fitness
Functional Fitness improves mobility, balance and strength so that everyday activities can be completed with ease, minimizing the risk of injury. This program also serves as pre- or post-rehabilitation support. A YMCA personal trainer works with individuals based on their specific needs.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a health and wellness program developed and established in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to assist those who are living with, through or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirit, mind and body.
The 12-week program includes cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises and is facilitated by certified instructors.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is available at no cost to participants and is open to any adult, aged 18 or older, who is living with or beyond cancer treatment. We offer LIVESTRONG programming in the Spring and Fall.
Registration is required.
Coatesville YMCA:
Jennersville YMCA: Contact Nichole Kilroy or Megan Lange at 610-869-9622, ext. 2525
Kennett Area YMCA:
Lionville Community YMCA:
Upper Main Line YMCA:
West Chester Area YMCA: Contact or
At the Y we encourage all in our community to identify self-care practices that can help enhance their mental health—and to start building these practices into their daily routine. Mental health includes how we think, feel, and act, as they are all interconnected.
Parkinson’s Cycle
For adults with various stages of Parkinson’s, our Parkinson’s Cycle class incorporates research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic which showed a 35% reduction in symptoms by pedaling a bicycle.
EnhanceFitness: Modified Moves, Maximum Benefit. EnhanceFitness is a 16-week evidence-based group exercise program that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate older adults to stay active throughout their lives.
Learn more about our partnership with Elite Physical Therapy.
The four-month program focuses on regular home self-monitoring of one’s blood pressure using proper measuring techniques, one-on-one consultations with a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador, individualized support and group-based nutrition education for better blood pressure management.
At the Y, we believe health and fitness mean taking care of the whole you and we know that even small changes can make a big difference. Whether virtually or in person, we offer programs and training for everyone!
From Teen to Active Older Adults (ForeverWell), the YMCA of Greater Brandywine help to provide whole health to everyone in Chester County.
Try an Evolt Scan for Free!
Our YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) branches now feature body scanners by EVOLT 360, providing you access to a deeper understanding of your health and fitness. Just one scan will provide a comprehensive picture of your health, including bone density, body fat percentage, metabolic age and more - enabling you to set targeted fitness goals.
Reach Out to Wendy to Learn More!
Wendy Young
Association Director of Community & Mobile Health
Wendy Young serves as the Association Director of Community & Mobile Health, where she leads the YGBW Fit Truk Initiative and oversees all evidence-based health initiative programming. A dedicated health and wellness professional, Wendy has been a Certified Personal Trainer since 1998. She also holds certifications from NASM in Behavior Change and Nutrition Coaching, bringing a holistic approach to community health and wellness.