The Lincoln YMCA offers a variety of classes and services to help prevent and manage disease as well as promote safe, healthy activity. Unless otherwise noted, our classes are available to ALL YMCA members who might find them beneficial, with or without a specific diagnosis.

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On the Move

An evidence-based group exercise program designed to improve the quality and efficiency of walking. Is walking a struggle? Do you lack confidence in your ability to walk? Are you able to walk independently or with a cane? If you answered yes to these questions then On the Move is the class for you! The class focuses on high-repetition walking and stepping patterns to improve the accuracy and coordination of walking.

 

Open category

Moving for Better Balance

Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based fall prevention program. It is designed to help participants improve their balance, flexibility, and mobility, as well as increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. The program utilizes the principles and movements of Tai Chi.

Open category

Enhance Fitness | Arthritis Management

Enhance®Fitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living.

Open category

Aqua Arthritis

Aqua Arthritis is a wonderful opportunity for people with mild arthritis, bursitis, knee problems, or muscle and joint stiffness. The majority of the class takes place in the shallow end of the pool.

Open category

Movement for Parkinson's+

This chair-based program is designed to empower people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders and is welcoming to all. Classes will help optimize physical function and help promote overall strength and stability. Exercises will be included to maintain ease of movement, confidence and independence and will include cardiovascular, strength, balance and flexibility.

Open category

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based 12-week program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. A supportive, certified instructor leads a small group through cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises.

Open category

Multiple Sclerosis Class

This is a gentle workout for people with Multiple Sclerosis or other physical challenges designed to maintain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Assistance devices are welcome and the class is held in our Quick Fit Studio, a non-intimidating setting with machines that are easy to use and require very few adjustments.

Open category
Woman laughing in the swimming pool

Offered as a part of our free Group Exercise classes, Aqua Arthritis is a wonderful opportunity for people with mild arthritis, bursitis, knee problems, or muscle and joint stiffness. The majority of the class takes place in the shallow end of the pool.

Aqua Arthritis is currently offered at the Northeast YMCA. To find class times, visit the Front Desk, call the Northeast YMCA at 402-434-9262, or view our online Group Exercise schedules.

Group Ex Schedules

Woman exercises during group exercise class

Enhance®Fitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living. Registration is required for this 16-week session, but you can join anytime.

For regular attendees, Enhance®Fitness is proven to help adults:

  • Grow stronger
  • Improve balance
  • Become more limber
  • Boost activity levels
  • Elevate mood
  • Relieve arthritis symptoms

In each Enhance®Fitness class, participants will experience:

  • A certified instructor with special training to bring out their physical best
  • A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
  • A 20-minute aerobics workout that gets participants moving, or a walking workout to lively music
  • A 5-minute cool-down
  • A 20-minute strength training workout with soft ankle or wrist weights
  • A 10-minute stretching workout to keep muscles flexible
  • Multiple balance exercises
  • Lots of opportunities to socialize and make new friends

Enhance®Fitness has been nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging. The program consists of low-impact exercise classes that are safe and challenging for older adults of all fitness levels. Enhance®Fitness exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility, which can help reduce arthritis symptoms. A certified instructor leads classes at a pace that works for each participant. Classes are held in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes fun, laughter, friendship and smiles. That social interaction is proven to be a vital part of senior health and well-being.

Registration Information

Lincoln Y Members: FREE
Community Members: $60

Available Classes

 

Woman stretches during a class

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based 12-week program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. A supportive, certified instructor leads a small group through cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises. 

For regular attendees, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is proven to:

  • Help survivors meet or exceed the recommended amount of physical activity.
  • Help survivors significantly increase their cardiovascular endurance.
  • Improve survivors’ overall quality of life and decrease their cancer-related fatigue.

In each LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA class, participants will have:

  • A certified instructor with special training to bring out their physical best.
  • Two 75-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks.
  • Cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises.
  • Opportunities to socialize and make new friends in a supportive environment.
  • Evaluation that includes Functional and Quality of Life assessments before and after participation.

Available Classes

Woman and man hold an exercise ball

This chair-based program is designed to empower people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders and is welcoming to all. Classes will help optimize physical function and help promote overall strength and stability. Exercises will be included to maintain ease of movement, confidence and independence and will include cardiovascular, strength, balance and flexibility.

Sessions are held at the Cooper YMCA, Mondays and Thursdays, August 17 - December 6, 10:30 - 11:30am.

Available Classes

Group of adults exercise together

Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based fall prevention program. It is designed to help participants improve their balance, flexibility, and mobility, as well as increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. The program utilizes the principles and movements of Tai Chi. It is led by a certified instructor and focuses on improving functional ability to reduce fall-related risks and frequency for those with low to moderate risks of falls.

Location and Dates

Cooper YMCA | Mondays and Thursdays | July 6 - December 28 | 9:15-10:15am FULL

Northeast YMCA | Saturdays | March 7, 2026 - February 27, 2027 | 10:15-11:15am

Registration Information

Lincoln Y Members: FREE

Community Members: $120
*Program Registration Required

Available Classes

Man exercises on a chair

This is a gentle workout for people with Multiple Sclerosis or other physical challenges designed to maintain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Assistance devices are welcome and the class is held in our Quick Fit Studio, a non-intimidating setting with machines that are easy to use and require very few adjustments. The class is led by an instructor who will take participants through exercises and machines, adapting to the individual needs of each person.

Location and Dates

Cooper YMCA | Mondays and Wednesdays | 10:30-11:30am

Northeast YMCA | Wednesdays | 11:45am-12:45pm

Registration Information

Lincoln YMCA Members: FREE
Community Members are invited to take a tour of the facility and try a few classes free of charge.

See the Cooper Front Desk or call 402-323-6400 to register for a class.

See the Northeast Front Desk or call 402-434-9262 to register for a class.

Man exercises in a group exercise class

On the Move is an evidence-based group exercise program designed to improve the quality and efficiency of walking. Is walking a struggle? Do you lack confidence in your ability to walk? Are you able to walk independently or with a cane? If you answered yes to these questions then On the Move is the class for you! The class focuses on high-repetition walking and stepping patterns to improve the accuracy and coordination of walking.

On the Move

  • Do you struggle to run errands and attend community events because walking is difficult?
  • Do you limit outings with family and friends because walking is a challenge?
  • Do you find yourself longing to go to the places you used to go, doing the things you used to do?
  • Do you want to improve your walking ability and confidence?
  • Are you currently able to walk on even surfaces independently or with a cane?

If you answered YES to these questions then On the Move is the class for YOU!

OTM is for adults who:

  • Can walk independently or with a cane but struggle in the community due to unsteadiness and difficulty walking
  • Want to improve their walking ability and confidence with walking
  • Want to exercise and have fun

How does OTM work?

  • Two 50-minute exercise classes each week for 12 weeks
  • Classes led by a certified instructor
  • Specialized walking and stepping patterns to improve the timing and coordination of walking through high repetition activity
  • Exercises are tailored to individual abilities
  • All classes are done to music

OTM participants who consistently attend class often demonstrate the following:

  • Increased confidence with walking
  • Walk farther without having to stop to rest
  • Walk faster which is related to fewer falls and less disability
  • Daily tasks become easier to complete

Available Classes