YMCA Weight Loss Program
Supporting Wellness Together
The Weight Loss Program is designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable, healthy habits.
Rather than advocate for specific or restrictive short-term solutions, this program helps participants build skills for successful lifestyle changes and empowers them to self-design their action plans.
The program is for adults 18 years and older who desire a healthier weight. Meet in a classroom-style setting at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. The cost is $75 for members, $125 for non-members (includes 3 guest passes for use of our facilities).
Program Overview
- Classes meet Wednesdays at 5:30-6:30 pm
- 12 weeks /1 session a week
- Must be 18 years or older
- Provides tools, knowledge and group support to help you develop plans that support your weight loss goals
How the Program Works
- Group-based program (8-16 people)
- Meets 1 hour per week for 12 consecutive weeks
- Participants weigh-in, track their food and physical activity, and create SMART goals each week
- Weekly discussion topics include creating a supportive environment, goal setting, balanced eating, physical activity, positive psychology and sustainability
- Participants are invited to engaged in activities offered at the Y that support their weight loss goals every week
Three key characteristics differentiate the YMCA Weight Loss Program from other programs in the weight loss industry:
- It’s nonprescriptive. The program’s approach is to empower, encourage, and provide tools so that participants design their own plans to support their weight loss goals within the context of their lives.
- It uses the power of the group. The program is designed to harness the power of the group by encouraging group discussion, group learning, group sharing, and group problem-solving.
- It seeks to change the definition of weight loss. Every day, individuals face prescriptive messaging on how to lose weight (e.g., meal plans, diets, gym equipment, etc.)—messaging that has created the perception that weight loss can be achieved only by finding the answer or solution “out there.” The Weight Loss Program challenges this perception and is designed to help participants understand that they hold the answers within themselves to achieve their weight loss goals.
Participant Testimonials
“What attracted and motivated me was that no one was telling me the do’s and don’t of successful weight loss, but rather that these are the tools that can help you.”
“The program is different
