Wellness

Your good health is our business -- our facility offers a wide variety of programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone, all ages and all fitness levels.

Wellness Programs

Riverdale Y Refuah Shlema: A Circle of
Healing and Strength Cancer Support Group
A program of support for people who have undergone treatment for cancer. A
place to connect with others who share these experiences can lead to new sources
of strength. Our community center will support those living with cancer (or recovering from its treatment) and provide a place to help address both the
physical and mental dimensions of regaining strength and your ‘self'.
This support group will pay close attention to the particular issues and concerns of
its members, with the goal of addressing the needs of the whole person. As an
adjunct to group meetings, the participants will be encouraged to participate in a
Y fitness program of their choice and ability. Each week, participants will receive a
Riverdale Y day pass, at no charge, to use during the week.
Bette Clark, Psy.D., is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist with extensive
experience facilitating support groups for both adults and children. Bette is a stage III
breast cancer survivor and has completed treatment including multiple surgeries,
chemotherapy, and radiation. She has completed many road races since, and has
completed three marathons including the Boston Marathon!
For information on these programs, contact Lisa Bruskin at LBruskin@RiverdaleY.org
or (718) 548-8200, ext. 241.

Wellness Classes for Members

These classes are included in your membership* - no need to register in advance. They run according to the schedule listed here (subject to change).

* You may also try our facilities and services for a day, including entry to members-only fitness classes, by purchasing a Day Pass. For Day Pass and Guest Pass policies and rates click here...

Pilates (Mat):
This class incorporates techniques that increase strength and flexibility, while focusing on proper alignment and core stability. These exercises focus on lengthening muscles and maintaining alignment. The emphasis is placed on form and control, and is aimed at increasing body awareness.

Prenatal Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice of asanas or physical postures, what we Americans call exercise, along with pranayama or breath work and meditation practices.
Our gentle prenatal classes are geared to students of all levels, even if you never practiced yoga before. We ask that you discuss taking classes with us with your doctor or midwife prior to your first class.
Our prenatal yoga classes will enhance relaxation, develop coordination, strength and flexibility. As you gain body awareness, a newly discovered sense of calm and confidence will ease you into the birthing process, reducing pain and increasing the joy of giving birth.

for schedule click here...

Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists are NYS licensed and insured. All are graduates of The Swedish Institute in NYS and are members in good standing of various state and national organizations.

Deep Tissue Therapy: 55 minutes
Focusing on deeper layers of muscle tissue, this therapy is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue helps break up and eliminate scar tissue, loosen muscle tissue, release toxins from muscles, and get blood and oxygen circulating correctly.

Pre-Natal & Post-Partum: 55 minutes
Specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Sciatica, swelling, back and neck pain and stomach upset associated with pregnancy can be relieved. Specialized techniques to re-align body structure, improve physiological and emotional well-being of the new mother may be applied through this type of massage. Physician referral may be required.

Shiatsu: 55 minutes
Gentle pressure is applied to areas of energy lines (Meridians) to improve upon one’s health by stimulating the body’s energy flow (Ki). Shiatsu is a specific treatment that incorporates the use of fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, and feet. Sessions usually take place on mats placed on the floor. Sessions begin with gentle stretching and manipulation techniques to simulate the movement of energy and to relax and warm up the muscles. The benefits include stimulation of the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems.

Sports Massage/Myofascial Trigger Point Massage: 55 minutes
Alleviate stress and tension that can build up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity where minor injuries, adhesions and lesions occur. Help prepare the body for performance by relieving swelling, reduce muscle tension and fatigue, promote flexibility, increase circulation and prevent injury. Techniques used are often a blend of Swedish, Trigger Point, and/or Shiatsu.
Trigger point therapy involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Through a series of sessions this type of massage will help relieve swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain, improve range of motion, and relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, greater flexibility and vestibular improvement.

Swedish Massage: 55 minutes
Relax. The application of gentle pressure to the muscle against deeper muscles and bones while rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart will increases oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage helps in the recovery time from muscle strain, increases circulation, keeps ligaments and tendons supple, and stimulates the skin and nerves.

Reflexology: 45 minutes
This modality will help stimulate healthy functioning of the internal organs and eliminate toxins in the body. Specific pathways focusing on your head, hands and feet will help promote optimum health and relaxation.

Program Contact

• 
  Lisa Bruskin, ext. 241
  Director
  LBruskin@RiverdaleY.org
  

Sauna and Steam Room
Our coed sauna (160-185°F) and steam room (100-110°F) are available for members to use at their own risk. It is not recommended for use by those with heart, respiratory, circulatory problems or other medical concerns as well as pregnant women. Adults only.