Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the right group exercise class can take time. You'll find each instructor has their own style of teaching and some will resonate with you more than others. Be sure to try different classes and different instructors to find the right fit. Finding the right class and the right instructor makes all the difference.

 

Do I have to register for a group exercise class?

Yes, reservations are required for all group exercise classes and open 48 hours prior to each scheduled class.

There are two easy ways to register: 

YGBW website -

  • While viewing the class schedule, click the blue reserve button next to the class. You will be prompted to log into your YGBW account if not already logged in. If you register for a class and are not able to attend, be sure to cancel your reservation. 

YGBW app: 

  • Log into the app 
  • Click view schedules 
  • Select your preferred branch location or all locations to view all classes 
  • Select date to see all class offerings and locations 
  • Class offered, time, location, instructor and Reserve button will appear 
  • Click the "reserve" button to register for the class 
  • If you register for a class and are not able to attend, please cancel your reservation. 
     

What kinds of exercise classes are available?

YGBW offers dozens of classes in the following categories: aqua, cardio, cycling, dance, mind-body and strength. You can find your Zen in Yoga or Tai Chi, get your groove on in Zumba, pedal for power in cycling, swim your way to strength, get pumped in BodyPUMP and much more!  A comprehensive list is at the bottom of this page. 

What equipment do I need to bring? 

  • We recommend bringing a towel and water bottle to all group exercise classes. 
  • All equipment needed for classes is provided with the exception of yoga mats. To create the healthiest environment possible, members who want to use a mat (especially for yoga classes) should bring their own. 
  • Bikes used in our cycling class are equipped with shoe cages so regular sneakers are fine. Members who prefer to use cycling shoes (shoes that clip into the bike pedals) may bring their own to use. 

Are there classes for different levels? 

Our classes are suitable for all fitness levels. You'll be able to modify the exercises done throughout class should you want them to be easier or harder. If you're new to a class, arrive a few minutes early to talk with the instructor, who will be happy to help you get started, as well as providing insight on how you can modify exercises to fit your fitness level. Finally, be sure to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them.

Can my children go to a group exercise class? 

Many YGBW classes allow children who are eight or older to attend when accompanied by a parent/guardian. These classes will say "Family Friendly" on our schedule. 
 

Group Exercise Class Catalog

You have access to unlimited group exercise classes as a YGBW member so try them all out! 

 

Aqua Class Offerings

Aqua FitStrengthen and tone your body through a water exercise program while reducing stress on your joints.

Aqua Fit Lite: Strengthen and tone your body through a water exercise program while reducing stress on your joints.

Aqua Fit DeepThis is a full-body workout, a combination of cardiorespiratory, muscle conditioning, and interval training. Conducted in the transitional and the deep end of the pool, participants can increase the range of motion using non-impact movements. Flotation is provided.

Aqua Tai ChiAqua Tai Chi is a variation on the ancient health practice from China that incorporates deep abdominal breathing with very slow meditative movements held in the water. Benefits include reduced stress, strengthened immune function, increased range of motion and stability, as well as an improved sense of well-being.

Arthritis Aqua: 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.

Arthritis Aqua PlusDesigned 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.

 

Aqua Range of Motion: This class is designed to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance while using the resistance of the water to cushion the feet, knees and back. Exercises are performed to lively, motivating music and are effective and easy to follow.

Aqua AB-mazing Cardio Express: This deep water class is designed to tighten & tone the core muscles. This 30-minute workout focuses on the abs & lower back. This is a great way to do abdominal exercises without extra stress on your body & joints.

Aqua Cardio Splash: Aqua-Fit is a fun, high-intensity with low impact water workout to lively, motivating music that combines cardio, core, balance and strength training. This is an interval-style class with a proper warm-up and cool-down. Props are used at the instructor’s discretion.

Aqua Barre: A medium-intensity, challenging workout that will get your heart rate up and tone and tighten all the right areas. Utilizing the side of the pool like a ballet barre, this class incorporates isometric movements, Pilates, yoga, cardio and resistance training while still being low impact on bones and joints. All levels are welcome.

Aqua Zen: This mind-body practice in the pool includes yoga postures to improve stability and balance. Calm your mind and ease stress in this gentle aqua class. All fitness levels are welcome.

Aqua Box Basic Training: Aqua Boxing combines traditional kickboxing moves with aqua aerobic moves to give you a fun and fit workout. Come drench your core, legs, and arms in this total-body toning and cardio workout.

Aqua Boxing: Aqua Boxing combines traditional kickboxing moves with aqua aerobic moves to give you a fun and fit workout. Come drench your core, legs, and arms in this total-body toning and cardio workout.

Aqua Stride and Stretch: This class is great for anyone looking for fitness, therapy, stress relief and fun. In the 45 minutes of class, the instructor will lead you through various exercises including a warm-up and cool down that have you moving forward, backward and sideways.

 

*Not all water exercise classes are taught at every YMCA of Greater Brandywine location. Please check the schedule to see when each class is offered and at which location.

Cardio Class Offerings

BODYCOMBAT: Step into a BODYCOMBAT workout and you’ll punch and kick your way to fitness. This high-energy martial-arts inspired workout is totally non-contact and there are no complex moves to master. A LES MILLS™ instructor will challenge you to up the intensity and motivate you to make the most of every round. You’ll release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ.

CORE: A core workout designed to tone your body, improve your core strength and aid with injury prevention.

Boot Camp: A challenging class that combines cardio and strength training. This class consists of phases of high-intensity work such as jump squats, burpees or alternating side lunges, followed by phases of moderate or low-intensity recovery.

HIIT: A high-intensity interval training workout, designed to improve strength, cardiovascular fitness and build lean muscle. Please bring your own mat.

Cycling Class Offerings

Cycle: Great class for everyone. You control the resistance and intensity level of your ride. Instructors will assist you in bike set-up, posture and cycling technique. We offer many choices so pick your favorite.

HIIT Cycle: High-intensity interval training on a bike. Discover the cardiovascular benefits and increased calorie burn that come with high intensity interval training adapted for a cycle format.

Cycle BEAT: 45 minutes of FUN on an indoor bike! This is BEAT pulsing, heart pumping rhythmic cYcle. This unique ride is for everyone!

Cycle & CORE: Great class for everyone. You control the resistance and intensity level of your ride. Instructors will assist you in bike set-up, posture and cycling technique. We offer many choices so pick your favorite.

Cycle & Strength: In this class, we fuse high intensity interval training on a cycle bike with strength training off the bike. Options will be shown for all fitness levels.

Dance Class Offerings

Zumba: ZUMBA fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves to create a dynamic workout that will blow you away. No experience necessary.

Zumba - Family Friendly: ZUMBA fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves to create a dynamic workout that will blow you away. No experience is necessary. This class is family friendly which means that children 8 years old and up are welcome to attend with a parent.

 

Mind Body Class Offerings

Yoga: Create a mind-body connection with this flowing sequence of poses linked together with deliberate breaths. Yoga postures are connected with breath, emphasizing the development of heart, strength, and flexibility.

Gentle Yoga: Create a mind-body connection with this flowing sequence of poses linked together with deliberate breaths. Yoga postures are connected with breath, emphasizing the development of heart, strength, and flexibility.

Chair Yoga: Move through seated and standing yoga poses designed to increase flexibility, balance, and range of movement using a chair for support.

Yoga Stretch: All level yoga and stretch class designed to create balance between deep muscle tissue and joints. Yoga will facilitate a sound, healthy body and clear, peaceful mind.

Yoga - Family Friendly: Create a mind-body connection with this flowing sequence of poses linked together with deliberate breaths. Yoga postures are connected with breath, emphasizing the development of the heart, strength, and flexibility. This class is family friendly which means that children 8 years old and up are welcome to attend with a parent.

Power Yoga: Create a mind-body connection with this flowing sequence of poses linked together with deliberate breaths. Yoga postures are connected with breath, emphasizing the development of heart, strength, and flexibility.

Tai Chi: Tai Chi is and ancient health practice from China that incorporates deep abdominal breathing with very slow meditative movements. Benefits include reduced stress and strengthened immune function, increased range of motion and stability as well as an improved sense of well-being.

Pilates: This mat work class focuses on the body's core stability. Enhance your control, stability, coordination, endurance, balance, strength and flexibility.

Meditation: A meditative class for restoring the body's natural balance while you relax and release tension.