Connecticut is home to six Jewish Community Centers. All offer a variety of fitness and wellness programs.  We asked each JCC to tell us about just some of their program highlights.

The SilverSneaker fitness program at the JCC of Eastern Fairfield County

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JCC of Eastern Fairfield County
4200 Park Ave., Bridgeport
www.jccs.org • (203) 372-6567

By partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program, the JCC is able to offer older adults yet another way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active.  Healthways SilverSneakers® program is a leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, and is available at low or no additional cost beyond the monthly premium to eligible Medicare recipients through their health plan.
SilverSneakers Muscular Strength & Range of Movement classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday,10:15-11 a.m. Participants often make it a social event going to lunch after the class. To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers®, please contact your Medicare health plan provider, or visit www.silversneakers.com or call 888-423-4632.
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JCC Greenwich
www.jccgreenwich.com • (203) 552-1818

Launched last spring, JCC Greenwich is not housed in a physical building, but is a community without walls, and programs are held at various locations throughout the area. JCC Greenwich was launched in the spring and just this month started a youth basketball league and two traveling teams — one for 5th- and 6th-grade players and the other for 7th- graders – that are part of the Westchester Jewish Basketball League (WJBL), a coed basketball league from the Westchester-Greenwich area. The traveling teams’ home games are played at Carmel Academy in Greenwich on Sunday afternoons, and away games are on Mondays and Wednesdays in Westchester.  The JCC Greenwich non-traveling youth basketball league is open to boys and girls in grades 1 – 4. Teams play at Carmel Academy. JCC Greenwich will also host “Memory Fitness: Myths and Realities” with Dr. Jane Martin on Monday, Jan. 23, 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Bang & Olufsen Greenwich, 365 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich. Senior adults will learn about the mental and physical workouts that can stave off forgetfulness and preserve brain health.
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Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford
335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford
www.mandelljcc.org • (860) 236-4571

There are plenty of new and exciting programs for the 2012 new year at Mandell JCC, including Family Group Exercise classes, Youth Football Classics and Vacation programs, and additional equipment in both the Fitness Center and Spin Room. Getting in shape with a small group is one of the more popular workout methods, including great classes like TRX Suspension Training and the new Aquatic Pilates.

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JCC of Greater New Haven
360 Amity Road, Woodbridge
www.jccnh.org • (203) 387-2522

The JCC just completed its first “Largest Loser Competition,” based on the TV show, “The Biggest Loser.” The next eight-week program will start in March 2012. The contest encourages participants to lose weight and improve their health and fitness through lasting lifestyle changes. Top trainers and instructors work with three teams of 10 participants, who also receive weight-loss guidance and lifestyle coaching with a registered dietitian and fat-loss coach. Prizes are awarded to the winners of team competitions and to the man and woman who lose the highest percentage of weight.
The JCC also offers female- and male-only swim sessions.
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JCC in Sherman
9 Route 39 South, Sherman
www.jccinsherman.org • (860) 355-8050

Yoga with Lara; Mondays & Fridays, 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Gentle Yoga; Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Fridays, 10:40 a.m.
Gentle Yoga classes are open to everyone, regardless of fitness level, experience, or age. Students learn yogic breathing and gentle movements to renew energy and gradually build strength and balance. Modifications are given throughout the class. Fee information: (860) 355-8050
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JCC of Western Connecticut
Walzer Campus • 444 Main St. North, Southbury
(203) 267-3177

The JCC is in the process of hiring a fitness director who will take the lead in coordinating a new and exciting health and wellness program at the JCC.  Keep your eye on the Ledger for more information on this program as it develops.
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Stamford JCC
1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford
www.stamfordjcc.org • (203) 322-7900

TRX suspension training straps and programming were introduced to the Stamford JCC in the summer of 2010, and have been a runaway hit, with packed classes.  Also new are Les Mills BODYPUMP(TM) & BODYVIVE(TM) Group Fitness Classes. BODYPUMP is a 60-minute workout that challenges all the major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. BODYVIVE is a 55-minute class that combines low-impact aerobic movement with intervals of strength and stability exercises.