Wellness
Experience the strength of a supportive community dedicated to health, fitness, and well-being.
Choose from personal training, group fitness classes, Pilates, yoga, swim lessons, and more — find wellness programs for the whole family!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Support, Classes, Workshops, Resources
For Teens
Supporting Our Teens in Turbulent Times
Sunday, May 5 | 2:15–5pm
Gann Academy, 333 Forest Street, Waltham
Join other parents and supporting adults as we gather around supporting our teens’ mental health and wellness. Learn more about the opportunities and supports available for members of the Greater Boston Jewish community and how we can work together!
Group Fitness Pop-Ups
(Open to JCC Members)
Reserve your spot on the My J app up to 2 days before the class.
POUND® Your Way to a Better You with Stephanie
Sunday, May 5 | 11am–12pm
Experience the cathartic strikes of the Ripstix and the beat of the music help to release stress, improve coordination and build self-confidence. Connect with your community of fitness rebels in this high energy class that will boost your mood and leave you feeling good inside and out.
Zumba® for Mental Health with Jessica
Monday, May 13 | 6:45–7:45pm
Get ready to shake it, elevate your spirit and connect to other dance fitness enthusiasts. This class will include a special curated playlist to boost your mood, reduce anxiety and help you feel your BEST physically, mentally and emotionally.
Breath Yoga with Andree
Tuesday, May 14 | 12–1pm
Increase your mental wellness in this unique yoga class exploring hand Mudras in conjunction with pranayama (breathing exercises). Practice seated and supine postures to stimulate different parts of the body and affect the flow of energy. The practice of hand mudras and pranayama is an ancient and subtle science that involves body alignment and energy.
LaBlast® for Mental Health with Karen
Sunday, May 19 | 11am–12pm
Lift your spirits, reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing with LaBlast dance fitness. The variety of dance styles and music genres will allow you to express a range of emotions as we move together. Join us on the dance floor for some self-care!
Intro to Yoga with Margaret
Tuesday, May 21 | 4–5pm
Are you brand new to yoga or need a yoga refresher? This gentle class is the perfect opportunity to learn yoga fundamentals and the benefits of yoga in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Basic yoga breathing, movement and postures will be reviewed and practiced leaving you feeling relaxed and confident to explore other yoga classes.
Yoga Nidra with Margaret
Thursday, May 23 | 6:45–8:15pm
Calm your central nervous system and heal your body and brain with Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, a unique yoga and meditative technique dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. While falling asleep, one’s brain waves begin moving from thoughtful beta, to alpha, theta and finally the slowest frequency, delta waves. Yoga Nidra brings practitioners in between the alpha and theta states, allowing for deep relaxation between waking and sleeping. While experiencing this state of calm, guided meditation can have a profound healing effect on the mind, body & soul.
Take time for YOU this May! Explore workshops, events & more. (Open to All)
Energy Medicine Yoga
Tuesday, May 7 I 7:15–8:30pm (FREE for JCC Members; registration required)
Transform fear into courage with Energy Medicine Yoga! Increase strength, health, and resiliency. Balance and strengthen your immune system, boost your vitality, and move your energies in the right direction
Wudang Tai Chi 13 Form Part 2
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 I 12–2:30pm
The Wudang Tai Chi 13 Form, originating from China’s Wudang Mountain, is the oldest Tai Chi form, featuring 13 groups of movements. It integrates the fundamental Eight Jins (Energies) and Five Steps of Tai Chi. Balancing power and gentleness; it offers both invigoration and healing. The workshop will cover the first third of the form and instruct the next three sections, with demonstrations of martial arts applications.
Drop-in Knitting
Wednesdays, 12:30–2:30pm
The meditative and repetitive action of knitting helps focus the mind and induce a relaxed state like meditation or yoga, thereby slowing the nervous system and reducing anxiety and stress hormones (cortisol) in the body. It has also been associated with lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
Parenting Anxious Children
Fridays, beginning May 3 I 12–1pm
A six-week virtual program is for parents, based on SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. Parents will walk away with concrete tools, validation, and a solid plan that can be applied to all ages, with a focus on elementary through high school aged children.
Evidence-based Tools for Mental Health
Wednesday, May 29 I 6–7pm
Join us for this transformative mental health session. Learn about simple, yet powerful 10 to 15–minute yoga tools that boost mental well–being and understand the science behind their effectiveness. You will experience an evidence-based practice that can be done anyplace and anytime! No prior experience of yoga/meditation needed. This event is open to everyone. Registration is required: email wellness@jccgb.org or call 617-558-6459.
Walking Group with JCC Greater Boston and Newton Wellesley Hospital
Tuesdays, May 7–June 18 | 10:30–11:30am
Join us for Walk and Talk Health, a FREE self-led walking group at JCC’s indoor track. On Tuesday, May 21, mental health specialist Jessica Rolanti, OT, OTR will join the group to lead a conversation about MINDFULNESS and how it can benefit and enhance health and emotional wellbeing. Receive tools and techniques for you to use in your daily activities. After the discussion, Jessica and Jane Barr, Beth and NWH’s Community Wellness Coordinator, will walk the track with participants and answer questions.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more information and to register, contact the Needham Senior Center at 781-455-7555; open to all.
Mental Health Resources
- Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Supporting Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Learn about resources, programs, and support groups offered by Jewish Family & Children’s Service.
- Bamidbar Therapy
Jewish Mental Health & Wellness
Therapy, education & training
Move & Mind
What Moves You?
Group Fitness
We’re as proud of the classes we offer as we are of the community that takes them! Explore Zumba®, cardio sculpt, yoga classes, small group training, and more!
Stay Motivated
Personal Training
We’ll match you with a personal trainer who will help you get the results you’re looking for…and feel great doing it!
experience the magic
Pilates Lessons
Improve your strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness without building bulk or stressing your joints.
we’re flexible, and so are you!
Yoga Lessons
We’ll help you form a connection between body, mind, and spirit, with health and healing benefits for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
Make a Splash!
Have Fun While Staying Active
Take advantage of open space to swim leisurely, or bring your family for a splash-tastic time.
Energy. Endurance. Empowerment.
Engage your muscles from head to toe for a feel-good workout by swimming at your own pace.
Dive Into Swim Confidence
From as young as three months to adults of all ages — including those requiring adaptive lessons — there’s a spot for everyone in the pool.
This is what it looks like to be part of a team.
Our supportive community of athletes provides a safe and friendly environment for swimmers to grow, make lasting friendships, and reach their full potential in the pool.
Beat the Heat
Master the Pool
Year-round, coached training to help improve your stroke technique, swim endurance, and overall fitness.
Take a Swing!
Ready To Have a Ball?
Whether you’re a seasoned racquet pro or trying pickleball for the first time, you’re sure to have a blast on the court.
Game, Set, Match!
Take advantage of three outdoor courts and a practice wall, as well as a variety of tennis programs for kids and adults.
Power Up!
Stop by to play with friends, or learn techniques and strategies to maximize your competitive edge.
Personalized Classes
Premium Wellness Programs
Discover classes, workshops, and lectures — from Tai Chi, to sound healing, to aging health strategies — led by locally and nationally recognized experts.
Take Control
Parkinson’s Wellness
Empowering the Parkinson’s community with exercise and movement classes, a support group for care partners, and special education and wellness events.
Quick Links
Meet the Team
Health, Fitness, & Wellness Director
Audrey Edwards
Health, Fitness, & Wellness Director
Audrey has been at the forefront of JCC Greater Boston’s fitness offerings since 1995. She has a wealth of knowledge in the fitness industry, boasting certifications in Spinning®, TRX, functional training, Wellcoach, and STOTT Pilates, as well as decades of experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. As a nationally-renowned fitness consultant, Audrey is constantly staying ahead of industry trends and is committed to ensuring that our members have access to the latest and most comprehensive fitness resources and support.
Fitness Operations Manager
Annie Rotman
Fitness Operations Manager
In addition to being our all-star fitness operations manager at the JCC, Annie is a certified personal trainer through the ACE and holds a degree in nutrition & wellness. She is passionate about sports and physical activity, and encourages regular exercise as an essential component of both mental and physical well-being. In her free time, Annie enjoys HIIT, strength training, and jogging outdoors.
Group Fitness and Wellness Manager
Heidi White
Group Fitness and Wellness Manager
Heidi is a dynamic and accomplished fitness professional. A seasoned yoga instructor with years of experience teaching at the JCC, Heidi is known for her positive energy, infectious enthusiasm, and ability to create a balanced and holistic experience for class participants — empowering them to reach their full mind-body potential, both on and off the mat. As our group fitness & wellness manager, she is dedicated to providing a diverse selection of class options for members, to suit everyone’s needs.
Fitness Engagement & Pilates Manager
Debra Selik
Fitness Engagement & Pilates Manager
In addition to being our fitness engagement & Pilates manager, Deb is a NASM and TRX certified trainer who empowers her clients to adopt a functional approach to exercise and wellness. She focuses on helping clients set goals that best suit their lifestyles. Deb is passionate about helping individuals of all ages become stronger, improve their sense of well-being, and increase their quality of life.