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!
Discover JCC Greater Boston Wellness Programs
At JCC Greater Boston, wellness is more than fitness—it's about supporting your journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Our state-of-the-art facilities, expert-led fitness classes, and personalized training options provide something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Explore aquatics, group exercise, and holistic wellness programs in an inclusive community designed to help you achieve your health goals. Join us and experience the best in JCC Greater Boston wellness!
Self-Care Starts Here
September is Self-Care Awareness Month
Prioritize YOU this September and beyond! This month, we are reminded to take care of our entire self – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Whether it’s participating in a Group Fitness class, practicing a mindfulness technique or engaging in a new activity, self-care is essential to overall wellbeing and quality of life.
This month at JCC Greater Boston, we are pleased to spotlight ways you can care for your mind, body and spirit while staying engaged with the things that matter most to you.
Mindfulness and exercise are essential self-care tools that help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen the mind-body connection. Together, they support overall well-being by promoting presence, resilience, and physical vitality.
Self-Care Through Nutrition, Movement & Connection
Nutrition Coaching
Eating well is a powerful form of self-care that fuels your body, sharpens your mind, and supports emotional resilience. Making thoughtful food choices helps you feel more balanced, energized, and grounded throughout the day.
JCC Greater Boston is pleased to offer 1:1 Nutrition Coaching with Jessie Amodeo. You’ll start your journey with InBody 570 Composition Analysis to help you track progress and optimize results. PLUS, all members receive a complimentary 20-minute consultation! To learn more, contact Jessie Amodeo.
Personal Training
Moving your body is a powerful form of self-care that can help you feel stronger, more energized, and confident in your everyday life.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve your fitness, try something new, or simply make movement a bigger part of your routine, 1:1 Personal Training can help you reach your goals with support and guidance along the way. JCC Greater Boston is pleased to offer Personal Training with our team of certified personal trainers.
New members receive a complimentary 45-minute Personal Training session, and this is also a great opportunity for any member who has never taken advantage of a personal training session to give it a try! To get started, contact Jessie Amodeo to schedule your Wellness Consultation and find the right trainer for you.
Running Club
Movement and connection are important parts of self-care. Getting outside, moving your body, and spending time with others can boost your mood and support your overall well-being.
Join Find Your People: Schvitz Running Club with Jen Davis for a fun, social way to get moving, meet fellow runners, and make time for yourself while getting ready for the Schvitz for Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Little Schvitzer's Dash. FREE and open to the community!
Run Dates: September 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30; October 7, 11 & 14. Runs start at 9am — meet in the JCC lobby by 8:45am. No run October 4.
Wellness Programs
Being proactive about your health is a vital part of self-care—it means listening to your body, addressing concerns early, and making choices that support long-term well-being. Taking initiative empowers you to stay healthy, prevent illness, and live with greater confidence and clarity. This month, we’re pleased to share key information from trained staff and health experts about practical steps you can take to support and enhance your health and wellness.
Self-Care Programs Website registration is required, but these events are open to the entire community!
Qigong & Reiki for Self-Care: Complementary Healing Energies Sunday, September 27 | 1–3:30pm
Join Reiki Masters Paul and Rosalie DiCrescenzo to explore the revitalizing and balancing energies of Qigong and Reiki. In China, life force energy is known as Qi; in Japan, it’s called Ki. Qigong, an ancient practice, uses gentle movements and breathing techniques to enhance internal Qi and strengthen the body. Reiki, or “Universal Ki,” is a widely recognized energy healing modality used in hospitals and wellness practices around the world. Together, Qigong and Reiki offer powerful tools for boosting vitality, reducing stress, and supporting overall wellbeing.
FREE Demo: BrainSavers®- Brain + Body Total Fitness Program Monday, September 28 & Thursday, October 1 | 12:15–1:15pm
Discover practical, science-backed strategies to support brain health, overall well-being, and healthy aging. Based on the six pillars of brain health—physical exercise, cognitive training, stress management, healthy nutrition, quality sleep, and social connection—participants learn practical strategies to support overall well-being and healthy aging.
Myths in Prostate Cancer Monday, September 28 | 6:30–7:30pm (FREE)
Think you know the facts about prostate cancer? Many common beliefs about screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survival are myths. Join Genitourinary (GU) Medical Oncologist Dr. David Epstein for an informative discussion separating fact from fiction and exploring what the latest evidence really shows.
Key Nutrients to Focus on as We Age Tuesday, September 29 | 10:30–11am (FREE)
In this free program led Jane Barr, MPH, LDN, of Mass General Brigham Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Community Collaborative Heart Health and Wellness Council, we’ll explore the nutrients that become increasingly important with age, the role they play in supporting overall health and wellness, and current dietary recommendations to help you make informed choices.
Introduction to Insight Meditation (Vipassana) Wednesday, September 30 | 7–8:15pm
Join Margaret Kornack for a welcoming, beginner-friendly introduction to a 2,500-year-old mindfulness practice rooted in the Buddhist tradition. This ancient yet practical approach can help reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and increase self-awareness by learning to observe thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without judgment.
Group Fitness Pop-ups
- A Yoga Journey into Yom Kippur & Sukkot with Caroline | Friday, September 18 | 12:15–1:15pm (Mind Body Studio)
- Gentle Nia® for Self-Care with Showway | Sunday, September 20 | 11:30am–12:30pm (Group Fitness Studio)
Free and open to JCC members only. Reserve your spot here or on the My J app up to 2 days before the class.
Wellness Wednesdays, presented by Zing
Wellness Wednesdays is a free monthly webinar series by Zing, featuring leading researchers, best-selling authors, and health professionals. Each 60-minute session combines scientific evidence with practical advice, includes a live Q&A, and is recorded for later viewing. Topics cover a range of health and wellness subjects relevant to older adults. Past speakers include Dr. Mark Moore on "Living with Loss & Grief" and Dr. Kelly McGonigal on "Make Stress Your Friend." Watch these webinars to gain valuable insights and take actionable steps toward better health.
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.
Fitness or wellness instruction sessions, in any format, may only be conducted by JCC employees who are certified personal trainers or approved fitness and aquatics staff. Outside contracting or private instruction by non-approved individuals is not permitted. This prohibition also applies to virtual training.
Quick Links
Meet the Team
Senior Director, Health & Wellness Programs
Todd Helmbrecht
Senior Director, Health & Wellness Programs
With a lifelong passion for fitness and wellness, Todd brings a wealth of experience to our community. He comes to us after successfully owning his own management consulting firm and as the owner of an Amazon package delivery company, overseeing a large team and achieving substantial growth. Before diving into entrepreneurship, Todd dedicated 25 years to corporate strategy and marketing roles within esteemed global organizations. His journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a drive for continuous improvement. In addition to his professional achievements, Todd's personal background as a Division 1 college wrestler and his coaching role at the local high school in Lexington underscore his dedication to physical wellness and community involvement. He holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Marketing, as well as an MBA from Boston University.
Fitness Director
Annie Rotman
Fitness Director
Annie serves as the JCC Fitness Director. She is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, working directly with members to build strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy habits. She loves building relationships with our members and being part of the JCC community. She grew up at the JCC, attended preschool here, and has been part of the Health & Wellness Department since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys HIIT, strength training, and spending time with her niece and nephews.
Senior Aquatics Director
Adrian Negenborn
Senior Aquatics Director
Adrian, originally from Cleveland, OH, has a lifelong passion for swimming. He began his competitive swimming career with the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins as an age group swimmer, later continuing at Hawken School and Skidmore College. With over 20 years of experience in the aquatics industry, Adrian has held various roles, including swim instructor, Masters Swim Coach, and Aquatics Director. He is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community through his work in aquatics, fostering a love for swimming and teaching this vital life skill.
Beyond his work in the water, Adrian also has a strong background in art. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and enjoys painting when he’s not on the pool deck.
Wellness Manager
Heidi White
Wellness Manager
Heidi is a dynamic Wellness Manager and accomplished fitness professional with a strong commitment to holistic well-being. A seasoned yoga instructor with years of experience teaching at the JCC, she brings positive energy and infectious enthusiasm to her work. As Wellness Manager, Heidi is dedicated to creating inclusive, thoughtfully designed programming that supports members in reaching their full mind-body potential. She is known for her strong relationship-building skills, fostering meaningful connections with members, instructors, and staff. Heidi curates a diverse range of wellness offerings to meet the needs of individuals at every stage of their wellness journey.
Group Fitness Manager
Leslie Gonzalez
Group Fitness Manager
Pilates Manager
Denise Ackerman
Pilates Manager
Denise is the Pilates Studio Manager, a certified Pilates instructor and certified holistic health coach who is passionate about helping clients feel stronger, move with greater ease, and build lasting stability. She discovered the transformative power of Pilates while rebuilding strength and reconnecting with her body after having twins. Her personal journey inspires a warm, compassionate, and personalized approach to supporting each client. Denise is certified by both Balance Body & TRX. She is passionate about helping clients develop customized, sustainable habits that support their health for the long term.
Fitness Engagement & Retention Manager
Jessie Amodeo
Fitness Engagement & Retention Manager
Jessie serves as the Fitness Engagement & Retention Manager. She is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a PN1 Certified Nutrition Coach. She believes that strength training is important for everyone, regardless of age and fitness level. She believes in consistency and small incremental changes to fuel growth. Jessie loves meeting with new members to get them started on their fitness journey!
