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!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
This month we are shining a light on the impact of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Raising awareness saves lives by educating the community about risk factors, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting those affected. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and early detection significantly increases survival rates. By spreading knowledge, advocating for research, and fostering support, we can work together to reduce the impact of breast cancer. Join us this October in raising awareness, honoring survivors, and advancing the fight against this disease. Every action counts in making a difference.
Look for us in the Lobby for handouts, flyers, pink ribbons & more!
- Tuesday, September 24 | 10–11:30am
- Thursday, October 10 | 10:30am–12pm
The FUN Side of Women’s Empowerment
Wednesday, October 9 | 1–2:30pm
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a break from your routine and prioritize your physical & emotional wellbeing in this special three-part program designed for women of all ages and abilities. Whether you’ve been affected by breast cancer or simply want to enjoy yourself and feel better, we hope this offering brings a bit of lightness to your day and inspires you. Just come with an open mind, a willingness to learn, move, and have FUN!
Part One: Proactive Approach to Healthy Living & Wellness | 1–1:30pm Led by Ellen Kleinhaus, Director of National Outreach, Sharsheret®
Cancer is a scary word, but together we’ll explore some simple and even some fun ways to lower personal risk and familial risk. We’ll discuss the importance of knowing family history, how genetic testing can help us reduce risk, and some simple lifestyle that protect our overall health while specifically lowering cancer risk. Consider this an important invitation to engage in self-care!
Part Two: Shake It Up with a Smoothie for Optimal Health | 1:30–2pm Led by Jane Barr, MPH, RD, LDN, Community Wellness Coordinator, Newton Wellesley Hospital
Nutritious smoothies are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy snack while packing in multiple servings of fruits and veggies. A great rule of thumb for everyone is to include a serving of fruit, 2-3 servings of veggies, especially leafy greens as these have powerful, cancer-fighting qualities. Add protein using whole foods and some disease fighting antioxidants! Yummy samples will be provided!!
Part Three: Nia® Joy of Movement—Uplift Your mood, Reduce Stress & Increase Vitality Led by Rosanne Russell, Certified Nia Educator, JCC Greater Boston | 2–2:30pm
Discover how Nia methods can help you engage your whole self with simple moves that blend dance, punches, and kicks, all while fostering mindful awareness. Set to great music, Nia is a safe & effective experience for your whole body, mind, and self. Nia is designed to be done barefooted but sneakers and even chairs are welcome at this session. Leave feeling invigorated, refreshed, and inspired.
Breast Cancer Screening and Testing: What Every Woman Should Know
Tuesday, October 15 | 6–7pm
Join breast cancer medical oncologist Dr. Nadine Muskatel Tung for this online, interactive discussion about mammography screening, genetic testing, and the BRCA gene mutations. Bring your questions!
Barre Fusion for Breast Cancer Awareness
Sunday, October 20 | 11:15am–12pm
Let’s sweat & sculpt for a cause! Join us for this special Barre Fusion class to support Sharsheret®, the only national organization supporting Jewish women and families of all backgrounds facing breast and ovarian cancer. Led by fitness enthusiast/entertainer Elise Tarushka, experience the transformative power of this total body workout incorporating a ballet barre, Pilates fundamentals and cardio segments.
Boxing for Cancer Warriors
Wednesdays, starting October 23 | 1:30–2:30pm
Empower your mind, body, & spirit in this unique boxing and conditioning workout especially designed for Cancer survivors.
Sound Healing Event for Breast Cancer Awareness
Sunday, October 27 | 4–5:30pm
Discover the healing benefits of this deeply restful and relaxing Sound Healing (aka “Vibrational Healing”) experience led by Sound Therapist Joe Hayes.
The Sharsheret Summit
JCC Greater Boston is pleased to be a participating partner with Sharsheret®, helping to raise awareness about breast and ovarian cancer by sharing critically important information and support via unique programs, webinars, trainings and printed resources. The Sharsheret Summit will meet October 13 through November 10 which will include a variety of online presentations, trainings and opportunities for people impacted by breast or ovarian cancer to learn and connect with community members.
Wellness Wednesdays, presented by Zing
Bone Fracture and Muscle Wasting: Assess Your Risk
Wednesday, September 11 | 2pm
Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are common in older adults and can lead to fractures, frailty, and a lower quality of life. However, not everyone with osteoporosis will fracture a bone, nor will every older adult develop sarcopenia. Join physical therapist Dr. Nola Peacock to assess your risk for fractures and muscle wasting with simple tests and tools. Dr. Peacock will also provide practical tips for building strength, maintaining muscle, and reducing fall risks. You’ll leave with 1-2 strategies to lower your risk and continue enjoying the life you love.
Upcoming Wellness Wednesday Webinars:
- Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting | October 9 | 2pm
- GLP-1 Medications: Exploring the Benefits and Risks | November 13 | 2pm
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
Senior Director, Fitness & Wellness
Todd Helmbrecht
Senior Director, Fitness & Wellness
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 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.
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 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.
