Exercise is Medicine

Your Prescription for Health

Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is designed to promote physical activity for optimal health, which is essential in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions. EIM is a 12-week program where participants learn to improve their overall health through exercise and education.

This program starts every other month.

Exercise is Medicine is an ongoing program, which means, we are constantly accepting referrals into the program. Contact a participating Y location for official start dates.

We will provide information on upcoming programming as soon as possible.  We are working on some new and exciting platforms to provide programming through, while also following COVID-19 guidelines.  We appreciate your patience and support during this time.  Stay well!

Program Goals

Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.

Who Can Participate?

Any individual who does not get 150 minutes of physical activity a week is eligible. However, to participate in the EIM program, individuals MUST have an EIM referral from a physician. Please print a EIM referral form for your physician. The healthcare provider can fax the completed form to fax: 904.265.1839.

Use our Physical Activity Vital Sign Tool below to see if you qualify for the program.

What is your Physical Activity Vital Sign?
1.	On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to strenuous exercise (like a brisk walk)?	Days:
2.	On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?	Minutes:
3.	Total Minutes Per Week	Multiply #1 by #2

Your Results

If your total is below 150 minutes, you qualify for the YMCA Exercise is Medicine program.

Ask your healthcare professional how you can benefit from EIM. In order to participate in the program, individuals MUST have an EIM referral form from a physician.

If your total minutes per week equals 150 minutes, Congratulations! You met the national physical activity recommendations.

Continue your health and wellness journey with other YMCA programs. Below are a few available at First Coast YMCAs:

• Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
• Diabetes Prevention Program
• 12-Week Weight Loss Support Group
• And much more!

Program Details

In a small group setting, an Exercise is Medicine professional will safely guide participants through 12 weeks of exercise programming designed specifically for an individual’s needs. The program begins and ends with a fitness screening that includes blood pressure, circumference measurements, body composition, and cardiovascular assessment. EIM credentialed staff will deliver prevention and intervention programs for group targeted content in 24 sessions. To assist participants on their journey, they will receive a YMCA membership during the duration of the program

The 60-minute EIM appointment consists of:

• Blood Pressure Measurements
• Healthy Living Discussions
• Warm-Up
• Cardio
• Strength
• Cool-Down

Upon the completion of the program, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast will continue to support participants in their health and wellness journey. A few areas where the Y is able to provide assistance include, a discounted membership, two onboarding appointments into the YMCA, and three monthly meetings with an EIM professional.

Program Cost

EIM costs $249 for 12 weeks, which includes a YMCA membership.

Available Locations

For More Information

Contact us
Healthy Living Department
myhealth@fcymca.org
904.265.1775

Connie Smith 
Senior Director of Healthy Living
csmith@fcymca.org
904.265.1777