Learn how to eat healthier, move more, and lose weight. No gimmicks, no restrictive approaches — just the tools you need to achieve your wellness goals while keeping you motivated.
Lifelong Essentials for Activity & Nutrition, or LEAN, is a 12-week weight loss program for adults designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable, healthy habits.
Led by a trained facilitator who creates a safe and supportive environment for all, participants in the program meet in a small group setting for 90 minutes, once per week for 12 weeks. The first portion of each session will be a guided discussions on goal setting, balanced eating, physical activity, stress, mindfulness, and more. Another portion of each session will be a small group training session.
Interested in Participating?
Complete our interest form and we’ll reach out to help you get started. Or contact the YMCA Community Health department at [email protected].
Complete An Interest FormPROGRAM OVERVIEW
The LEAN Program (Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition) is a supportive wellness program designed for YMCA of Delaware members, aged 18 years and older, who want to build healthier habits, improve their nutrition, and increase physical activity.
This program includes 12 weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Every session combines easy-to-understand health education, group discussions, personal progress check-ins, and small-group workouts led by a certified coach.
LEAN helps you create a realistic plan for healthy eating and regular exercise that fits your daily life. You’ll gain practical tools, guidance, and encouragement from both your coach and a supportive group of participants working toward similar goals.
With the YMCA of Delaware, you’ll find a welcoming environment that helps you stay motivated, build confidence, and make lasting lifestyle changes.
YMCA Members: $150
*LEAN is covered by Delaware First Health. Contact the Community Health Department to learn more here.
How long is the program and how often does it meet?
This is a 12-week program that meets once per week. Each session is 90 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the 12-week program is $150 and is available for all YMCA of Delaware members.
What happens during each weekly session?
Each week, participants will weigh in, be introduced to a new topic relevant to weight loss, and discuss successes and challenges as a group. Weekly topics will help them develop goals for the upcoming week. Topics covered during the program include nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, positive psychology, goal setting, and sustainability.
The second part of each session will feature small group training and group exercise classes. The format and intensity of the group training will vary from session to session, allowing you to experience different exercises and different classes.
During the 12 weeks, there will be a special session featuring a trip to a local grocery store!
What can I expect from this program?
This program will introduce participants to behaviors that have been shown to lead to sustained weight loss, and help participants develop those behaviors in ways that fit into their personal lifestyle.
Does the program use a wearable technology or a fitness tracking device?
Wearable technology or fitness trackers are not required, but the Myzone heart rate monitor is encouraged for all participants. Learn more about Myzone.
Will I receive a personalized nutrition or exercise plan in this program?
Because achieving a healthy weight loss is unique to each person, this program focuses on helping individuals identify ways to make small, modest changes to their behavior within the context of their own life and in support of their healthy weight goals. The tools provided during this program, along with the knowledge and support of the group, are used by participants to develop their own nutrition and exercise plans that work for them.
Will anyone see my weight during weekly weigh-ins?
Participants weigh in weekly during the 12-week program. This will happen in a private location with only the participant and program facilitator present. Once collected, this information is used only in aggregate form to help assess the program’s quality.