West Morris Area YMCA in Randolph Announces SMARTfit Partnership

West Morris Area YMCA in Randolph Announces SMARTfit Partnership

HIIT Classes, Pickleball Skills, and Senior Games Hour Also Added For 2025

By Chris Manderioli

Published December 27, 2024 at 9:08 PM

RANDOLPH, NJ- The West Morris Area YMCA located on Dover Chester Road in Randolph is proud to have partnered with SMARTfit, adding another new and valuable service to their offering. 

SMARTfit is an innovative, evidence-based technology that revolutionizes human health and performance by training the brain and motor system to perform fluidly. Rooted in over 30 years of research, SMARTfit focuses on developing a fast and fluid relationship between the brain and the physical motor system by creating new and more efficient neural connections that quickly transfer to real-world performance.

“Our YMCA historically has tried to remain cutting edge in programming and equipment," said Kathy Fisher, CEO of the West Morris YMCA. “We have been manually performing dual task training for years, specifically for those fighting progressive chronic neurological diseases.  Once we became aware of SMARTfit, I knew it needed to be the next initiative for us. This fun and competitive training keeps folks engaged and excited, and we couldn’t wait to get started.”

The activities involved in SMARTfit training demand cognitive problem-solving, flexibility, planning, decision-making, and endurance - while executing equally demanding physical skills.  This enhances the ability of individuals at any age and fitness level to combine peak mental clarity with physical execution in demanding and fast-changing situations. 

“SMARTfit is an ideal training tool for all ages and abilities - our trainers and coaches have complete control over the settings of every game to allow anyone from toddlers to seniors to use it,” said Brian Caldera, Associate Director of Health and Wellness.  “So far, the system has been used by our Rock Steady Boxing program, which is an affiliate program overseen by the Parkinson’s Foundation; our competitive swim team, the WMAY Sharks, the pickleball community, and kids in our pilot program, Jr. Brain Builders ( A functional fitness class with an emphasis on communication and teamwork for kids ages 8-13 ).”

SMARTfit requires a trainer or instructor to operate the system, which is now included in all the YMCA’s personal training packages. It will be the centerpiece of new fitness programs launching in 2025. 

“In January, we will be offering High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes for adults (18+), as well as teens (14-18), a Pickleball Skills Clinic, and a Senior Games hour,” said Kaitlyn Totter, Communications Director at the YMCA.  “This is only the tip of the iceberg with this technology and training method, so our goal is to create an opportunity for everyone to experience the immense benefits of training with SMARTfit, regardless of age or ability.”

SMARTfit is also used for rehab by OTs, PTs and SLPs in TBI and orthopedic programs to assist in repairing and creating new neural pathways that circumvent injuries so individuals can return to active life as quickly and safely as possible.

SMARTfit Dual-Task Training Helps Create and Strengthen Neural Pathways so You Can:

1. Make quicker, smarter decisions while moving

2. Execute physical and mental skills more efficiently

3. Process what you see faster so you can react faster

4. Train to get into the flow/zone quickly

5. Improve focus, balance, coordination, and speed

6. Build Cognitive Reserve to Delay Cognitive Decline

For older adults, the benefits of SMARTfit training are that it helps to repair Acute and Chronic Neuro, Orthopedic, Speech and Vestibular Rehabilitation.  It prevents and slows the loss of physical and cognitive abilities at the onset of Parkinson’s, MCI, and Dementia. The training includes performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

“The games are challenging, engaging, and competitive, so participants end up working hard to beat their previous scores or the scores of their peers,” said Brenda DeNure, Community Outreach Ambassador.  “We can run the games as individual or team challenges, which makes for a fun and social environment. It is a never-ending learning process for the instructors, who explore new ways to incorporate physical challenges into the SMARTfit games. It is genuinely unlike any other workout you can find in the area.”