The North Bay YMCA has faced numerous challenges as the organization navigates the uncertain and constantly evolving health and safety directives surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite membership interruptions and financial troubles associated with various government shutdown orders, the team in North Bay continues to work behind the scenes to not only keep the YMCA and Aquatic Centre operating far into the future but also to provide programming geared to augment physical fitness options during the state of emergency and stay-at-home order period we all face for at least the next month.
The local YMCA sought financial support from the City of North Bay and in late November 2020 North Bay City Council granted the request with nearly $200,000 in total funding to mitigate the effects of lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the initial pandemic shutdown occurred as people prepared to venture out more again as winter changed to spring in 2020, this winter stay-at-home order could present challenges for some to stay physically fit. Enter YMCA at Home, a free online resource designed to help you and your family maintain a healthy lifestyle.
YMCA at Home features hundreds of online videos, including virtual fitness for adults and youth, mental wellness programs, and activities geared to children and families. New video segments are added to the dedicated YouTube channels weekly from programming created at YMCA chapters across Canada.
The free YFitness video offerings include cardio, strength training, yoga, and pilates for all fitness levels, including videos geared to youth that the entire family can participate in from the comfort of your living room.
Also available is YPlay, offering family activities designed for a variety of ages and levels of ability. YPlay activities are free and available on-demand.
Another free online offering is YGym a healthy community program for young people and families instructed by YMCA certified fitness instructors. YGym features content based on YMCA Canada's Health & Fitness Programs and Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines.
A YMCA membership has perks beyond the free content, with even more virtual programming that can be accessed from home. Members can choose from hundreds of virtual programs and resources for the whole family. All the resources and services found on YMCA Member All Access are included in a YMCA membership.
The North Bay YMCA is also launching its YFitness 21 Day Workout Challenge for members this week, designed for home participation. Keep an eye out for more information on the YMCA's website and social media.
