SYDNEY, N.S. — As the country continues to grapple with the effects of a global pandemic, homes in Cape Breton, like others across the country, have been transformed into isolation chambers, home offices and daycare centres.
Add one more transformation, a home gym.
The YMCA of Cape Breton, and its other facilities across the country, are now offering a series of online fitness classes called YThrive Home.
“As a Y, we pride ourselves on always being there for our communities so we are excited to offer YThrive Home. This is an excellent free online platform to help keep all of us healthy and active,” said Andre Gallant, CEO for YMCA Cape Breton.
“Everyone is welcome and workouts are tailored for all levels and audiences including adults, families, kids and seniors,” he said.
Gallant said the island Y first started offering the program in December and now with states of emergency in place across the country, many fitness facilities have had to close as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As more businesses were also forced to close their doors temporarily, employees have been sent home and their movements within a community are restricted to the most necessary of services — employment, grocery stores, pharmacies.
The Cape Breton Y closed on March 16.
“YThrive Home features YMCA trainers from all over Canada and will help everyone get their daily dose of YMCA fitness with these workouts. They are designed for almost any fitness level and can be done in living rooms for free,” said Gallant.
He said program routines will change every three months in hopes of keeping participants motivated with new workouts.
Gallant said the programs have been revamped for home use and there is no need to worry about extra gear as the programs make use of items found in the home like coffee tables and chairs.
Gallant said the program offerings can run from 15 minutes to one hour and are available for all ages and fitness levels.
“We have been getting a lot of positive feedback on the program and when the potential for anxiety is high, we encourage everyone to keep up their physical activity level.”
New workouts are being added regularly and the site can be accessed by visiting https://ythrive.ca/.
“Keeping active has many physical and mental health benefits,” said Gallant.
