YMCA of Eastern Ontario

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As Ontario Extends Stay-at-Home Order, YMCA Offers Free Local Online Workouts News Release

Eastern Ontario – If the extended lockdown has you down, join the YMCA of Eastern Ontario online for a slate of 10 free classes per week beginning on May 17.

“Successive lockdowns are taking their toll on people’s mental health and we know that physical activity can help,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Anticipating today’s provincial announcement to extend the lockdown, our staff wanted to help by doing what they do best – helping people get up and get moving!”

YMCA Canada continues to offer free online workouts through YMCA at Home, but the Y in Eastern Ontario wanted to connect with their members by offering free local workouts as was done during the first provincial closure.

Classes cover a range of exercises for persons of all abilities from sit-fit, gentle stretch and seniors strength to the more vigorous rip, tabata and cardio blast. Classes run from 30 minutes to one hour in duration.

“We really miss seeing our members and hope they know that we’re thinking of them,” said Adams. “This is one of the ways we trying to continue to serve our communities during the pandemic.”

During the pandemic, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario has offered emergency childcare to essential workers, provided access to its Kingston facility to Artillery Park members while that location was being used as a temporary shelter, is providing transportation for residents of rural Leeds Grenville to vaccination sites, and has provided new service to Seely’s Bay, Sydenham and Rideau Heights. The Y is also exploring new partnerships like those with the Town of Prescott and Providence Manor.

“I’m so proud of my team,” Adams said. “We always say that service is in the YMCA DNA and our staff have proved this time and time again.”

Starting May 17, local workouts will be available at the Y’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts as well as on its website at eo.ymca.ca/virtual-y.

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About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula, and offers fitness and other programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care. Find out more at: https://eo.ymca.ca/.

For information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing and Communications
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
613-888-9298
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca