Group Exercise has been major part of our YMCA for many years. Why work out alone when we can build community through fitness together? From classes that have been on the schedule for years to newLes Mills programs and instructors, westriveto provide a variety of group workouts to fit our members' needs.
All ages and abilitiesare welcome and invited to join us because the Y is here for all. Each instructor offers modifications to members at different levels to ensure everyone gets a great workout.Group exercise is a great way to stay connected, stay accountable, and get a great workout.
Now we are transitioning into different times. The main focus has been on social distancing, which has caused us to shift in the group exercise department. We moved into the virtual world of fitness with Zoom classes, Facebook Live and our YouTube channel. We havealso partnered with Les Mills, Mossa, and y360 for more online fitness options. These past few months have made all of us change our workout routines. As we have started bringing group exercise classes back into our Ys, we have worked hard to make sure that the space is safe and clean, beginning with water fitness and some scheduledindoorclasses.
At the Pullum Branch, we placed markers on the lane lines in the pool for spacing and worked on a system for parents of swim lesson kidsto wait in a separate areato respect the social distancing requirements. We have had a wonderful turnout in the pool, with one member commenting: "Your water aerobics program and instructor in the Navarre Y is one of the best. The program nourishes our mind, body and soul. The pool is amazing." Our water fitness classes are offered Monday-Friday at 8 am and Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm. No reservations are needed.
Moving inside the building, we have beenmarked the floor of the multipurpose room with spots for members to maintain social distancing, and we have limited ourclasses. We havealso asked that members reserve their spots for classes through our scheduling system. Additionally,we have added 30-minute breaks in between each class to ensure the room can be thoroughly cleaned before the next class starts.
We have seen some members ready to return to the YMCA and some who prefer the virtual workouts. We are excited to see our members and to get back to a routine. No matter what restrictions or measures we have taken, our core valuesremainthe same: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.