GPYMCA
September 9, 2020
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WANT TO TAKE YOUR PASSION FOR FITNESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
WE’RE LIVING IN LIFE-CHANGING TIMES, SO WHY NOT DO SOMETHING LIFE-CHANGING AND BECOME PART OF THE 140,000-STRONG LES MILLS INSTRUCTOR CREW? WITH ONLINE TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE, NOTHING IS HOLDING YOU BACK.

It’s been described by many as a transformational journey of self-discovery. A two-day LES MILLS™ instructor training course that will change your life – and help you change the lives of others. And now, for the first time ever, you can experience this powerful training course online.

Opt-in for this new challenge and you can deepen your fitness mastery from the comfort of your own home. As you work online with an expert trainer, you’ll delve deep into your favorite LES MILLS program, discover expert tips for perfect technique and find out secrets to maximize your performance and results. You’ll learn how to effectively motivate and inspire others, plus pick up invaluable skills that will help you feel more confident in all aspects of life.

The training has evolved over 40 years to become the gold standard in fitness industry training, blending the best of instructor education, sports coaching, actor training, and personal development.

While many pursue this training so they can enjoy the rewards that come from teaching their own group fitness classes, the training is not solely for would-be instructors. It is great personal development for any fitness enthusiast.

Nathalie Cary is a regular gym-goer who decided to do the training as she wanted to learn as much as she could about one of her favorite workouts, BODYCOMBAT™. “It wasn’t easy, but it’s an experience I’ll never forget,” she says. “It took me out of my comfort zone mentally and physically and as a result, I have so much more confidence than I had before. Completing the course gave me a huge amount of pride and I now have an amazing bond with those who did the training with me.”

Feedback from some of the first to experience the new online version of the training has been hugely positive. “The opportunity to do it in the comfort of my own home during lockdown was absolutely perfect for me, plus it gave me something to concentrate on in my spare time,” says UK-based Lisa Kelly.

Others said that working in a safe and familiar space helped them focus on absorbing the content of the module. “As a massive introvert, the idea of live training is very intimidating, so I knew doing this from the comfort of my own home would be perfect,” says Fiona McKay. “The benefit of this being I was more engaged in the learning and free to work at my own pace with the education supplied before and during the training.” Another UK Instructor agrees: “It was very relaxing ‘working from home’ and I was, therefore, able to concentrate well, assimilating the information easily in a no-pressure environment.”

LES MILLS Trainer Adam Bramski says that even though the training happens online, there is still so much room to connect. “It actually allows people to be themselves more because they are in their own comfort zone.”

The course makes use of Zoom breakout rooms so that instructors can interact during the sessions and a dedicated Facebook group helps them connect pre and post-training. This means throughout the journey participants can engage with each other, check-in, and help each other out, something that US-based Jenni Sommer loved. “Even though my classmates and I never actually met in person, thanks to social media we have formed a bond and remain connected in our journey, cheering one another on!”

Discover more about how Les Mills Instructor Training could change your life.

* Becoming a certified Les Mills Instructor involves submitting an assessment video following your training. You’ll also need to become associated with a Y that offers LES MILLS programs.

:This piece originally appeared at lesmills.com.

 


GPYMCA
September 9, 2020
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OFFERING HUGE DOSES OF FUN AND MOTIVATION, PLUS MYRIAD PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS, GYMS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR WORKOUT HABITS. WITH LOCKDOWN LIFTING IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, IS NOW THE TIME THAT WE CAN FINALLY GET BACK TO EXERCISE IN OUR FAVORITE FORMS?

“When can we get back to normal?” It’s been the perennial question of recent months, particularly when it comes to our workouts.

In the wake of a global health pandemic, easing back into our usual fitness routines can pose a range of challenges, as well as uncertainties around which activities are safe to do and when.

But one thing we can say with certainty is that continued physical inactivity will bring catastrophic consequences for our physical and mental health, not to mention that of the economy and environment. In the US alone, chronic diseases that can be prevented by regular exercise are projected to cost US$42 trillion between 2016 and 2030. Meanwhile, a recent McKinsey study found the economic impact of better health among the world’s population could add US$12 trillion to global GDP in 2040 – an 8 percent boost. Investing in this area now could help kickstart our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we’ve previously reported, exercise in pill-form would be hailed as a wonder drug. It truly is the best medicine, with the power to improve everything from general wellbeing to musculoskeletal disease to cardiovascular problems, cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, mental health, anxiety, and depression.

KICKING IT TO COVID

Most pertinently, a new academic paper, by the scientist David C Nieman, suggests regular physical activity should be considered a key tactic for reducing our risk of contracting COVID-19 – akin to physical distancing, washing hands and covering faces. In his article, Nieman points out that regular aerobic exercise increases your immunological fitness. Basically, exercise increases blood flow and mobilizes white blood cells, one of the main defences against harmful microbes.

Regular exercise also guards against obesity, which as Nieman makes clear, “markedly increases the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, three of the most important underlying conditions for COVID-19”.

Clearly exercise is vital to our planet’s comeback from COVID-19 on a number of levels, so how do we ensure we get more of it?

KEEPING UP THE HABIT

Lockdown has brought great progress in the range of options for people to stay active at home, leading some to question whether we actually still need gyms to service our fitness needs? After all, no one owns the patent to the press up, and there’s no finer treadmill than the great outdoors. So why is it that gym members are on average 14 times more active than non-members? One reason is that our facilities don’t just serve up fitness, they give us motivation. Motivation remains a key ingredient for regular exercise adherence and is the very reason why gyms exist in the first place.

There are many forms of motivation. Among the most powerful motivators are the accountability and sense of connection we get from working out with others. Nowhere is this more evident than in a live group workout.

“Absolutely nothing beats a live class,” says Les Mills Chief Creative Officer Dr Jackie Mills M.D. “There’s always an amazing vibe created in the room, the loud music is pumping, and you’re all working together and pushing each other. The sense of connection and accountability can’t be beaten.”

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Plenty of research shows this sense of connection and accountability pays dividends. Research indicates that when we work out alongside others, we’re far more likely to stick at exercise than if we go it alone. Science shows that we get more enjoyment and satisfaction when we work out in a group. And there’s evidence that when we’re surrounded by the healthy actions of others, it rubs off on us too.

One study published in Obesity Journal indicated that when overweight people spent time with their fit friends they lost more weight, and the more time they spent with these friends, the more weight they lost. This is backed up by another study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showing that 95 percent of those who follow a weight loss program with a friend complete it, but just 76 percent make it to the end if they go it alone.

There’s also evidence of the Kohler Effect, where we push ourselves harder when working out alongside others. One study compared people planking on their own and with a partner (who had the superior ability). When planking with a more-capable partner, people were clearly more motivated, increasing their plank duration by 24 percent. Another Kansas State University study found that exercising alongside other capable exercisers can increase your workout time and intensity by 200 percent.

RETURN OF THE CLUB

Motivation is a key component of an enduring exercise habit and that’s why it’s so important to get health clubs – and all the things that make them inspiring – back in our lives as soon as is safely possible.

Being among the first public facilities to close and the last to be allowed to reopen, Y’s around the world have been hit hard by COVID-19. Misinformation that COVID-19 can be spread by sweat (it can’t) has stalled their recovery, but clubs are beginning to get back on their feet, bringing members the much-needed gift of motivation. Stringent new hygiene measures have been added to protect members’ safety, with new research supporting the effectiveness of these measures.

Last month, a large-scale academic study by researchers at the University of Oslo (yet to be peer-reviewed) concluded that there is “no threat of increased COVID-19 spread” at fitness facilities, even when intensive training takes place.

Meanwhile, a recent IHRSA briefing for US governors highlighted the benefits of exercise with scientific evidence that shows health clubs pose no higher risk than other public places in transmitting COVID-19 when operating under appropriate guidelines. It noted that “there has not been any evidence of COVID-19 spreading” in any US club to date.

EMBRACING ACTIVE HABITS

The UK government’s Chief Medical Adviser, Chris Whitty, said it best when giving a daily coronavirus briefing on 15 April.

Whitty – who is also England’s Chief Medical Officer – said being physically active was “very important to long-term health” and crucial for keeping people fighting fight during the ongoing pandemic.

“There is no situation, there is no age and no condition where exercise is not a good thing… exercise is one of the best things you can possibly do.”

So as the world adjusts in the wake of a major health pandemic, with lessons learned and safer processes in place, it seems that finally, we can start to get back to normal. And from an exercise perspective, we can reconnect with the miracle cure by working out in the ways we love to best. Find a class today.

This piece originally appeared at lesmills.com.


GPYMCA
August 12, 2020
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FOUR LA SALLE ACADEMY LACROSSE ALUM WALK ENTIRE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN 17 HOURS; RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
BOYS HISTORICALLY TREK 45 MILES IN ONE DAY RAISING $3,600 TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES

What initially started as an idea to stave quarantine boredom quickly inspired a statewide fundraiser to support local small business and charities in need throughout Rhode Island during COVID-19.

La Salle Academy class of 2017 grads, Matthew Bacon, Dylan O’Donnell, Will Messner, and Peter Rouse were stuck at home from college after a three-month lockdown when they mustered up a plan to walk across the entire state of Rhode Island in under 24 hours.

“I can walk the whole state of Rhode Island,” O’Donnell, a 21-year-old Providence College student, said in a challenge to his friends.

After convincing his three fellow hiking buddies to join him on the ambitious quest, Messner, a finance major at Babson College, immediately set up a Go Fund Me page wrangling the support of family and friends.

“We saw how small businesses in our community were struggling as a result of COVID-19 and wanted to come together to make a difference,” said Messner.

The 17-hour, 45-mile expedition began at 4:00 a.m. from Rouse’s house in Wrentham, Massachusetts and finished at 9:30 p.m. in Narragansett, Rhode Island

“Our whole goal was to get our feet in the water,” said Messner.

 

Will Messner, Peter Rouse, Dylan O’Donnell, and Matthew Bacon taking a snack break.

Charting their course in Apple Maps, the four best friends from high school strategically planned their adventure by soliciting support from their parents who provided water, meals and pain relief along the way.

Right out of the gate, the determined explorers managed to walk 14 miles straight without any breaks. But after mile 20, fatigue started to kick in.

“Once we hit the marathon point, that’s when the pain, cramping, sun poisoning and blistering started,” said Rouse, a 21-year-old student at Villanova University.

The boys documented their day-long journey on the popular social media site, TikTok garnering a following of over 6,000 supporters.

 

They continued to power through the pain and unforeseen challenges with the help of encouraging text messages and drive-bys from fans throughout the day.

93,000 steps and $3,600 later, the exhausted boys happily celebrated their completed mission among their La Salle friends and family by cooling off in the waters surrounding Narragansett Pier which provided much-needed relief to their sore feet.

We never expected to raise this much money,” said Rouse. “It was a cause that a lot of

 

people could get behind after seeing their favorite local restaurants struggle in a situation that was completely out of their control,” Rouse continued.

 

The inspired philanthropists split the proceeds three-ways and generously donated to Cindy’s Diner and Restaurant in Scituate, Bradley Café in Providence, and Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express in Johnston.

 

Dylan O’Donnell and Will Messner present $1,000 donation to Cindy’s Restaurant

“I’ve watched these boys grow up over the yeard and they are such impressive     young men, said Ralph Battista, Owner of Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express.       “I wasn’t surprised that they had completed this challenge,” continued Battista.    “I was  completely overwhelmed when they showed up with a check for $1,000,” he  said.  “I’m used to taking care of them, not the other way around.”

Battista developed a strong bond with the boys over the course of six years when his two sons began playing for the La Salle Academy lacrosse team.

 

Inspired by their generosity, Battista chose to pay it forward by donating proceeds and nutritious meals to the YMCA of Greater Providence Food & Fitness Program in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. Together,


GPYMCA
July 23, 2020
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CAMP FULLER & JONNYCAKE CENTER TEAM UP TO PROVIDE A MEMORABLE SUMMER FOR LOCAL CHILDREN

Four-week enrichment program provides life-changing camp experience by the sea

[SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI – Tuesday, July 21, 2020] – The South County YMCA and Camp Fuller YMCA’s have teamed up with the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale, Rhode Island to create a four-week summer enrichment camp experience for South County children.

Explore Camp Fuller is a month-long, summer enrichment program designed exclusively for families connected to the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale. Throughout the program, children took part in outdoor exploration and enjoyed a fun-filled summer vacation in a safe and supportive environment.

Twenty-six children soaked up a variety of outdoor activities on the beautiful, seaside grounds of historic Camp Fuller located in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Led by certified YMCA Camp Counselors, campers enjoyed daily nature walks, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports, and fun games. A pre-packed lunch was also generously provided by the Jonnycake Center.

“We are so grateful to the YMCA for opening up Camp Fuller to local children who needed fresh air and fun activities this summer,” said Kate Brewster, Executive Director of the Jonnycake Center.  “This was a great example of a community coming together to provide meaningful opportunities for kids who might otherwise not have had access to camp this year,” said Brewster.

“Every day we picked up our daughters, Sanai and Skylah, they had a smile on their face, said Maghnee Gomes, a South Kingstown resident. “This will be an experience they will never forget.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-school-time plans for many families have been altered. This has resulted in many parents thinking outside the box when it comes to providing a memorable and safe summer vacation for their children.

“The Camp Fuller team has been thrilled to participate in this incredible day camp program, said Kate Messier, Camp Fuller’s Executive Director. “While we’re conditioned to be resident camp, sharing our site, our history, and our traditions with local children who haven’t had the chance to attend Fuller has been nothing short of inspiring for the entire team.” Said Messier. “We look forward to partnering with our South County Y and the Johnnycake Center to make more magic possible in our community.”

“My three children really enjoyed Camp Fuller, especially my son Ben who was able to swim, canoe, and dig for clams for the first time in over two years due to significant medical treatments,” said Beth Delon, a Narragansett mother of four. “It was a great way to start the summer, especially during this challenging time.”

Explore Camp Fuller began Monday, June 29 and will conclude Thursday, July 23 with a fun-filled day of closing ceremony activities like kayaking, canoeing, luncheon, and a tour of Camp Fuller conducted by the young explorers.


GPYMCA
July 14, 2020
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FOUR-WEEK PROGRAM OFFERED TO BOYS AGES 9-12 BEGINS JULY 28

[WARWICK, RI – Friday, July 10] — The Kent County YMCA today announced that it will host a basketball clinic beginning July 28 led by University of Rhode Island’s famed alum, Kyle Ivey-Jones, for boys’ ages 9-12 looking to further their basketball skills.

“We’re excited to welcome players on our new outdoor basketball courts,” said Bob Cioffi, Executive Director at the Kent County YMCA in Warwick, Rhode Island. “This is a one-of-a-kind experience to learn from an industry pro like Kyle.”

Clinics will begin Tuesday, July 28 and will be offered twice a week for four weeks. Pricing is $80 for Y members and $120 for non-Y members.

SESSION I (AGES 9 & 10) TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 9:00 AM TO 10:30 AM
SESSION II (AGES 10 & 12) TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 10:30 AM TO 12:00 NOON

Participants will work toward becoming better players by learning basketball fundamentals and practicing drills while focusing on positive values that the Y is known for. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn shooting, ball handling, and defensive skills. “Children will be kept in stable groups of 10 with one to two coaches,” said Cioffi. “We’re asking them to bring their own ball, water, and snacks. Hand sanitizers will be available on all courts.”

Registration is now open with limited availability. Visit www.bookaspot.org to sign up today.

 

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ABOUT THE Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationship and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across hundreds of communities throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Learn more at gpymca.org.

 


GPYMCA
July 8, 2020
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HAD A BREAK FROM TRAINING? YOU’LL BE AMAZED HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN REGAIN YOUR STRENGTH
WORRIED YOU’VE LOST MUSCLE POWER DURING LOCKDOWN? IN THIS LATEST RESEARCH ROUNDUP WE REVEAL HOW QUICKLY IT CAN COME BACK. WE ALSO COVER THE SKINNY ON COFFEE AND BODY FAT, HOW TO EASE MIGRAINE PAIN, AND A SURPRISING WAY TO BOOST WORK-FROM-HOME PRODUCTIVITY.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT LOSING STRENGTH, MUSCLE MEMORY WORKS WONDERS.

Delving into the molecular makeup of muscles, Swedish researchers have shown that even after a long break from exercise, muscles remember how to strengthen, and previously trained muscles can more speedily regain their power. These findings come from a somewhat bizarre study involving young men and women who had never formally exercised. For 10 weeks they completed increasingly strenuous leg presses and leg extensions – on just one leg! After 10 weeks of single-legged training, scientists biopsied the muscles to assess strength gains and then they then stopped training altogether for 20 weeks. After their 20 week hiatus, they returned to the lab and completed just one strenuous leg workout, this time using both legs. Scientists biopsied the muscles again and found that the previously trained leg was stronger – having retained about 50 percent of its initial strength gains over the 20-week break. The scientists concluded that trained muscle cells are metabolically more ready to strengthen and grow. Learn more about the science of muscle memory.

 
SCIENTISTS REVEAL THE SKINNY ON DRINKING COFFEE

Women who drink two to three cups of coffee a day are likely to have lower total body fat than those who don’t. These insights come after U.S. researchers studied data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and found a link between the amount of coffee drunk each day and total body fat percentage and abdominal adiposity (which is the dangerous fat around your middle). Women aged 20-44 who drank two to three cups a day had the lowest level of adiposity – 3.4 percent less than those who didn’t drink coffee. Women aged 45-69 who drank four or more cups had 4.1 percent lower adiposity. In men, the relationship was also apparent, but much less significant. Researchers say there could be bioactive compounds in coffee that may regulate weight and have anti-obesity properties. Interestingly, these compounds can’t be pinned on caffeine – the findings were consistent whether it was caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee that was consumed. Learn more about the link between coffee consumption and body fat.

DOWNWARD DOG OR DOWNING PILLS? WHAT WILL HELP EASE MIGRAINE SUFFERING THE MOST?

Forget putting your head under a pillow in a dark room, research shows sun salutations and stretches can significantly help ease the pain of migraines. These findings come from an Indian study of 114 episodic migraines patients following conventional medical treatments prescribed by their doctor. Half of the study participants also introduced a three-month program of yoga, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. They did three instructor-led 60-minute sessions a week for the first month and then five solo 60-minute sessions a week for the following two months. Taking the medication prescribed by doctors, all participants saw a reduction in migraine frequency and intensity. But the yoga group, which actually had a higher frequency of migraines at the beginning, suffered fewer and less intense headaches – and ended up taking fewer pills. Learn more about the effects of yoga as an add-on therapy for migraines.

Step away from saturated fat and boost at-home productivity
STEP AWAY FROM SATURATED FAT AND BOOST AT-HOME PRODUCTIVITY

If you’re working from home during COVID-19 and it’s already testing your ability to focus, then you don’t want to add certain fatty foods into the mix. A new study suggests that eating just one meal high in saturated fat can cause our concentration levels to falter. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tested the attention levels of 51 women after they ate either a meal high in saturated fat, or the same meal made with sunflower oil – which is high in unsaturated fat. While both meals were high in fat and potentially problematic – both totalled 930 calories and were designed to mimic various fast-food meals – it was only the saturated fat-heavy meal that caused a loss of cognitive focus. Lead author Annelise Madison says that loss of focus after just one meal was a real eye-opener. “Most prior work looking at the causative effect of the diet has looked over a period of time. And this was just one meal –  it’s pretty remarkable that we saw a difference.” Find out more about how just one fatty meal can sabotage our concentration.


GPYMCA
June 26, 2020
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GYM VERSUS HOME? COULD COVID-19 CHANGE THE WAY WE WORK OUT FOR GOOD?

Gym classes versus at-home workouts – does it have to be one or the other? Research shows 85 percent of gym-goers were already mixing gym sessions with home workouts before COVID-19. As the world edges out of lockdown, will the future see a happy hybrid, where exercisers can enjoy the best of both worlds?

If there’s one thing pandemic isolation has demonstrated, it’s that at-home exercise is possible. And it can be wonderful. The days of watching dull exercise videos or pumping out endless sets of push-ups on the garage floor have passed and there are now many more exciting options to explore. Not only can modern digital workouts be inspirational and motivational, but many are also personal, flexible, and trackable.

Was it the pandemic that spurred the digital workout world into action? In short, no. Long before coronavirus temporarily closed gyms, digital exercise was already primed to thrive. The 12 months pre-pandemic saw a record year for home exercise with numerous innovations hitting our screens – and the growth has reached exponential levels since.

 “TIME EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE ARE WHY I LOVE HOME WORKOUTS … AND IT’S EASY TO TARGET SPECIFIC TRAINING GOALS.”

Kylie Gates is a Les Mills Creative Director who has spent years complementing her live classes with home-based digital workouts. “Time efficiency and convenience are why I love home workouts,” says Kylie. “I also like how easy it is to mix up your training with hybrid workouts to target specific training goals.”

Kylie enjoys doing BODYBALANCE /BODYFLOW and meditation sessions at home as she finds it easier to get the full benefits in her own space. “I can light a candle and do it in near darkness, it creates this amazing experience where there is no external stimulus and I can really focus on breath and movement.”

If such serene home exercise isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. These days you can cycle through a virtual jungle without leaving your lounge, or have one of the world’s best trainers put you through your paces in your basement.

But, as awesome as digital workouts can be, most experts believe the live experience won’t be bettered.

“Live group exercise will always be the pinnacle,” explains Keith Burnet, Les Mills Global Markets CEO, “It’s like the music industry, people today love consuming music in a variety of different ways, but live music is the ultimate, and it’s more popular than ever.”

 “ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BEATS A LIVE CLASS … YOU’RE ALL WORKING TOGETHER AND PUSHING EACH OTHER.”

“Absolutely nothing beats a live class,” says Kylie. “There is always an amazing vibe created in the room, the loud music is pumping, and you’re all working together and pushing each other. The sense of connection and accountability is can’t be beaten.”

Plenty of research shows that this sense of connection and accountability pays dividends. Research indicates that when we work out alongside others, we’re far more likely to stick at exercise than if we go it alone. Science shows that we get more enjoyment and satisfaction when we work out in a group. And there’s evidence that when we’re surrounded by the healthy actions of others it rubs off on us.

One study indicated that when overweight people spent time with their fit friends they lost more weight, and the more time they spent with these friends, the more weight they lost. This is backed up by another study showing that 95 percent of those who follow a weight loss program with a friend complete it, just 76 percent make it to the end if they go it alone.

There is also evidence of the Kohler Effect when we push ourselves harder when working out alongside others. One study compared people planking on their own and with a partner (who had the superior ability). When planking with a more-capable partner people were clearly more motivated, increasing their plank duration by 24 percent. Another Kansas State University study found that exercising alongside other capable exercisers can increase your workout time and intensity by 200 percent.

A few group workouts a week will give you the motivation you need to push through any training plateau.

The facts show that working out with others does work wonders, and a few group workouts a week will give you the motivation you need to push through any training plateau you may hit on your own. Kylie’s advice is to identify the workouts where you need that extra level of motivation, find these classes at your local gym and make a point of scheduling these classes into your week.

If you’re already a LES MILLS On Demand user, you can find live versions of your favorite workouts here.

If you’re a Y member try  LES MILLS On Demand.


GPYMCA
June 25, 2020
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NOT FEELING YOURSELF? SCIENCE REVEALS THE BEST EXERCISE ROUTINE TO LIFT YOUR MOOD
SCIENTISTS SAY FOUR AEROBIC EXERCISE SESSIONS EACH WEEK COULD BE KEY TO BRIGHTENING YOUR SPIRITS AND EASING ANY COVID-19-INDUCED NEGATIVITY.

Right now many of us are in uncharted waters and perhaps struggling to deal with sudden feelings of anxiety and stress that COVID-19 has thrown our way. Fortunately, a timely new study provides the ideal exercise prescription to boost our spirits.

Researchers have revealed that four aerobic workouts a week is what it takes to reap significant psychological benefits such as reduced depression and feelings of hostility. They also found these mood-enhancing benefits are long-lasting – they can still be in your system for weeks following your exercise.

Exercise being good for your mental wellbeing is not a new concept. There’s plenty of evidence to show you can combat anxiety with exercise and wipe away stress with mindfulness and yoga.

However, the majority of past studies into the mental health benefits of exercise involved people already suffering from clinical conditions. In this new study, researchers examined the mental health of sedentary but otherwise healthy individuals who had no history of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.

THE GROUP THAT EXERCISED SAW A 35 PERCENT DROP ON THE DEPRESSION SCALE AND THEIR HOSTILITY LEVELS WERE DOWN CONSIDERABLY.

It’s also important to note that many studies simply highlight links between negative moods, depression and anxiety, and levels of physical activity. These studies don’t explore whether increased levels of physical activity lead to happiness and more upbeat moods, they simply make the observation that those who exercise more also tend to be brighter, more positive people.

This latest randomized controlled trial involved 119 men and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Half the participants exercised consistently for 12 weeks, doing 35 minutes on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike four times a week. Each of the monitored exercise sessions pushed the individuals’ heart rates into the 70-80 percent heart rate zone. After 12 weeks they stopped exercise altogether and deconditioned for four weeks. The other half of participants acted as a control, maintaining their sedentary behavior for the full 16-week trial.

Researchers recorded all participants’ levels of depression, anxiety, hostility, and anger at week 1, 12, and 16. While all had relatively low scores from the outset, the group that exercised saw a 35 percent drop on the depression scale, their hostility levels were down considerably, and there were even slight declines in their already-low anxiety and anger levels. Interestingly, these low scores remained even after four weeks of deconditioning.

Bryce Hastings, Les Mills Head of Research, observes that while we’ve known about the effectiveness of exercise on mental health factors for some time, the unique element of this research was that it was a randomized controlled trial. “Most previous research has looked at the association between activity and psychological factors, whereas this study applied an exercise intervention so that they could compare the findings with a control group who remained sedentary.”

“Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness,” he adds. “This study provides further evidence regarding the far-reaching effectiveness of exercise beyond weight loss and body composition.”

If you’re keen to lift your physical activity levels and boost your mood, diving headfirst into four cardio workouts a week is not the best approach. Experts recommend you start slowly with two or three 20 to 30-minute sessions per week and gradually build to four cardio workouts per week. “The key to success is finding a sustainable type and level of exercise that will keep you active in the long term,” advises Hastings.

Want to learn more about how to leverage exercise to promote happiness? Read these five steps to get the most mental benefit from your workouts.

Bring the classes you love at the Y into the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to keep exercising at home with free access to LES MILLS On Demand.


GPYMCA
June 25, 2020
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PILOT PROGRAM TO DELIVER FREE MEALS AND HEALTHY LIVING TIPS TO OLDER ADULTS, FAMILIES IN WIGGINS VILLAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY

[PROVIDENCE, RI, Monday, June 22] — The YMCA of Greater Providence today announced a new Food & Fitness program in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. The pilot program will provide nutritious, culturally appropriate meals and fitness education to older adults raising grandchildren in the Wiggins Village affordable housing community on the West End of Providence. West End is one of the city’s neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID-19.

“The Y serves as a catalyst for positive change in our communities – and where society falls short, we step in,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, YMCA of Greater Providence Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honored to partner with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging on this critical mission to deliver food and simple, at-home exercises to our most vulnerable population,” said O’Donnell. “We are also grateful to Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express, Carolina’s Restaurant, and Paquette’s Family Restaurant, for generously providing their time and healthy meals so together, we can build healthier communities,” said O’Donnell.

Beginning tomorrow, nearly 100 older adults and their families living in the Wiggins Village community will receive twice-weekly meals, as part of the Food & Fitness program. Participants will also receive exercise bands, along with fitness instruction and nutritional tips to encourage healthy living while physically distancing. The pilot runs through August 2020 and may be extended, if there is a need and funding available.

“Our work to ensure that every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to age strong has never been more urgent,” said Rosamaria Amoros Jones, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. “This crisis has taken a tremendous toll on older adults and especially those with limited means and who are caring for young children and other family members. It’s critical that we work together to support our families. We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA and local restaurants to get healthy, culturally relevant food and resources to the people who need it the most right now. At the same time, we’re proud to also support these vital, local businesses, which are an important part of our community and economy.”

The YMCA of Greater Providence is seeking public support to help sustain vital programs like Food & Fitness for Rhode Island families. Pledge your support at www.feedfitness.org.

ABOUT THE Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationship and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across hundreds of communities throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Learn more at gpymca.org.


GPYMCA
June 16, 2020
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During the past several weeks, this country has witnessed violence that has had a major impact on our society, as well as, Staff and Members. After many discussions with a cross-section of our Board of Directors, Staff and Members, I want to provide a thought-driven message to help us ALL move forward. Our Leadership Team, Executive Directors and others have participated in several communications regarding the ongoing national dialogue.

The brutal murder of George Floyd was a despicable and cowardly act that has brought to the surface, very raw emotions about inequalities within our own respective communities and workforces. Conversations about how we treat each other have been the cornerstone of the Y’s history and mission for almost 170 years. We strive to stand for spiritual, social and mental health of our youth, adults and families.

If we plan on “talking the talk, we MUST walk the walk”. It would have been disingenuous on my part to send this message before taking a hard look inside our own organization. As we continue these difficult conversations among staff and the community we serve, we want to ensure that our lens towards equity and inclusiveness is very clear. We recognize and respect all the feedback we have received and we are committed to doing our best to manage these issues. Six months ago, our path forward in recognizing and addressing inequities began with me and our Board of Directors making a statement that acknowledged the need for change. We hired one of Rhode Island’s finest in Kobi Dennis, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion & Special Projects, to lead this effort. His proven track-record in bringing ideas, training, strategies and culturally relevant solutions forward is unparalleled. Much of the work he has begun was temporarily derailed when COVID-19 changed our workforce. We are focused on recommitting to our mission of developing healthy minds, body and spirit as we continue our structured reopening.

How we are measured should depend on what we do and not what we say we do. I am asking you to become more involved in our local YMCA’s as staff, members and volunteers. Our vision is to move forward with all partners at each branch and camps. We are fully committed to our urban initiative that will create positivity and measurable impacts to the community we serve. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together “FOR A BETTER US”!

With Dignity & Respect,

Steven G. O’Donnell
Chief Executive Officer
YMCA of Greater Providence