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.

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.

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.

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

YMCA OF GREATER PROVIDENCE Y’S TO REOPEN AFTER 77-DAY CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19  

PHASED REOPENING TO BEGIN JUNE 4.

[PROVIDENCE, RI, Monday, June 2] — After closing its facilities due to the Governor’s the stay-at-home order surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the YMCA of Greater Providence Y’s will reopen all Rhode Island locations in phases beginning June 4. The Newman YMCA in Seekonk, Massachusetts plans to reopen early July.

“The YMCA of Greater Providence has served the community for more than 165 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful for our community and our Y as this COVID crisis,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence. “We are thrilled to begin reopening our facilities, welcoming back our members and the community, and getting back to what we do best – helping everyone reach their full potential,” O’Donnell said.

Y locations in Barrington, Kent County, and South County will reopen Thursday, June 4 with the East Side/Mt. Hope and Cranston facilities reopening shortly thereafter on June 8. The Newman YMCA in Seekonk, Massachusetts will reopen early July. Summer Camp for all Rhode Island locations will begin June 29. The Newman YMCA is currently awaiting further guidance from Massachusetts officials regarding summer camp details.

In preparation for reopening facilities, The YMCA of Greater Providence has been following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure all components of facilities, including fitness equipment and areas, locker rooms, visitor areas and office spaces, are cleaned and sanitized to meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. The Y has also modified policies and programs to facilitate safe social distancing practices.

In addition to sanitation and social distance guidelines, the Y will also limit the number of members allowed in its facilities. Members will be required to schedule an appointment 24 hours in advance at www.bookaspot.org. Workouts will also be limited to a standard set of time blocks. New facility hours will be Monday through Friday 6:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday and Sundays 7:00am to 3:00pm.

“When we closed our facilities in March, we did so to protect the health and well-being of all our staff, volunteers, members and participants. As we now reopen our facilities, we do so with that same commitment to keeping everyone who enters our doors safe,” said O’Donnell.

“Our Y has always been more than a building. Our Y is about people – people from all backgrounds and walks of life who come together to improve their lives, nurture their families and strengthen their community,” said O’Donnell. “We are so incredibly grateful to the people who have stood by us throughout these challenging times. You were here for your community when it needed it most, and we remain here for you.”

For more information about reopening, membership renewal and reactivation and program registration, visit www.gpymca.org or follow your local Y’s Facebook page.

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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 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.net.

LAUNCHES Y PRINTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS DURING DISTANCE LEARNING

[PROVIDENCE, RI, Friday, May 8, 2020]— The YMCA of Greater Providence announced Friday that print services, generously funded by the Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC., will be offered at select participating Y’s to help families with printing needs throughout distance learning.

THE Y HELPS PARENTS & KIDS COPE WITH DISTANT LEARNING

PROVIDES FREE WEEKLY WEBINARS WITH EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT TIPS.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Over the past few months, the shift to working from home and distance learning has been an adjustment for students, teachers, and parents alike. With the whole family spending the work and school day under one roof, the lines have become blurred between parent and teacher. Striking the right balance between getting your own work done and supporting your child’s emotional well-being throughout social distancing and virtual learning has been challenging.

The Y is launching a webinar series aimed to provide parents and children helpful strategies to navigate this overwhelming time. Ashley Szala, Behavior Specialist for the YMCA of Greater Providence, will kick off the first session Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 pm via the YMCA of Greater Providence’s Facebook page.

“More than ever, we need to meet our children’s educational and social-emotional needs during this challenging time,” said Ashley Szala, Behavior Specialist for the YMCA of Greater Providence. “The Y is to creating a virtual village filled with support and simple tools designed to increase desired behaviors and reduce those that are standing in the way of your child’s success in the age of social distancing,” Szala said.

A recent Y survey uncovered the #1 challenge parents are facing is balancing working from home and supporting their child during distant learning. Tuesday’s Facebook Live will provide parents with actionable tips they can implement immediately to help build autonomy and confidence in their little ones.

“Ashley prides herself on identifying children’s strengths and empowering them to use those strengths to get ahead,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “Though the world may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain is the Y’s commitment to nurture the potential of children and ensure that everyone has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive,” O’Donnell said.

Szala has been helping children and families across the country for over ten years. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a concentration in Early Childhood Education, Szala has worked as a Lead Therapists for in-home Applied Behavior Analysis programs, Behavior Specialist for developmental disability and behavioral classroom settings and also taught several preschool programs over the years.

Can’t make Tuesday’s Facebook Live event? The recorded video will be pinned to the top of the YMCA of Greater Providence Facebook page for later viewing access.

STAY CONNECTED WHILE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING

THE Y MAY BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY, BUT WE’RE STILL HERE FOR YOU! THAT’S WHY WE’RE SO EXCITED TO LAUNCH ONLINE EXERCISES TO SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FROM HOME WITH YMCA360.

Don’t let COVID-19 slow you down. Physical activity is essential in maintaining a higher quality of life and independence. Regular exercise provides many practical benefits, including reducing the risk of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, and higher energy levels all work together to maintain or improve basic living skills.

RISE AND SHINE
This workout can be completed with just a sturdy chair and a stable back (11 minutes).
WEIGHTS
This energizing workout utilizes a sturdy chair and free weights (27 minutes).
RESISTANCE TUBE
Increase strength with the use of a sturdy chair and a resistance tube. (27 minutes).
TAI CHI
This unique martial art is for all ages and levels. Tai Chi promotes strength, coordination, posture, concentration, and energy level.
YOGA
With different levels for everyone, Y yoga is an effective combination of traditional movements and mindfulness using flexibility, breathing and strength.

RECHARGE WITH THE Y FROM HOME

Find a sense of peace and connection with your body while releasing tension with this at-home video series led by PMA-certified Pilates instructor, certified Breathwork facilitator and Clinical Qigong practitioner, Tutu Mora (Dorothy).

YMCA VETERAN, TRICIA DRISCOLL TO STRENGTHEN THE SOUTH KINGSTOWN Y COMMUNITY

[South Kingstown, RI – Monday, May 4, 2020] The YMCA of Greater Providence announced today that Tricia Driscoll has been named Executive Director of the South County YMCA in South Kingstown, Rhode Island filling a vital role in bringing the Y to the forefront of cultivating strong community partnerships and improving the well-being of members.

“I work for the Y because we are stronger together,” said Driscoll. “The Y is all about bringing people together to enhance overall health and wellness, social engagement, and help overcome community challenges,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll is a 20-year Y veteran with a passion for people and the communities she serves. She began her Y career as an After-School Site Coordinator at Forest Park Elementary School at the South County YMCA in 1992 and since then, has served in various leadership roles at several Y’s throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Most recently, Driscoll served as the Operations Director at the Bayside Family YMCA in Barrington, Rhode Island, working to ensure that the Y is a strong community partner throughout the East Bay.

Over the course of Driscoll’s career, she has consistently risen to support communities in time of crisis. In 2005, she and a team from the YMCA of Greater Providence provided emergency child care to families in need during the New Orleans flooding. In 2009 Driscoll delivered flu vaccines to community centers throughout Rhode Island. Today, she is on the front lines delivering food to those sheltered at home during COVID-19.

“Tricia brings decades of Y experience and is a tremendous addition to the South County YMCA and the South Kingstown community,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, YMCA of Greater Providence CEO. “Her positive leadership and proven track record of success will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the community,” O’Donnell said.

Driscoll is heavily active in several community organizations such as, Barrington Parks and Recreation Commission, Bristol Health Equity Zone Steering Committee, and member of The B.A.Y. Team, East Bay Regional Coalition, and Rotary Club of Warren-Barrington.

ABOUT THE SOUTH COUNTY YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families, improving our community’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. Learn more at ymcagreaterprovidence.org.