The YMCA, today known as the Y, is celebrating being able to provide free access to the LES MILLS On Demand Premium service for their members and employees, in this national time of crisis.

The Y are the first organisation in Australia to offer this premium service, which includes over 800 fitness videos for all abilities, to their members free of charge for 60 days in an effort to create opportunities to stay active at home while their physical spaces are closed due to the coronavirus.

National CEO of the Y in Australia, Melinda Crole said:

“This week thanks to our partnership with Les Mills Asia Pacific we have been able to gift access to over 200,000 of our valued members, employees and volunteers, including thousands of staff who are sadly currently stood down, from the Top End to Tassie and East to West Coast, while our recreation facilities are closed due to coronavirus.”

Ryan Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Les Mills Asia Pacific, said:

“We all know that exercise helps people to cope better with challenging situations, so the key message during this time is: KEEP EXERCISING.”

“We are delighted to help promote this message by partnering with the Y to make 800+ at-home workouts accessible to the Y’s members and staff right across Australia, via our online streaming service called LES MILLS On Demand.”

“We are fortunate to be in an industry that everyone will return to, once this situation calms down. People will flock back to their local centres because they’re aching for socialisation, exercise and camaraderie – and that’s going to be a great day! Until then, however, we want to ensure people have access to the exercise opportunities that will help them stay healthy and active.”

Ms Crole said the number one priority of the Y was the health and safety of their people, customers and the wider community, with the Les Mills at home workouts just one of the ways they were able support their members, staff and volunteers throughout this critical time.

Members are already expressing their appreciation:

“I just wanted to say that this is a very cool initiative to keep the YMCA members engaged during COVID crisis. Really appreciate it. Regulars like me really miss the gym and our trainers!” – Vicky a member of the Y NSW gym.

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The Y has existed and continuously evolved over 175 years but has always believed in strengthening the health and wellbeing of communities, with a focus on young people.  The Y delivers 29 million annual participations a year across our programs and services from early learning to outside school hours care, recreation and youth services. ymca.org.au

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