Gene

“The number of online classes provided a way to stay active, avoid weight gain, and connect with instructors and friends from the Y.”

Gene retired at the end of 2018 and joined the Independent Health Family Branch YMCA just a few weeks later. A very active member, Gene took advantage of the Y’s wide variety of group exercise classes, including Tai Chi, Body Conditioning, ZUMBA®, Yoga, and more. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Y to close its doors for the better part of a year. That’s when the Y introduced the new Virtual YMCA.

The Virtual YMCA is a collection of on-demand and live fitness classes, family activities, and more – giving members the opportunity to stay engaged from the comfort of their own homes – including Gene.

“The number of online classes provided a way to stay active, avoid weight gain, and connect with instructors and friends from the Y, along with instructors and members from other branches,” he says. “The Virtual Y provides a very wide selection of classes so I can continue my favorite classes and try out new ones. The recorded videos let me participate any time, live streams provide a closer connection to the live class experience, and Zoom classes are the next best thing to live classes at the gym. Besides taking in-person classes at the Y, I’ll keep taking classes at the Virtual Y. Thanks to Brian, Brianna, Jilyana, Jody, Katarina, and Pam for the many classes at the Virtual Y!”