Gyms continue to offer virtual workouts with new restrictions

With the new restrictions, both YMCA locations will be closed as of Sunday night.

CEO Sharon Hayward says it’s been a roller coaster ride for everybody and changing restrictions are hard on the team.

“We go through different times where we got a good plan and things are going, and then all of a sudden an announcement comes out and we have to change very quickly.”

Hayward says their clients understand the restrictions, however, many were getting back into a gym routine.

“But at the same time it’s been going on for over a year now, things are changing constantly and people are just looking to get back to a sense of normalcy,” she added.

Though they work hard to minimize job loss, Hayward says this time around there will be about 30 layoffs for their health and fitness facilities.

“People being laid off then recalled, then laid off again and that’s incredibly stressful for people and families.”

The team has become very adaptive and creative according to Hayward.

Until they are able to re-open, the community will be able to access a free online option called

e. It features different programs for fitness classes, children, and youth.

The Family Leisure Centre is also getting good at adapting.

You can enjoy their current gym and recreation services until Sunday night.

The city is working with AHS, and they’ll continue to offer virtual live classes each week.

“So we got just over 20 classes available each week for people to take advantage of and lots of variety from boot camps to Zumba and all kinds of high-intensity,” FLC Fitness Coordinator Ed Stiles said.

Stiles adds they’re getting used to flipping back and forth, but every time restrictions are different and it’s difficult.

“The last two shutdowns we had laid off staff so bringing them back on board and all that stuff,” he said. So this time we aren’t going to layoff and so we’re going to keep these guys busy with summer plans on what we can do.”

Stiles says the FLC’s primary mission is to make sure Medicine Hat residents have access to recreation.

And with over 100 kilometres of trails, there are lots of options to stay active.

Stiles’ hope for citizens is to keep moving.

“I just encourage folks to not give up on their own health. I get it COVID fatigue is real, frustration is real, but the human body is meant to move. Please do.” Stiles told Chat News.

For more information on YMCA offerings visit their website.

For more information on FLC offerings visit their website.

by Chantal Wagner

Gyms continue to offer virtual workouts with new restrictions

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