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Keeping fit while staying at home
SIKESTON — Everything has changed around the area due to the coronavirus pandemic, even working out.
The YMCA of Southeast Missouri temporarily closed its doors for the time being. However, workouts are continuing — virtually.
“We are posting videos from our wellness coordinator each day with a workout for that day,” Member and Program Experience Director Brandy Johnson said. “She (Amanda Ping) is also doing kids’ workout videos. We posted the link (on the YMCA of Southeast Missouri Facebook page) to Y360 that has a multitude of video classes. This is not just for Y members. We want our community and beyond to know that we are all in this together. We are also looking at potentially offering virtual classes via Facebook Live.
“As we progress through this uncharted territory, we will continue to explore additional opportunities that could help our members and community. We understand the importance of overall health and well-being. It’s more than just a ‘physical’ workout; much like the Y is more than just a gym.”
Hired as wellness coordinator in February, Ping now faces a different task in just her first couple of months on the job.
However, she did like the fact that you can reach more people through virtual teaching.
“Your audience goes from 10-15 people you have in class or the 1-on-1 training sessions or the couple of people you interact with within a day to you can reach anybody, and they can use it at any time in their schedule,” Ping said. “So, it’s really helpful for those who may have a busy schedule and can’t exactly always make it in when I’m here or need more of the flexible ability to work out.”
Still getting to know the ins-and-outs of her position at the YMCA, Ping added that her job has changed as she interacts with clients differently.
With all that has surfaced nationally and globally over the last month, she said that virtual teaching was something that she and Johnson discussed as a secondary option.
“I came up to her and said, ‘Maybe we can make it a little more personal and something I can help lead since I’ve led classes in the past in other professions that I’ve been in,’” Ping said.
Virtual workouts are simple for Ping, who records all of her lessons every other day on her phone.
“I have them post them that way instead of it being a live recording; it can be something that you go back too,” Ping said. “You can take that class whenever you want. So, you could go back and go, ‘OK, here’s the workout I’m going to do for today.’ If you missed it, you can go back and look at it over again.
“I go about it by making the workouts something attainable for everybody. Any skill level. Any ability. There are options in it for you to be able to do the workouts with any equipment you have; whatever you got in your house and whatever skill level you’re at.”
Staying active and energetic through these difficult circumstances is what the staff at the YMCA recommends.
Additionally, Ping added that there are workouts for all age levels.
“Kids to the older adults, anybody can do them,” Ping said. “So, giving modifications and using your household equipment to its advantage. I know I used canned goods in a workout this week, or how you can use your couch when you’re not able to do certain movements. So, really anybody at any skill level can be able to follow along with it.”
Classes are available through the Facebook page, by following and liking the page for notifications and updates.
There will also be a couple of different challenges coming during the month.