YMCAs across Canada and ParticipACTION have teamed up again in 2022 to help give all Canadians a mood boost by getting them active no matter where they are in their physical activity journey. This partnership features two new video series scheduled for release throughout the winter.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been significant challenges for Canadians to stay active given public health restrictions and closures. This continued partnership reinforces a shared commitment to promoting well-being, including mental health and physical fitness, and comes at the perfect time to support Canadians renewed focus on living healthier and more active in 2022.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with ParticipACTION as both our organizations strive to promote physical and mental well-being and social connection,” states Kelley Taylor, VP of Health, Fitness and Aquatics at YMCA of Okanagan. “The physical and mental health benefits of daily activity are especially important as we battle another winter of COVID-19, leaving children, young adults, and families facing continued isolation with less movement. Together, we want to support Canadians, by removing barriers to accessing fun, safe and effective workouts.”
“This partnership highlights our mutual recognition of the powerful role that physical activity plays in our overall health and well being.” says Elio Antunes, President and CEO, ParticipACTION. “Many of us find it hard to get moving during the colder months, especially now with continued public health restrictions, and these videos can help unlock the many physical and mental health benefits that come with being active.”
The first video series focuses on low intensity workouts created to be fun yet still beneficial and varies from low intensity strength workouts to stretch sessions. These videos are recommended for those returning to exercise after injury, after a long period of inactivity, or for those who are starting a new exercise routine. Daily low intensity exercise can also benefit everyone, as participating in low intensity throughout the day reduces sedentary time, helping to manage or prevent health concerns including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and fatigue while increasing mood.
Stay tuned for new videos coming in February! Starting today, all videos from the first series are available for free on Y@Home+ and on the ParticipACTION app.