The Fond du Lac Family YMCA announced an innovative new benefit for members that matches their on-the-go lifestyles and puts healthy living at the center of 2021. YMCA360 is a 360-degree seamless Y experience on mobile devices, TV and web. It is now included free with every membership at the Fond du Lac Family YMCA.
With YMCA360, healthy living for people of all ages and activity levels is possible anytime, anywhere. The robust digital experience combines immersive, healthy living with the values of the YMCA in a transformational presentation utilizing best-in-class people, programs and systems delivering the ultimate connected community. More than 700 on-demand exercise classes and unique programs are accessible 24/7 to provide another way to engage with the Y from home or when a Y isn’t accessible. New content will be added weekly, and livestream classes are coming soon.
“We are connecting our people, places and programs in a whole new way and giving our members the freedom to customize their health and fitness journey at our state-of-the-art facility as well as their own living rooms,” said J.J. Raflik, Executive Director/CEO of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA. “The quality and production behind YMCA360 is unparalleled, and it is something we are very excited to partner with, offering our members an additional benefit to their membership.”
With the development of YMCA360, the Greater Wichita YMCA is spearheading this new movement that is being adopted nationally, including right here in Wisconsin. Associations in Kansas, California, Washington, Georgia and now Wisconsin have already signed on to offer YMCA360 in their communities, and more are continually being added to the list.
While the timing of the unveiling may suggest a link to COVID-19, the idea for YMCA360 actually predates the virus. The concept was born in Wichita when a snowstorm prevented a fitness instructor from getting to a Y branch to teach her class, prompting her to livestream it from her living room. When executives at that Y heard about the instructor’s innovative solution, they began to explore how to expand digital offerings.
“Even before the pandemic, we recognized the need for people to exercise or learn a new skill at their own pace and on their own schedule,” explained Ronn McMahon, president and CEO of the Greater Wichita YMCA. “We met that goal and took it a step further; creating a platform that addresses healthy living from all angles. YMCA360 is unlike anything on the market today, with programs for the mind and body. It’s an unbelievable value added to Y memberships.”
Beyond group exercise classes, YMCA360 offers:
- Virtual gymnastics, basketball and soccer training
- Nutrition and cooking classes
- Personal training
- Art classes
YMCA360 is available to try through May 2, 2021 by setting up an account at YMCA360.org. Beginning May 3rd, member-only access will be implemented, and members will need to use the email tied to their Y account to gain access to YMCA360. Individuals and families who are interested in learning more about membership options and YMCA360 can visit fdlymca.org or speak with membership specialists at the Fond du Lac Family YMCA, 90 W Second Street, Fond du Lac.