![gym home workout image](https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/infographics-v2Artboard-1-copy-2-100.jpg)
With an empty gym and no sign of the pandemic easing, YMCA Gym Manager Donna Ayre grabbed her smartphone, ventured into the garden and began filming some home workouts. When asked how it felt teaching classes in front of a camera, Donna responded
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first, especially trying to create a professional fitness video with my phone propped on a pile of books. I’m sure the unexpected contributions from my dog and children made things pretty entertaining for the viewers though.”
Since this initial online workout, The whole YMCA gym team have done their bit by recording classes from their living rooms, making them as versatile as possible by encouraging participants to grab tins of vegetables to use as weights and designing workouts that can be done in small spaces.
You can now access a whole host of online videos by visiting www.ymcagym.co.uk/at-home and from Monday, existing gym members can even start booking free one to one sessions. Donna will be going live on Facebook this evening to provide further information on this.
Going Retro
Although modern technology has allowed YMCA Gym to share these fantastic online classes, not everyone can access the internet as easily as others. This became particularly apparent with those who regularly attended the Healthy Hearts classes, so to avoid anyone missing out, the gym team went old school and began burning recordings of the classes onto DVD’s which were then safely hand posted by Donna.
The Healthy Hearts participants were extremely grateful that they could continue joining in with the classes and that YMCA Gym had gone above and beyond to improve their health and wellbeing.
Right now, our staff are giving their time to bring health and wellbeing to the local community.
Please donate here. And help us change the lives of vulnerable young people.
![](https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Social-media-icon-green.jpg)
Read more news stories:
Celebrating Empowerment: Sponsoring Talia
By Summer Thompson. We are absolutely thrilled to announce our official sponsorship of Talia Sisterson, a remarkably talented player from the Percy Park Panthers Rugby Club. Talia is an incredible athlete who stands as inspiration for young girls everywhere, promoting...
Blew the Emotional Support Dog
By Georgia King. Blew is a grey French Bulldog who is owned by the manager of housing at Sir James Knott House, she often brings her in when she is on shift. Blew will normally sit in the office and greet all the visitors of the building and she is often welcomed with...
YMCA Airplay VS RAF Leeming 2024
By Ella Graham. Last year, our Airplay Youth Club took on the challenge of competing against RAF Leeming in a series of fun-filled games and activities. The event was such a hit that the children immediately requested it become an annual tradition! This May, our young...
Picnic in the Park 2024: A Roaring Success
By Cameron Galloway. Our biggest community event of the year was a huge success with over 3,000 guests in attendance to celebrate YMCA Founders Day and our 145th anniversary. Despite a mixed forecast, we arrived on site at 7.50am to clear blue skies and a warm breeze....
Our First Ullswater Challenge
By Cameron Galloway. On Saturday 20th April a group of 30 challengers took on YMCA North Tyneside’s Ullswater Challenge. This 22-mile hike around the perimeter of Ullswater started and finished at our Patterdale Estate, tying the beauty of the Lake District back to...