Rocky Mount, Va. (May 21, 2020) – In accordance with phase one guidelines, the Franklin County Family YMCA is now offering outdoor, instructor lead group exercise classes. Since shutting its doors mid-March due to COVID, the YMCA has been working hard to keep members healthy by making video content and exercise routines available on their website and social media platforms.

When talks of phasing back into normal operating hours began, Y staff got busy preparing for social distancing and occupant limitations that they anticipated may be set forth by the governor. “We were hopeful that we’d be able to open at the beginning of the first phase as long as we spaced machines, calculated occupancy and took the proper precautions. Although we still aren’t able to let members use any indoor facilities at our branches, we are excited to be able to offer outdoor group exercise,” says Andrea Fansler, Smith Mountain Lake Branch Director.

The Y started offering outdoor group exercise on May 15th at both the Rocky Mount and Smith Mountain Lake locations. These classes are being held Monday through Saturday and include bootcamp, cycling, yoga, and Zumba.

“We are so excited to be able to offer group exercise classes again! We believe exercise is foundational to our health: spirit, mind and body. We are taking all precautions necessary, including spacing everyone 10 feet apart, using little to no equipment and sanitizing any equipment used both before and after classes. We hope you come and see what we have to offer and hope to open the doors to the YMCA soon,” says Abigail Jamison, Fitness Director at the Rocky Mount YMCA.

Class sizes are limited to 10 people including the instructor.  During the early phases of reopening, the Y will not be able to have visitors or members of other Y’s participating in outdoor group exercise classes.

The outdoor group exercise schedules can be viewed on the Y’s website www.franklincountyymca.org or on the Franklin County Family YMCA Facebook page. For any questions about this or other fitness programs please contact Abigail Jamison (Rocky Mount) at ajamison@franklincountyymca.org  or Andrea Fansler (Smith Mountain Lake) at afansler@franklincountyymca.org.