Les Mills Asia Pacific and the Y partner for members and employees

The YMCA, today known as the Y, is celebrating being able to provide free access for 2 months to the LES MILLS On Demand Premium service for their members and employees, in this national time of crisis.

The Y are the first organisation in Australia to offer this premium service, which includes over 800 fitness videos for all abilities, to their members free of charge in an effort to create opportunities to stay active at home while their physical spaces are closed due to the coronavirus.

“This week thanks to our partnership with Les Mills Asia Pacific we have been able to gift access to over 200,000 of our valued members, employees and volunteers, including thousands of staff who are sadly currently stood down, from the Top End to Tassie and East to West Coast, while our recreation facilities are closed due to coronavirus,” said Melinda Crole, National CEO of the Y in Australia.

“We all know that exercise helps people to cope better with challenging situations, so the key message during this time is: KEEP EXERCISING.” said Ryan Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Les Mills Asia Pacific.

“We are delighted to help promote this message by partnering with the Y to make 800+ at-home workouts accessible to the Y’s members and staff right across Australia, via our online streaming service called LES MILLS On Demand.”

“We are fortunate to be in an industry that everyone will return to, once this situation calms down. People will flock back to their local centres because they’re aching for socialisation, exercise and camaraderie – and that’s going to be a great day! Until then, however, we want to ensure people have access to the exercise opportunities that will help them stay healthy and active.”

Ms Crole said the number one priority of the Y was the health and safety of their people, customers and the wider community, with the Les Mills at home workouts just one of the ways they were able support their members, staff and volunteers throughout this critical time.

Members are already expressing their appreciation:

“Wow, what a cool initiative - thanks YMCA! Already missing you guys and looking forward to seeing all the trainers again soon." - Debbie a member of a YMCA SA gym.

The Y has existed and continuously evolved over 175 years but has always believed in strengthening the health and wellbeing of communities, with a focus on young people. The Y delivers 29 million annual participations a year across our programs and services from early learning to outside school hours care, recreation and youth services.