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YMCA of Reading & Berks offers Fitness, Parent, Mental Health Resources Online

From the YMCA of Reading and Berks County

Mar 20, 2020

YMCA facilities are closed, but we are still here for you! As a staff working remotely, we continue to focus on our members by securing online fitness relationships and recording fitness workouts and seminars for our members to use from home.

Fitness Resources

  • Les Mills Online – Les Mills classes are some of our most popular offerings with programs including strength, cardio, HIIT, dance, flexibility and more. During this time of closure we are glad to partner with Les Mills to provide this at-home option to our members. This platform is free to use and will not collect any data from users.  It has 95 workout options across 8 categories that are ready to play right now. The workouts will remain open and available as long as the coronavirus situation continues to cause disruption.
  • YMCA 360 – Check out YMCA 360 on YouTube, your perfect portal for a total Y Workout at home! Feature selections including boot camp, active older adults, yoga, and even barre classes, this is a great place to stop if you want that Y experience!

Resources for Parents

With kids across Pennsylvania currently experiencing social distancing and a lack of mental stimulation, it is more crucial than ever to have the tools to keep little minds and hands occupied. We have compiled a list of learning resources and activities below to help out during this time:

  • Scholastic Learn at Home – Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!
  • PBS Newsletter – This helpful daily newsletter offers activities for kids and tips for parents as we play and learn at home. Plus, the PBS Games and Video Apps offer nonstop educational content kids will love!
  • Google Arts & Culture – Visit the museum… virtually! Google Arts and Culture uses the power of Google Earth to allow you to explore more than 500 museums worldwide.
  • School Breakfast and Lunch Pickup Locations – Many school districts are providing free meals in the interim to area students. Click to find out if your school is participating and where to pick up!
  • How to Talk to Children About COVID-19 – In this unprecedented time, you may find yourself struggling with how to talk to kids about our current situation. This helpful article from PBS offers parents an approach to help children understand COVID-19, correct untrue information, and teach children to take precaution without fear.
  • E-Books, Movies, and More – Check out Hoopla for an extensive library of movies, books, and more that you can “borrow” while your local library is closed. It’s compatible with e-readers as well as web browsers, so all you’ll need is internet access to get going!

Stress Management and Mental Health Resources

We understand stress and fear are running very high right now, and we believe mental health is just as crucial as physical health. We’ve prepared a list below of resources, which you can utilize if you’re looking to de-stress, need someone to talk to, or need some support during this time.

  • How You and Your Kids Can Destress During Coronavirus – This helpful article from PBS gives tips and tricks for calming yourself and children, managing moods, and approaching this time with kindness and compassion. Plus, it provides deep breathing exercises the family can do together!
  • Managing Anxiety and Stress During COVID-19 – This helpful resource from the CDC offers tips for managing mental health related to COVID-19 and quarantine as well as gives a list of signs and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression to watch out for in yourself and others.
  • Mental Health Hotlines & Forums – If you are unable to visit a therapist, counselor, or support group during this time, this helpful list provides a variety of online support groups, around the clock hotlines, and more for those struggling with mental health, including resources specifically for individuals with depression and anxiety, Veterans with PTSD, individuals with OCD, and many more.

Please stop by the Y’s website regularly for updates from our facilities, additional resources, and other information as it becomes available. Thank you!

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