YMCA introduces family activity programming

A combination of cost and time constraints along with a lack of available 'family friendly' fitness options is seeing many families miss out on spending quality, active time together, according to the YMCA.

The high cost of putting children in organised sport is a key reason why over a million children aged five to 14 in Australia do not take part in outside school sport today, while, for those that do, time constraints mean parents are less likely to be active themselves, as they transport their children and watch from the sidelines.

YMCA NSW Chief Executive Phillip Hare explains "the reality is that families know how important it is to stay fit and active, but for many the high cost of participation makes this near impossible and finding time for everyone to be active is also a challenge.

"These barriers to access need to be broken."

In line with the start of spring, the Y has introduced new family-focused Centre Timetables across more than 35 YMCA-owned and managed health and fitness centres in NSW.

The new Timetable encourages family participation by including more programs the whole family can do together, while also making it easy to identify separate programs that family members can do at the same time.

Hare explains "this is a unique proposition in the health and fitness industry and we believe a vital one.

"Family programming at the Y is all about making it easy for families to come down to the gym and take part in a range of activities together, such as a family Zumba class, or simultaneously. So mum could be in a group fitness class, her teenage son in our Teen Gym program and there could also be a child doing gymnastics.

"We're saying to parents, don't sit on the sidelines, get fit and healthy with your children at the same time. It just makes sense and we're seeing many families benefit from this model."

The Y's Family Membership also makes it more affordable than ever for families to be healthy and active.

Until 31st October, families can sign up at their local Y on a Family Membership for $1.

For more information go to www.ymcasydney.org 

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