Still time to join the YMCA's free 21-day YFitness Challenge

Photo: Unsplash/Bruno Nascimento

The YMCA of Okanagan has seen an overwhelmingly great response to its free 21-day YFitness Challenge.

After a difficult year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA is thrilled that the challenge has seen 5,589 total hours of physical activity. With prizes up for grabs and hundreds of participants, many are exceeding the required 20 minutes of exercise each day.

“We want to build a healthy ripple of motivation throughout our community and are amazed by the response we’ve received so far,” says Kelley Taylor, VP of health, fitness and aquatics.

“We’ve seen gorgeous hiking photos around the Okanagan, a family of four who have taken the challenge on together, and people who have fallen in love with new fitness routines, it’s incredibly inspiring. Our goal was 2,021 collective hours of activity, we are currently at 5,589 hours and we aren’t even finished yet.”

The final day to join is Feb. 28 and anyone in the Okanagan can still enter, free of charge. All you have to do is register online and get active for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, 21 days in a row and log their minutes through the Y’s website.

Prizes up for grabs include a paddle board from Kalavida Surf Shop, a $750 Fresh Air gift card, and a FitBit plus a Y membership. Participants will also gain free access to the Y’s virtual exercise plans.

“Unfortunately, many individuals physical and mental health is slipping, and some may not feel ready to visit a gym,” says Taylor.

“We understand this, and encourage everyone to make their health a priority, whether they get active at the gym, outside, or at home. No matter your situation, we encourage you to kick off the year with an endorphin boost to build healthy habits that stick. If we can cultivate a more active community, we will consider it a big win.”