
These Canadian gyms are offering free workouts on Instagram, Facebook and more
By Heather Cichowski
Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing is important in these unprecedented times as many are in self-isolation, quarantine or under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Countless businesses, including gyms, trainers, fitness centres and community centres, have been affected by COVID-19. With physical exercise being something to improve our health and immunity, it is important not to totally neglect it.
Thankfully, there are many Canadian gyms, influencers and training facilities using Facebook, Instagram and other apps to offer free virtual fitness classes during these times of change. The sessions are great for keeping the entire family active and sharing a bonding experience among all participants.
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Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is offering free "Home Work-In" sessions every day at 7 p.m. EST on Facebook Live. The tagline is "United we move" and they promise "surprise celebrity guests" in addition to their trainers. And no special equipment is needed for the classes.
Modo Yoga
Maintain a clear head and focus with Modo Yoga's multiple daily classes on Instagram Live. The Montreal yoga studio has a variety of classes on offer throughout the day.
MOVATI Athletic
MOVATI Athletic typically offers a range of classes across its locations in Ontario, but now all Canadians can get active online. The company is offering a range of free classes on Facebook Live and Instagram Live including Pilates, meditation and Hatha yoga.
Sweat and Tonic
Toronto-based Sweat and Tonic has a full schedule of classes to keep our bodies active and minds clear. There are multiple classes offered throughout the day via Instagram Live and each one is 30 minutes. Options include "Slow Burn" and HIIT.
Power Yoga Canada
Power Yoga Canada has five daily free livestreamed classes on Instagram and Facebook, beginning at 6 a.m., with the last class starting at 8:30 p.m. There are "Little Pretzels" classes for children and families.
Hoame Meditation
Hoame Meditation, Toronto’s modern meditation studio, has free livestreamed classes on Instagram for those after activities at a slower pace. Classes run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and cover topics such as sleep and visualization.
Formation Studio
This Vancouver dance-based fitness studio is determined to keep everyone moving with various Instagram Live classes. They focus on different things, like presence and power, and happen at various times. Formation also promises more exciting developments, including virtual dance parties.
YMCA
The YMCA recently launched YMCA 360, on-demand exercise and youth programs that are currently free whether users have a membership or not. There are multiple classes available like barre, bootcamp, tai chi and yoga.
Additionally, YMCA Greater Toronto is offering free classes for the whole family on Facebook Live.