When the pandemic first came to light in 2020, wellness centers that had to close their doors like the Door County YMCA were among hard hit businesses. Since getting to open their doors again on June 1st, Active Older Adult Coordinator Christine Webb-Miller says they’ve been committed to keeping members and staff safe. This includes making sure everyone that comes in is masked and asking that they stay covered when exercising. Other measures include keeping class participants a safe distance from each other, and having cleaning crews work around the clock. Webb-Miller complimented members saying they’ve been very compliant, and that they’ve said they feel safe. 

As more offerings are made, one program that the YMCA looks forward to participants working out in is the Moving for Better Balance program, which aids fall prevention. This is a twelve week evidence-based program based on the principles of Tai Chi, an art that is commonly recommended by doctors as adults get older. The program teaches the first eight movements of Tai Chi that have been modified for fall prevention. The techniques aim to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, mobility, and offer a sense of connectivity amongst the group.