Wichita, Kansas — The Greater Wichita YMCA announced today an innovative new benefit for members that matches their on-the-go lifestyles and puts healthy living at the center of 2021. Launched publicly this month, YMCA360 is a 360-degree seamless Y experience on mobile devices, TV and web. It is now included free with every membership. 

With YMCA360, healthy living for people of all ages and activity levels is possible anytime, anywhere. The robust digital experience combines immersive, healthy living with the values of the YMCA in a transformational presentation utilizing best-in-class people, programs and systems delivering the ultimate connected community. More than 300 on-demand exercise classes and programs are accessible 24/7 to provide another way to engage with the Y from home or when a branch isn’t nearby. New content will be added weekly, and livestream classes are expected to debut in February. 

“We are connecting our people, places and programs in a whole new way and giving our members the freedom to customize their health and fitness journey at our state-of-the-art facilities as well as their own living rooms,” said Ronn McMahon, president and CEO of the Greater Wichita YMCA. “The quality and production behind YMCA360 is unparalleled, and it is something we are very proud to have created.”

With the development of YMCA360, the Greater Wichita YMCA is spearheading a new movement that is being adopted nationally. Each of the YMCA’s in Kansas as well as associations in California, Washington and Georgia have already signed on to offer YMCA360 in their communities, and more are continually being added to the list. 

While the timing of the unveiling may suggest a link to COVID-19, the idea for YMCA360 actually predates the virus. The concept was born when a snowstorm prevented a fitness instructor in Wichita from getting to a Y branch to teach her class, prompting her to livestream it from her living room. When McMahon heard about the instructor’s innovative solution, he began to explore how to expand digital offerings.

“Even before the pandemic, we recognized the need for people to exercise or learn a new skill at their own pace and on their own schedule,” explained McMahon. “We met that goal and took it a step further, creating a platform that addressed healthy living from all angles. YMCA360 is unlike anything on the market today with programs for the mind and body and it’s an unbelievable value add to memberships.”

Beyond group exercise classes, YMCA360 offers:

• Virtual gymnastics, basketball and soccer training 
• Nutrition and cooking classes 
• Personal training 
• Art classes 

Individuals and families who are interested in learning more about membership options and YMCA360 can visit ymcawichita.org or speak with staff at any branch location.