Breaking Records with YMCA GTA

Photo via The Canadian Press photographer, Stephanie Link

As we start a new year, it’s common for most resolutions to begin with some form of a health or fitness goal. For me though, I tend to stay away from the formal ‘resolutions’ and instead, aim my focus on things that will generally make me a healthier and happier person. After all, isn’t that what we all really want at the end of the day?

Rather than stick to “workout more” goal for 2018, I told myself that I would make the effort to get more active than usual (and I would still consider myself a pretty active person), but I would do so in new and original ways while having fun. I’m all for making fitness a fun activity opposed to feeling like it’s a chore.

While thinking of new ways to have fun and get healthy at the same time, YMCA GTA approached me with an invite to join in on breaking a Guinness World Records title. I remember reading a Guinness World Records book when I was a kid and thinking that I wanted to be a part of breaking a record. A record for what exactly, I never knew, but as I devote my 2018 to partaking in fun activities, I was already ready with a ‘yes’ before it was mentioned that I would take part in the World’s Largest Exercise Ball Demonstration/Class.

This goes to show you just how much putting things out into the world actually works!

Photo via The Canadian Press photographer, Stephanie Link

On January 11^th, my alarm went off at 5am, and while it’s much, MUCH earlier than I usually ever wake up, I was so excited to not only start my day, but start the new year on a healthier foot, contributing to a goal for not only myself but for other joining in breaking a world record. Though I yawned almost the entire way in the taxi while heading downtown to the event, as soon as I entered the Central YMCA and heard the buzzing and excitement amongst all those involved, I was immediately energized and ready for the class!

Once I was changed into my “Sweat For Good” tee, I entered the gym where the room was filled with exercise balls and a vast number of individuals with a wide range of fitness levels. It was such an inspiring sight to see as I noticed all age groups, different fitness levels but all with a common purpose, which was to Sweat For Good, have fun and break a record!

Leading up to the start time of the record breaking exercise ball class, those involved got comfortable, chatting amongst themselves, stretching and getting pumped up for what was to come. I quickly claimed my ball in the back with a few other bloggers, so we could do what we do best – capture all the action before the countdown begun.

The amazing and talented fitness trainer, Eva Redpath was set to lead the class and her infectious energy and motivating drive was the perfect attitude to help inspire the group and keep things going for the full 30-minute class. While the room was filled with different fitness levels, the high-energy class consisted of exercises that made it perfect for all involved whether you were an expert or just looking to sweat it up and get your blood pumping. I have to say that by the end of it, my shirt was sweaty, but yet I had such a blast, that it hardly felt like a workout!

Once the 30-minute countdown concluded, we were excited, pumped, but patiently awaiting to hear whether we broke the Guinness World Records. And after just a few moments of a cool down, an adjudicator from Guinness announces that we have broken a Guinness World Records of 454 participants and the gym fills with the loudest cheers as high fives and hugs are shared amongst those involved.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto makes world history breaking the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) title for Largest exercise ball class by one participant at 454. From left to right, YMCA’s President/CEO Medhat Mahdy, manager of group fitness Sherry Perez, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Adjudicator Christina Conlon-Flounders and celebrity trainer Eva Redpath, Thursday, January 11, 2018, in Toronto. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO/YMCA of Greater Toronto

Breaking the world record by 1 participant, made the experience that much more significant since it proves how important every individual was in order to break the record and it personally made me feel amazing knowing that I contributed to a World Record accomplishment.

This event was the perfect way to kick off the new year, getting active, taking part in a community initiative and spreading positivity with others. After all, that is what the YMCA community is about!

Fore more information on YMCA, their Fitness Centres and their diverse programs, visit YMCAgta.org!

This post is in partnership with YMCA GTA, however all opinions are my own!

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