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The YMCA at Austin Recreation Center is not able to re-open the doors to its new facility yet, but it is ready to provide some face-to-face training.

With the recent announcement by Gov. Tim Walz in place, the YMCA is planning to open on June 15 with capacity limitations based on the order.

Until then, however, Curbside Fitness is under way and it will allow YMCA participants to take daily classes outside the building near the Fourth Avenue entrance doors while practicing social distancing and sanitation guidelines by staying in marked squares in the lot.

Participants will be able to meet up with instructors in boot camp, active/ageless strength, first step, kickboxing, HIIT, aerobic fusion, body sculpt, gentle yoga, kettlebells and circuit fusion. For the classes that include equipment, those items will be moved outside.

While no members will be in the building yet, Bryce Becker, health and living director at the YMCA, is happy to have members near the building.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as possible. We know that the members are antsy to make fitness a priority in their lifestyle for emotional, physical and mental health,” Becker said. “Everyone’s excited to get back out there and see our members again. We miss everyone.”

Members who come to the curb side workouts will get the opportunity to regain their sense of motivation from an instructor and their counterparts who are working out next to them.

“It provides an opportunity to bring back some accountability,” Becker said. “Having people next to you doing the same workout adds a sense of camaraderie and community. Having that structure helps. I think getting a little bit closer to what your norm used to be is beneficial.”

Registration is open online and classes will be held throughout the day Monday through Friday.

The new YMCA building was open for just over a month before it was closed due to the pandemic.

Becker is looking forward to eventually getting back to opening the doors of the YMCA and getting the community back inside the building.

“Safety is our number one priority and concern. We definitely want to get back in the building as soon as possible, but our hands are a little bit tied,” Becker said. “We’ll be ready as soon as they lift some of those precautions. We’re taking the steps to make safety the number on priority, but to get people back in here.”

Participants of the curbside program must sign a COVID-19 release form and must reserve their spot in the class before attending.