“With months of social isolation, lack of our usual day-to -day structure, and increased anxiety due to the pandemic, we are seeing community members of all ages struggle with mental health issues,” says Shelldale Family Gateway Executive Director, Diana Boal. “Many studies have shown how physical activity increases our positive mental health. That’s why we are taking the lead to get all family members active through exercises that are family-focused, fun and unique and will boost mental health.”
This is a month-long event to engage families and friends. This is for families to get active together, set goals and continue to be active all year long.”
To help families along their fitness journey, video instruction from Mindful Movements Studio will be on Shelldale Family Gateway’s website. Families will learn different fitness activities with guidance from Kym, professional trainer, and owner of Mindful Movements, on how to increase their fitness challenges per age group each week. The goal is for families to meet their fitness goals each week and to increase their fitness level as each week passes. Exercises can be done indoors and outdoors.
“The Shelldale Centre has been an anchor in the Willow Road area that provides support for so many families. It is a dynamic Centre where breakfast is offered, Tai Chi is performed daily, teens meet and where toddlers and children thrive. The dedicated and tireless staff and volunteers and the families who take part in the programs confirm it takes a community to make the change that matters,”
“For the past 30 years, Shelldale Family Gateway has helped residents in Guelph’s Onward Willow neighbourhood with programming and support while celebrating the multiculturalism of this special community. A big thank you to Shelldale for being here with Guelph as we collectively make it through this pandemic,”