By Amanda Popp
Contributing writer
— During such an unprecedented time, AL!VE is continuing to provide a sense of community. The experience-based destination health park of Charlotte has moved to a virtual format to allow the community continued support through online health and well-being programming.
“During a time like this, AL!VE can still be a place of community in a different sense,” said Christina Campbell, AL!VE’s marketing and operations manager. “It can still provide health and vitality through a different platform and be accessible for the masses, which is something we have always strived for.”
AL!VE participants can tune into live classes held on Zoom daily through the zoom link, located on the myalive.com website. Fitness classes and support groups are offered throughout the week. The fitness class schedule is posted weekly to AL!VE’s social media channels, along with the zoom link on their website.
Campbell said the classes are also uploaded to their YouTube channel — AL!VE: Your Community Well-Being Place — allowing participants to watch for free at any time. The free virtual classes are uploaded almost daily and consist of a broad range of fitness and hobby related classes.
“A lot of classes that you’re going to see the instructors teaching were classes that were already on our schedule, but we also added some based on feedback we’ve received since offering virtual programming,” Campbell said.
The majority of the virtual programming is group exercise classes, with the exception of a variety of hobby and educational videos related to health.
The wide range of topics vary from a gardening series, cooking classes, a mental health check-in, intuitive eating, a DIY scrub, story time for kids, massage techniques and music. Topics are taught by the staff of experts at AL!VE, offering the public a variety of ways to improve their health in the confines of their own homes.
Jennifer Davis, a fitness instructor at AL!VE, said she is proud to be part of the team.
“Virtual programming has allowed us to at least interact through technology and stay connected with one another,” Davis said. “I am so proud to be part of this team of instructors.
“The entire AL!VE community has really pulled together and supported each other in these virtual classes, giving both instructors and members the encouragement they need to stay motivated.”
AL!VE will continue to offer virtual programming until further notice. They have also recently reopened the outdoor walking path at AL!VE PRESERVE. Members of the community can enjoy the StoryWalk Project, an interactive path where children can complete activities and read along with the children’s book, “Lola Plants a Garden.”
