The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago recently announced the launch of a strategic partnership with Peloton aimed at advancing community health and well-being, increasing member and community access to best-in-class fitness programming, and closing racial health and opportunity gaps across communities.
Through the collaboration, Y members at select locations now have access to Peloton’s programs, equipment, instruction and coaching. The hope is to empower users to establish individualized health, fitness and lifestyle solutions across age, location or previous familiarity with Peloton.
Dorri McWhorter, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, said she formerly communicated with Peloton’s social impact team, and then earlier this year reconnected to explore opportunities for partnership and co-value creation.
“We all had a lot of conversations and a lot of strategy sessions about what this partnership could look like, and how we could implement it for the benefit of our communities,” said McWhorter. “And now here we are. It’s Peloton. It was a no-brainer. They’re an innovative and highly respected health, fitness and lifestyle brand. We collectively saw a lot of opportunities for co-value creation.”
Partnership Details
McWhorter said both entities complement each other, and while some segments of the Y communities may not be familiar with Peloton, they may have real or perceived barriers to participating in the Peloton experience.
“We want to break those barriers down so all members of our community have access to best-in-class programming and content,” said McWhorter. “At the same time, people with Peloton equipment in the home may not have stepped foot in a YMCA in a while. We’re hoping to see an increased awareness of the Y and all the services we offer — from day camp to workforce development to food security to community events — in addition to the health and well-being offerings most people associate with their Y.”
Specifically, the partnership creates designated spaces for Y members to try free workouts on the Peloton App at the Lake View YMCA, and four YMCA of Metro Chicago locations have been outfitted with 12 total Peloton Bikes situated in specially designed, co-branded experiential spaces.
Fry Family YMCA in the western suburbs, McCormick YMCA in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, Sage YMCA in the northwest suburbs and South Side YMCA in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood were strategically selected as pilot locations for their geographic and demographic diversity and opportunity for community impact.
Future Hopes and Expansion
McWhorter said the Y would love to install more bikes across all its locations. Also, they want to expand their dedicated fitness areas where members and the community can access the Peloton content and programming as part of their Y experience.
“Ultimately, it’s about inspiring all of our members and communities to take advantage of the resources offered by Peloton and by the Y so they can live their healthiest lives,” added McWhorter. We find our strongest partnerships are with the organizations that have that same kind of commitment.”
In a press release, Greg Hybl, the senior vice president and general manager of commercial and corporate wellness at Peloton said the company was thrilled to partner with the YMCA of Metro Chicago to help continue their efforts of increasing accessibility to fitness and meeting you at every stage of your fitness journey.
“Peloton and the YMCA share a mission to help people live their healthiest and happiest lives, building active, supportive communities that empower and bring out the best in our members through efficient, impactful, entertaining and community-driven workout experiences that meet their needs,” said Hybal in a press release.
A special Adult Day Camp launch event celebrating the partnership and its impact was also held on August 19 at the McCormick YMCA. The event featured fitness and day-camp activities, healthy snacks, special guest appearances, a health and well-being panel discussion, and more.
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