Northern lights recipient – Online fitness instructors

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Location: Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta

When fitness facilities and recreation centres had to temporarily close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Albertans found it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. Across the province, many fitness instructors have found ways to address this issue and provide free online fitness classes across a variety of platforms. From yoga and Zumba, to dance and karate, these fitness instructors are bringing their communities together by promoting physical and mental well-being.

The Albertan Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program recognizes theses amazing Albertans:

Andrea Sereda, a fitness instructor in Calgary, wants to keep Albertans moving by live-streaming five to six free fitness classes weekly on Facebook.

After closing her studio to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Breathing Roots Yoga and Wellness owner Lesley Foster of Jarvie started offering free yoga classes over Zoom.

Every Wednesday and Friday, Zumba instructor Cristina Camara Macapili with Ezcape Dance Fitness in Calgary promotes health and wellness with her live classes available through Zoom and Twitch.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Calgarian Vandana Gupta has been offering free yoga classes five days a week through Zoom.

As soon as she found out that community centres and gyms across Calgary were closing, Nazanin Tabibi got to work on setting up virtual classes. She live-streams up to four classes a day on Facebook and makes the videos available afterwards for anyone who was unable to attend the live-stream.

After having to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Metta Yoga Edmonton began offering all of their classes free-of-charge on Instagram and Facebook live.

In Calgary, Get In Motion volunteer Evan Haslhofer has been coaching two participants with disabilities to meet their physical activity goals and provide some social connection.

Calgary’s Alka Goyal is helping people around the world stay fit and positive with her free online yoga classes offered through Zoom.