Event Overview: YMCA Chicago Event With Peloton’s Ash Pryor 

Peloton coach Ash Pryor recently participated in a Peloton x YMCA Adult Day Camp gathering in Chicago. Gratitude to #DrKeithAAW for sharing insights from the event. 

The occasion happened on Saturday, August 19, at McCormick YMCA. The event’s details mentioned: 

To mark the initiation of our new collaboration with Peloton, we’re jointly hosting a special one-day Adult Day Camp on Saturday, August 19, at McCormick YMCA. 

You’re welcome to join us between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for fitness, food, and fun, featuring classes and activities led by YMCA and Peloton instructors, arts & crafts, day-camp activities, a panel discussion with Peloton’s Ash Pryor, and much more! 

A blend of Peloton enthusiasts and YMCA members, both Peloton and non-Peloton, gathered at the event. As a queue took shape outside, Ash stepped out to engage with the crowd waiting, going beyond a simple “hello” by asking questions and genuinely trying to connect with everyone. 

Upon entering, attendees signed in and received a free red YMCA Peloton water bottle as a token of welcome. 

A modest platform was arranged outdoors at the YMCA for the morning stretch and HIIT classes. Ash Pryor guided a 15-minute stretch that received rave reviews, despite the unexpected rain. Following the session, Ash made rounds to personally greet everyone present. 

Following that, a YMCA instructor guided participants through an extended but effective HIIT workout. The instructor, Becky Neal, a mother of five and the new Director of Sports and Fitness for the YMCA of Metro Chicago, highlighted the availability of Peloton Bikes at selected YMCA Chicago locations. 

Tables were set up outside during the workouts, allowing attendees to create bracelets or tie-dye Peloton YMCA Adult Day Camp shirts. 

After the HIIT class, everyone returned indoors for a catered lunch from Irazu, a local Costa Rican restaurant. 

During lunch, a panel discussion unfolded featuring Ash and Dorri C. McWhorter, the President and CEO of YMCA Metropolitan Chicago. Dorri, a Peloton member, had also joined in the stretch and HIIT sessions. The panel touched on various topics, including the recently announced partnership between Peloton and YMCA Metropolitan Chicago, the shared goal of making fitness enjoyable (embraced by both Peloton and the YMCA), and the importance of prioritizing self-care and fitness without feeling selfish. 

Interestingly, Ash revealed her love for strength training and mentioned that, at the moment, she doesn’t instruct in strength. Could this be a hint at things to come? 

After the lunch panel wrapped up, participants transitioned to additional day camp activities. At 2:00 p.m., Ash led a stroll along the Bloomingdale Trail/606, an 8-year-old path that was once train tracks. Wearing a headset mic and playing music through a speaker, Ash and the attendees engaged in a 25-minute walk, discussing everything from Beyoncé and Midwest colleges to body image. Refreshments included ample cold water, Gatorade, and some delightful frozen treats. 

Following their stroll, the team gathered for a photo. Besides the usual shot, they snapped amusing pictures, like one featuring Ash playfully squatting next to a participant! If you haven’t witnessed Ash’s incredible feats in videos, such as squatting, deadlifting, or rowing her Peloton co-instructors, explore her Instagram. It’s beyond impressive! 

The event was a smoothly arranged occasion. Ash made an effort to chat with all the attendees, and people valued the chance to meet each other face-to-face. The announcement of this event coincided with Peloton’s recent collaboration with YMCA Chicago. As a result of this partnership, specific YMCA sites in the Chicago metropolitan region will feature Peloton gear and offer access to Peloton content. 

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