Inclusive fitness coach builds impactful connections with Y and Burnalong members across the globe through virtual and in-person classes
Baltimore, MD – Burnalong, the leading digital health solution that helps people reach health goals and organizations deliver against business and cultural metrics, announced Megan McCuen, a Y Wellness 24/7 instructor and member-favorite on Burnalong as America’s Favorite Instructor.
The annual “America’s Favorite Instructor” competition celebrates the work of holistic wellness professionals and their impact on hundreds of thousands of lives, across all 60+ of Burnalong’s wellness categories.
From November 13-20, 2022, Burnalong instructors across physical, emotional, and financial wellness categories were nominated for the title, receiving 1,000s of votes and 100s of supportive comments. Votes were accepted from November 21-28, 2022. Voters ranged from students to seniors, representing the diversity of users across Burnalong, and come from employees at organizations spanning industries from government, healthcare, education, retail, sports, tech, to finance.
Megan McCuen, winner of America’s Favorite Instructor, holds certifications as an AAI/ISMA Certified Personal Trainer, Primary Group Exercise, Weight Management, and Sports Nutrition Coach; she is also a certified Body Pump trainer, AFAA Group Exercise certified, and has Tivity’s SilverSneakers Cardio, Circuit, and Classic certifications. With more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness field, McCuen focuses on inclusive fitness so that everyone, whether they are new to their fitness journey, has stopped exercising, or requires modifications to accommodate varying levels of mobility can participate.
McCuen is based out of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties, one of the nearly 50 associations representing 120+ YMCA branches that partner with Burnalong to provide live and on-demand classes through the Y Wellness 24/7 collaborative, to hundreds of thousands of Burnalong and YMCA members.
With nearly 2 million minutes of programming viewed, to date, with 100+ live classes each week and more than 7,500 Y-specific, on-demand classes. Burnalong and Y members have access to relatable, inclusive, high-quality content at any time, on any device, and to meet most needs.
McCuen received high praise from voters who have been positively impacted by her passion and work.
“She is extremely dedicated to helping members work their hardest to be their best while keeping it fun! She is always “on” and welcoming, and works hard with us, keeping us going in the group fitness classes. She is a fantastic one-on-one trainer, and helped me recover from a back injury, picking up where the physical therapist left off,” said one member.
“She is so inspiring, always pushing us to do more and always has a smile. She obviously loves her job and you can see it…” says another Y Wellness 24/7 and Burnalong nominator of McCuen.
“She got me started on exercising at home at the beginning of the quarantine/closing of the YMCA. She has a wonderful and motivating personality…I love being back in person now to attend her classes,” said another Y Wellness 24/7 and Burnalong member.
McCuen’s many notes of praise highlight an important trend in fitness and wellness: the need to build connections with community members virtually and in person.
As gyms and facilities look to engage a wider community, post-pandemic, they must transition to offering in-person and online classes. A recent study found that 35% of Americans started going to an in-person fitness class they discovered through virtual fitness. The partnership between Burnalong and Y Wellness 24/7 helps bridge the gap between online and offline health and wellness classes–expanding the reach of Burnalong instructors like Megan McCuen to hundreds of thousands of members across the globe.
“We are so proud of Megan McCuen’s work and the solid connections she has built with Y members, both online and in person,” says Trish Feinthel, Chief Operations Officer of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “We are committed to serving our members with accessible programs, services, and practices. Through Y Wellness 24/7, we are able to expand the reach of local facilities to the broader Burnalong community, as well. We extend warm congratulations to Megan and are so grateful for her continued service to the community.”
“What an honor to win America’s Favorite Instructor title. Thank you to all who nominated and voted for me! I absolutely love teaching all levels and abilities of fitness,” says Megan McCuen, winner of America’s Favorite Instructor. “Being on Burnalong has helped me reach members far beyond my local YMCA to help them improve their fitness and enhance their quality of life through increased strength, mobility, and confidence. I realize that not everyone loves to exercise but we all know how important it is so I try to make each workout a fun experience. I look forward to continuing our fitness journey together.”
“Burnalong is thrilled to spotlight Megan McCuen’s hard work and dedication to inclusive wellness with her title as America’s Favorite Instructor,“ says Tricia Jefferson, Director of Partnerships at Burnalong. “Burnalong is steadfast in our commitment to meeting every member wherever they are in their health journey with diverse, inclusive, and relatable content and instructors. We are so thankful for Megan’s passion, inspiration, and example for Y Wellness 24/7 and Burnalong members.”
To learn more about Burnalong and Y Wellness 24/7, visit www.burnalong.com and www.ywellness247.org.
ABOUT BURNALONG
Burnalong is the leading digital health solution that helps people – ranging from new mothers to seniors, and everyone in between – achieve their health and wellness goals; and helps organizations deliver against business, health, and cultural goals. It helps people from all walks of life achieve happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Clients range from governments to companies of all sizes (with employees across 70+ countries), to hospital systems, and health plans. Burnalong partners with wellness, medical, education, and other professionals globally – from thousands of brick-and-mortar facilities and YMCAs to hospitals and their specialists to corporate on-site wellness centers.
ABOUT THE Y
The YMCA is one of the largest nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening communities in the U.S. and around the world, serving more than 64 million people in 120 countries. The Y connects people to their potential, purpose and each other in 10,000 communities across the country through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Based on specific community needs, individual Y associations offer varied programs and services ranging from health and wellness, child care and camp, and sports and swim programs to food stability programs, shelters, and more fundamental services.
Forty-nine YMCA associations currently make up the Y Wellness 24/7 collaborative with Burnalong, with more joining each month. Find out more at ywellness247.org/about-us.
