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Gym aims to boost mental and physical health with free online workout classes

While the gym may be empty, member's hearts are full, and so are the streaming Zoom classes.

PHOENIX — The coronavirus outbreak is throwing a wrench in the daily routines of many people, to say the very least. 

As the new norm becomes "staying at home," one Valley gym, Crossfit Uru, wants people to know a support system is still out there. The aim is geared especially for those looking for a way to boost mental strength during these uncertain times.

Rob Best, owner at Crossfit Uru, wants everyone to keep in mind that even with the stay-at-home order, Governor Ducey did say we could and should get outside. If you want to follow a workout, why not do it outdoors with your smart device?

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Best said exercising alleviates stress.

"Science has shown time and time again the positive effects of exercise on stress and anxiety and we're obviously here to  promote that," he said.

He added that while the gym may be empty, member's hearts are full, and so are the streaming Zoom classes.

"We run three a day. It's been an awesome response. I've personally been doing the workouts and feeling positive effects from it," he said.

As a recovering addict, Best uses his history and hard times to help others and now he's doubling down.

"The folks that are in recovery, they can reach out to me, we can do a Zoom class together and I'm always offering my services to that community," he added.

He points to the positive effects of group fitness and says these days, most members look to lift weights and their spirits, turning to streaming workouts to stay focused.

"If you are at home and you are started to feel lonely or depressed, I strongly urge you to call someone ... just because we're physically distancing, doesn't mean we should be socially isolating," Best said.

RELATED: Both introverts and extroverts face challenges while social distancing

He's firing on all cylinders and providing cyber support to prevent a renewed struggle.

"It's uncertain times for everybody, I'm a small business owner and there's people who are losing jobs and unsure about their futures and it's causing some stress, a great way to alleviate stress is to exercise," he said.

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