BurnAlong adds digital connection to the local American Heart Association’s CycleNation event

BurnAlong’s platform is helping to expand the reach of the American Heart Association‘s local CycleNation event that’s coming up next month.

On Sept. 15, the live event that raises money and awareness is taking place at Core Cycle Studios in Timonium. It presents a chance for teams — whether they’re from companies or friends and family — and individuals to come together and ride stationary bikes for heart health and impact the association’s work to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For BurnAlong, it’s a fit with the company’s mission to help people meet health and wellness goals. The Pikesville-based company is donating its technology, which allows users to stream fitness classes and work out together. That will enable participants to join digitally from far flung locations beyond the studio. And they don’t necessarily have to be cycling.

“People globally, anytime on that Sunday, can login for free onto BurnAlong and get access to those classes and take those cycling classes, or employees at companies can take any class and participate across 40 different categories,” said Daniel Freedman, co-CEO of BurnAlong.

Along with location, he said there’s no limitation on the size of a company that can participate. Employees may also want to have their families join in.

“Companies know the importance of looking after employees’ health, and they also spend a lot of time doing charitable work,” Freedman said. “This is a time to both do good and do well for their employees because they’re raising money for a cause but they’re also giving employees a way to progress in their wellness journey.”

The tech is also helping to extend the event beyond a single day. Core Cycle Studios put together training programs ahead of the event which will be available on BurnAlong.

Participants don’t necessarily have to be experienced cyclists. Along with classes geared toward beginners, BurnAlong is also making its on-demand classes from instructors in other fitness categories or yoga, as well as those specifically for seniors, people struggling with specific health ailments or people with disabilities.

“Whatever your stage in life, whatever your health goals and challenges, there are classes you can take,” Freedman said.