My “Y” Story

In all my research, one item stuck with me most of all: You can’t try to fit exercise into your life – you just have to decide to make it happen, no matter what. ~ Shannon

All my life I’ve been heavy, but still moderately active. I swam competitively in high school, and did some sprint distance triathlons in college. After getting married and having children it was easy to forget about taking care of my body and focus instead on the needs of my family. I settled into a sedentary and obese lifestyle that lasted over six years.

Then, in the summer of 2008, I injured my back. After seven months of chronic pain, I finally realized that it was up to me to care for and strengthen my body. In February 2009 I signed up for a triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho that would take place the following July, and I started to think about training. In all my research, one item stuck with me most of all: You can’t try to fit exercise into your life – you just have to decide to make it happen, no matter what. I realized that, with my body in such bad shape, I couldn’t afford to be a sissy.

I found out around that time that my friend Abbi taught the 5:30am spinning class at the YMCA. I joined the Y and started going to Abbi’s class. The spinning class was like an immediate family. I looked forward to seeing everyone each Tuesday and Thursday, and I knew someone would give me a hard time if I skipped. Through the calls, as well as through my lap swimming, treadmill workouts, I began to make some friendly connection at the YMCA.

That May I did a small indoor triathlon at the YMCA. My swimming was slow, my cycling was short, and my running was weak, but I was so proud to have finished at all! As I continued my morning workouts and made more YMCA connections through my kids’ swimming lessons, my fitness goals skyrocketed. In June 2009 I did a 25-mile Lake Quinault Bike Ride and a 5k fun run. In July I placed 3rd in my age group at the Ocean Shores Big Weekend Sprint-Distance Triathlon, then competed in the Race the River Triathlon at Riverstone in Coeur d’Alene. I began to find strength inside myself that I never thought existed.

By the end of the summer I was still quite a bit overweight, but I could feel my body growing stronger as my clothes become baggier. I could finally keep up with Abbi at all times in spinning class – even her crazy arm workouts! I freshened up my swim workout and made friends with the ladies in the locker room. I got advice from the fitness staff on the best way to use the machines and rocketed down the water slide with my kids on the weekends.

In the fall of 2009 I renewed my commitment to my morning workouts. My kids become involved with gymnastics, and I felt like I was living at the Y. I loved seeing all the people I knew! And my kids loved their instructors, counselors and friends from all their gymnastics, swimming and Camp Bishop Overnighter activities.

Today it has been almost two years since I began my wellness journey. I am by far the healthiest I have ever been. My fitness and eating habits center on maintaining my overall health, and I feel great. By paying attention to my appetite and overall nutrition, as well as by exercising regularly, I have gradually lost almost 70lbs. I wear smaller clothes than I wore in high school, and finally weigh less than my husband!

Shannon, YMCA Member

My “Y” Story

Erik grew up a YMCA Strong Kid and now he is helping create the next generation of Strong Kids.

I’m Erik Larson and I’ve been a YMCA member since 1996. I grew up practically living in the YMCA. Whether I was spending the day in the great daycare program or practicing on the Age Group Swim Team at night, I was always having fun and enjoying the great services offered to the community. I am now proud to call myself a YMCA staff member. I was first hired as a camp counselor for Camp Bishop after having been a camper there since Kindergarten. It was always my favorite part of the summer as a kid and I was glad to have a chance to give back to the program. Now I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. I enjoy teaching new generations to swim and giving them a safe place to come and have fun. I grew up a YMCA Strong Kid and now I am helping create the next generation of Strong Kids.

Erik, YMCA Member

My “Y” Story

Alisea has lost 55 lbs in 7 months.

My name is Alisea, I lost 55 lbs in 7 months and this is my Y Story. I was one of this year’s “Amazing Loser” winners, but prior to that, I like most people who have struggled with their weight tried all kinds of ways to shed the extra pounds with one goal in mind, and never reaching that outcome; “I was miserable”. Gaining 76 pounds with my 3rd child, I managed to lose 30 lbs and there I was at a standstill, nothing I did took my excess weight off and it left me feeling somewhat hopeless. I wanted to be happier and healthier and knew that it was time to make a change in my life. The YMCA has an amazing staff that truly wants the best for you and is dedicated to each and every individual that walks through their doors. I have seen firsthand how willing they are to help guide you through difficult times and celebrate with you when you’ve reached your next goal. There are many different activities to choose from along with a wide range of time frames that would fit anyone’s schedule. Losing weight and changing your lifestyle is a process, there will be some hard times and struggles that you will have to overcome. Being a mother of 5 young children, having to juggle so many responsibilities and being something to everyone: the jobs of parenthood, staying involved in my community and church, working full-time and continuing my education, are all things that are very important to me and help me to grow as an individual, however it caused me to take little time out for myself. One of the most important lessons I have learned through this adventure is that you need to make yourself a top priority on your long to-do-list. There will be some challenging times I can guarantee it, but don’t give up. Stay committed to your diet, exercise and new way of life. You are worth it!

Alisea, YMCA Member

My “Y” Story

Mary has lost a total of 122 pounds.

Activate America is the YMCA’s response to the nation’s growing health crisis. The YMCA is redefining itself and engaging communities across the country to provide better opportunities for people of all ages in their pursuit of health and well-being in spirit, mind and body. When Mary first came to the YMCA she could barely lift weights away from her sides, she would start to sweat from just wheeling down to the fitness center, and she would get so frustrated that she would bust out in to tears and say "I just can't do it!" The YMCA helped her get started with a "healthier lifestyle" first by telling her "it's not going to be easy. Make a goal, and live by it. And no matter what, we will be here for you." We would remind her that we won't quit if you won't quit, and that seemed to work, because she hasn't quit…. After getting started at the YMCA Mary started weighing in at the Hospital every Friday. One of Mary's initial goals was to lose weight every week and she has conquered that goal so far. Mary continues to learn new exercise to improve her health. Every time we mentioned a new exercise, her eyes light up and she grins from ear to ear. She LOVES learning new things, and we love teaching them to her. Mary has lost a total of 122 pounds. "I enjoy everything at the YMCA."

Mary, YMCA Member