“YMCA is committed to strengthening community, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities.”
Consistent service and inclusive environment
This year I had the unique privilege of exercising at 7 different YMCAs. Some just once, some many times, but ALL 😶🌫️ had three things in common:
- Friendly staff, instructors, and members
- Diverse programming for all levels of movement
- Inclusive atmosphere
I can say without a doubt I’ve never had a more consistent experience with any other company across towns, cities, states and coasts. Each time I stepped through the door I was greeted warmly, had my membership honored, and encouraged in whatever path I was on. The consistency among workout class Instructors is what I found most intriguing. Their level of enthusiasm, passion, and tenacity (a locked door, equipment or even music challenges would keep them from delivering a high quality class!!!). I recently encouraged a colleague to change out a pricier membership they were not using routinely for the YMCA particularly after I showed them the breadth of class offerings.
Locations visited this year:
- Toledo, OH
- Cincinnati, OH (3 different locations)
- Portland, OR
- Downers Grove, IL
- Berwyn, PA
- Upcoming** Dayton, OH!!!
A deep commitment to all levels of movement
Movement is so critical to wellness. For example, here are a few ways that exercise helps our bodies perform:
- According to American Diabetes Association Insulin sensitivity is increased when you exercise, so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity.
- When your muscles contract during activity, your cells are able to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.
- This is how exercise can help lower blood glucose in the short term. And when you are active on a regular basis, it can also lower your A1C.
- According to Harvard Health several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place.
- Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.
- According to Prevention magazine can assist in stress relief and weight loss.
- “When people have higher circulating levels of stress hormone cortisol, it affects where they hold on to fat-such as around the abdominal area.
On January 2nd 2023, I set the intention to couple the YMCA’s consistent offerings into my routines no matter where I traveled throughout the year. The YMCA’s diverse and robust offerings help me to stick to clear habits that propelled my health goals. A 5 am strength class in Berwyn, evening Zumba in Downers Grove, or mid-day community walk in Toledo, the YMCA provided safe space in supporting my mind, body and spirit connections.
Each Sunday; even when traveling, I peer at the class offerings to plug in where and whenmovement makes sense in my life. In a future post I’ll discuss the difference between “having time” and “making time” a lesson I had to learn this year. It’s such a delight to see everyone and movement ability addressed. Silver Sneakers, sports classes for kids, and everyone in between can find something they will enjoy.
I’m often amazed at the crowd changes from class to class. The diversity of smiles, waves even a few hi-5s as the Barre studio becomes a power lifting class. As the Zumba room attendees release at the same time as cycle enthusiast!! We all find a way to harmonize under one roof. More often than not I see the Aqua aerobics attendees smile and bounce aside as the tots try to swim to their closest ledge 😆.
Community
I’ve met some of the most amazing people at my local YMCA, I’ve heard stories about Grandkids, celebrated a classmates new job, even worked up a sweat at an outdoor park supporting our favorite instructors class. There’s a deep sense of community connection that happens in a way I can only describe as organic. Not forced, but fulfilled. The YMCA this year has become a 2nd home for my whole family where we can gather and support each other in various ways and spectrums. For that alone (and especially as a transplant) I am grateful.
The YMCA helped me reach my health goals and for that my membership this year is priceless. 🙏🏾
In peace,
J
References:
Exercise and Insulin Resistance ; https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking; Prevention Magazine October 2023 Wellness; New Dayton YMCA