I’ve been working for the Y for 16 years and I’m proud to work for an organization that has a tremendous impact on the community.  I’ve seen it transform people (including me) from all walks of life.  From providing afterschool programs to homeless youth to offering programs for Alzheimers patients and their caretakers show how expansive and diverse the Y serves the community.

-Tiffany P.

There are too many wonderful stories that have blossomed over the years so it is hard to choose just one. Instead, I’ll try to sum it up into a short overview. By being a YMCA family member, the variety of activities and offerings is more than just enabling me to work on the physical, mental, AND spiritual aspects of my life which is a continuous process.  Being part of a tight knit community, which the YMCA offers, allows everyone to support each other through the adventures of life. This gift is priceless! Personal and professional relationships that are built with the staff members and other YMCA members last for many seasons, inside and outside of the YMCA environment.  Life is not just about people, events, appointments, the hustle ‘n bustle of getting from here to there…it is about community. The YMCA allows the community to do just this…to not live life alone.

-Kathryn C.

The Trainer

By: Pamela B.

          Do we ever wonder who will be that special person that will someday assist us on our journey of ageing and getting older?

          The one who will make us learn how to stand tall, keep our shoulders back, and knees soft. The one we look toward to save us from our own bad habits and years of neglect. The one who is willing to mentor us into shape as a life’s job!

          I am here to tell you I have found that person………it was destiny!

I came to her in awful shape: out of shape, out of tone, out of my clothes, out of my size, out of my mine, and out of excuses, and quickly running out of time.

          She has taken me on…a stranger…and is molding me into: the exercise pool, the weight room, toning, lifting weights, balance ball, hand weights, proper diet and posture. I thank her daily for getting me off the couch, out the door, and making better choices.

          It is so easy to make excuses…eat, whine…eat, feel feeble, lame, namby pamby, pallid, suffering, vulnerable, or wishy washy. Then, cry… eat, feel bad…eat, get bigger…eat, lose friends…eat, get sick…eat and worst of all…just plain eat!

          But! She will show you how to change all that and feel great! Now it is easy to feel sound, robust, lusty, hardy, wholesome, spirited, of fine feather, and sound as a dollar. To eat right, sleep right, exercise strong and feel younger and look so much better.

          Now we are standing tall, walking briskly, and not falling and slumping and letting ourselves…capitulate to gravity. But, get strong and robust! No one said the road was easy but neither is the road to pain, aches, disability, and premature death!

          So give yourselves a pat on the back… and yell out “We can do this!!” and do a workout that will make you younger, happier, healthier, and make new friends to boot! And as you’re leaving the gym…be sure and thank that trainer who has worked so hard with you to make your life so much better. Trainers are our pathway to your good spirits, good health and a good life.

THANK YOU OUR YMCA TRAINER!

When I was a young kid visiting cousins in SA, I use to see the YMCA commercials and since then, I had an interest in being part of it.  I really don’t know if I understood it, but there was something about seeing people smile and enjoying each other’s company.  I come from a family of 11, I’m the oldest and having spent time with my sibling and other cousins and friends, I assumed the Y was the same.  It took me 3 years to get my job as a Lifeguard at the TownLake Y - I never gave up.   I was looking for a family away from my biological family, for friends who not only were friends but who would grow up with me.   When I finally had my interview, I knew I had my job.   I knew in my heart, in my soul, I found the Family that would accept me, care about me and best of all be there!  I have never been so right in my life.  I now have been with the Y for over 13 years, almost for the whole entire time I’ve lived here in Austin and for most of my time I’ve been in the Air Force Reserves.  The Y has supported me in my times I’ve been ill, in my times of active duty and in my times I’ve gone to other training to enhance my career.   I am blessed to be part of this amazing blessed community…I never gave up to be part of the Y…they are my Family, my Friends and always part of my Faith.

I joined the Y years ago for the use of a year-round indoor pool. But over the years, I have grown to love more than just the pool at the Town Lake YMCA and I am thankful to be a part of it.

I am thankful for Elena, Amanda and Evan who have watched my kids from crying babes who cut my workouts short to kids who are (probably?) too old now to be in the nursery.

I am thankful for all the coaches who have helped those once-babes learn to play soccer, baseball and to swim.

I am thankful to have met Caroline in yoga, who has helped me work through back issues, knee issues, cranky feet and overall good health. I sun salute her every Friday at 9!

I am thankful to Teresa who suggested that I attempt a triathlon, a NEVER before considered idea. I’ve now done 3. And counting.

I am thankful for Steve and Zack who picked me up after a bad fall in boot camp and to (girl) Toni who checked in with me just about every time I showed up at the Y for some post-surgery rehab.

I am thankful for the people I run into - like Greg, Allison, Don & Donna, Suzanne, Tara, Heather, Maya, Tom, Jude and those who I know only by their face and workout gear - who remind me that I am not alone in trying to live a healthier life. I am a much better person for being a part of the YMCA. Thanks y’all.

WHAT THE YMCA MEANS TO ME

In the four months that I have been a member of the YMCA, it has been an exciting journey that will ever be a part of my life.

The journey has not been easy because I had to make changes in my lifestyle and changes in one’s life are not easy.   You will be content to stay with the familiar because the unknown will be a challenge to you (me).

I look at the letters and this is what they mean to me:

Y             Yielding.  Yielding to your desire to improve yourself by setting goals and then yearly reassessing your goals.

M            Motivation.  Whenever you make a change it is some years no matter what late day or time it is.  My year is 2011, July 4. I decided I was going to make a difference in my life.  I was sick and tired of being unhealthy, mentally and physical.  It is something in you - I don’t quite know what started the change in me but it happens when you crack open the door.  The door to let some light in, the motions begins. Door is my metaphor to express myself.

C             Courage, consistency, camaraderie.  Courage was not easy for me at first.   My lifestyle had to make a drastic turn.  Take for instance - I was a couch potato.  From the bed to the couch, my excuse was I was a cripple, I needed two knee replacements for a while I was on my scooter, 95% walker and cane.   This went on for three years.

I know for the rest of my life I have to be consistent in my daily activities at the Y and this is my choice. 

The YMCA has made it easy for me with the different activities and the fellowship.  It meets the total need for me as well as others.  The staff at the North Austin YMCA are tops.  They all motivate me as well as others.

A             Activity, Assess yourself.  Take a time to look at yourself.  Today I have gone from a size 22 to size 18 and lost 12 pounds.  If  my attitude adjustment and willingness to get off that couch and join the YMCA made a difference in that short time,  then I can only imagine what a year from now  I will look and feel like, if it is God’s will.

I joined the Y when I first moved to Austin 2 years ago. Knowing no one, I worked out constantly, taking full advantage of the Zumba and Turbo Kick classes. It was a blast, and I made some great friends! Being in Austin also helped me re-evaluate my eating choices and habits, and so, combined with my new workout lifestyle, I dropped 35 pounds over 4-5 months! It was incredibly liberating, and I have to give credit to the awesome Zumba instructors!

More recently, however, the YMCA really helped me out when I needed it. Unable to keep paying for a membership when I moved homes AND banks, I quit going and lost a lot of my progress. But when I contacted Jude the membership director and let him know I was also trying to pay off a lot of debt and couldn’t pay the backlog of payments, he GRACIOUSLY agreed to let me restart my membership with a scholarship-level membership with no extra charges. I am extremely grateful, and willing to kick my butt back into gear!
So thanks, Y, for being such a great friend to this transplanted Austin-ite! 

Although the YMCA in my area requires me riding over a bridge of highway, the one in Austin is in ideal location with Townlake and the downtown area.  With all the activities the Y has for adults and children, and the fact you don’t have to pay a fortune to stay healthy or get continual health education, it is one of the most important facilities and organizations created for COMMUNITY.  I love it, and hope more of us contribute by membership to keep this alive for all communities nationwide. Good Job Y.

My 12 year old son was trying out for a football team that required being under a certain weight and it was June 1st and the season started August 1st and he needed to lose 16 pounds.  He was much more optimistic than I and said he wanted to “go for it”.  Through watching his diet and working and working out with Adam at the Southwest Y he made the weight and had a wonderful 1st year of tackle football.  The workout sessions were intense but fun and hopefully set him on a path of great confidence in his ability and on the road to great health.  Thanks Adam and the Southwest Y, we made the team!

Before I joined the Y, I was a smoker. I was about 34 years old. I was always fatigued. One podiatrist would wrap my feet with tape, another recommended a type of corrective high-top shoe.

An orthopedic surgeon  recommended foot surgery

One day, out the blue, I joined the Y! Gone were my tired feet and mind. Gone was the desire to smoke. 

I like to make small-time investments in the stock market, but clearly, the most incredible and life-enriching investment I ever made was joining the YMCA. The Y has a special place in my mind and heart. Y staff personnel have always be friendly and helpful. I  will be 74 years old next month and I am still running and enjoying good mind and body health. I ran the Cap 10K this year.