Early January 2024 two uncertain but out of shape and over-weight senior citizens walk into th YMCA because their Medicare Plan provides free membership for “silvers” as in silver sneakers. I was one of those two. Our registration was so easy with Grace’s help. She was so positive and helped us to sign into our first silver sneakers classic class at 9:15.
Continued to attend the 9:15 silver sneaker and could see I was a bit stronger and enjoyed sweating during our two minute chair plank. Thank you! Skye. You believed we could do hard things together and showed us how to get better and stronger. Pretty soon (actually 3 months or maybe close to 4 months passed and things were getting a bit easier. Walking out Grace would always ask “how was class?” one of those days I told her it seems to be easier than it was at first. Grace suggested I may want to participate in the spin-a-thon. I explained that I have never done a cycle class and I wasn’t sure I could survive. After some conversation, decided I probably wouldn’t die if I were to cycle for half an hour. She booked me for the earliest and shortest spin available. The next thing I know I’m cycling for the first time and didn’t die. Turns out I kind of liked it. Was still unsure but scheduled the early morning spin class. Thinking that if I had to go slow for part of the class that would be ok. I made it and slowly improved (didn’t die!)
Turns out I love to spin and I have gotten much better. Heather is awesome!!! Reminding us it’s our class and we can do hard things together. She helped me with my cycle shoes too. Above and beyond!!! I love our early morning cycle group so much!!! Really wonderful people up and ready to spin at 5:15 AM. Always ready to encourage and help others in their fitness journey. Heather makes it all so challenging and fun! I continued to cycle and silver sneakers for some time. That meant coming to the Y at two different times to get both in. Then one of my new found friends told me about deep water fitness. Loved the pool and deep water as well!
Next thing I know, I’m walking up the stairs at Scheels several times in one visit without taking a break or being out of breath. Also singing karaoke and holding long notes. Crazy! I know!!!
With further encouragement (thanks again Grace) I joined TRX and then cycle bootcamp.
Treadmill class and personal training was incredible. Rai helped me so much! Was able to do the turkey day 5K and actually run!
When people asked what I am training for I used to say training for 70 but since I will be 70 in another month, decided I’m training for 90!!
Grace told me about a swim class on Mondays and Wednesdays. Love it! With Brenda’s help and training I can actually swim. At first I could barely swim 25 yards and part of that 25 was side stroke with a struggle to breath. Today I am swimming far and long and even fast sometimes.
My Dr told me he is so very pleased with my fitness.
When it was time to choose medicare provider for the coming year, I knew the most important thing was to insure I could still have my YMCA membership. Anything else was negotiable.
Thank you YMCA and your staff for my better life!!!
