Why the Y?

Last week I took my usual spot somewhere in the middle of Studio 1 for yet another step interval class.  No need for the headset or wondering how I'd pull of the combos, as I was simply enjoying following Allison's lead. I surveyed the room, full of sweaty, gals and a guy (our token male participant and friend Glenn), all there with the same goal in mind. We want to be fit; stronger, better able to defy the aging process we gratefully embrace. After all, it beats the alternative!   I often think sadly of the countless individuals who are too ill or injured to get out of bed, or whose health or lifestyle prevents them from this experience.   It is one of the joys in my life. Listening to fun music (usually!), surrounded by friends, exercising, & enjoying the good health I am blessed with to it's fullest.

On that day, of the 25 or so gathered, there was only one whose name I did not know.  In the four years of coming to the Y I have delighted in meeting friends from 20's-70's, the unemployed to business owners, married with kids or not, democrat & republican, all sizes, religions, & ethnicities.  At home my friends are very homogenous; 40's with school-aged kids, similar incomes, jobs, etc.  I enjoy the diversity of the Y population, as I believe we can learn so much from others who are different.  Based on Judeo-Christian values; respect, caring, honesty and responsibility, the Y is a wonderful melting pot of our community as I believe God intended us all to live each day. I also love the Y motto of, "We build strong kids, families, & communities".  As our crumbling economy & these uncertain times have shown us; our faith, friends, & family are all that really matter and all we can count on.

Earlier I mentioned the fitness classes I love, however the Y is so much more than that. For less than the cost of a tall latte each day, your family can belong to the Y.  Music lessons, access to an amazing aquatic facility, discounts on kids programs, belly dance, african dance, sign with your baby, stroller jam (yes, exercising with your baby in a stroller!), yoga, pilates, tai chi, and sooooo much more. Show me another "fitness club" that can compare for the same value! (Just pick up the current catalog and see for yourself!)

Of course the Y is in a class all it's own.  It is my home away from home.  I had to laugh when one of my Y friends saw me leaving last week and said, "You DO go home? I thought you lived here!" I am grateful to live near and be a part of one of the largest and best Ys in the country. I heard the M.E.F.Y. referred to as the "Mercedes Benz" of the YMCAs.  If you are already a Y member, spread the word. For friends, value, fitness, and fun nowhere else can compare.  I heard they have quite an awesome outdoor boot camp class too! ;) I'd love to hear why YOU love your YMCA! 

(*Next blog...Heaven on earth - my other YMCA, YMCA of the Rockies!)