YMCA

We’ve danced to the song, we’ve seen the facility, driving through downtowns and shopping malls. Here is the YMCA.

Started 1844 in industrial London, as a refuge for young men to escape the “hazards of the streets,” the YMCA has made its mark, internationally. In 1866, the New York YMCA adopted “The improvement of the spiritual, mental, social and physical condition of young men.”

Today’s YMCA meets community needs and is designed to help grow healthy children and young adults through programming and keeping the community safe by offering affordable programs.

But that’s only the beginning of my story. And today’s story focuses around what the YMCA has been able to do for me. Partnering with health insurances, I was able, as a senior citizen, to get a Y membership through my health insurance’s Silver Sneakers program. It can be difficult to maintain physical productivity as a senior. We are tired, we may not have the resources to find ourselves to be in an equitable position to do this, but it is there, if we search for it.

I was able to join this fall, and it has made a huge difference. Not only is exercise available, but camaraderie is a huge part of their success. Instructors and other “students” are very interested in everyone, I have felt included and embraced as someone who is just as important as the person standing or swimming, or walking. There are many activities, and classes, if you so desire. I was afraid of the pool, I had no interest, but based on my need to get active, and the arthritis that bothers me so much, I have found the pool to be my favorite resource when it comes to exercise. Today is floor yoga. It was very difficult the first day I went. It was easier the second time, and I have dedicated myself to 8:30 a.m. every Saturday that I can.

No, I don’t do much, but I do it, and sometimes I decide to add just a little bit more.

Stay tuned…