Why working out at the YMCA makes a difference
No one understands #SweatForGood better than our very own members, who stand behind all the charitable community building we’ve been doing for over 165 years. Joe is one of those members. Here’s why he believes working out at the Y is the socially responsible choice.
Why work out at the Y?
I’ve been a member at plenty of commercial gyms. But for over twenty years now, the Y has been my gym of choice. Nowhere else can you find such a diverse group of people all working out together, or a team of members, volunteers, and staff so committed to their community.
I have a love/hate relationship with exercise that I’m pretty sure I share with most people. Some days it feels great, and others, it’s the last thing you want to do. But I find the Y makes it that much easier. It’s such a social environment with great people, and the facilities are always top notch.
Even when I travel — which I do quite a bit! — I get to use my membership to try to stay on top of my workouts. I love visiting other Ys across the country, seeing how they do things, and getting a warm Y welcome.
What's meaningful about being a Y member?
The best part is, I know I’m standing behind important causes when I choose the Y. I personally know a young man who used the Vanauley St YMCA. After some less-than-ideal experiences with other social service agencies, he had nothing but good things to say about Vanauley. He told me the staff genuinely cared about his well-being and treated him with respect. One time, his case worker even came in on her day off to help him with some paperwork he needed filled out. Vanauley staff helped him through some temporary housing, and he’s been able to move on and continue building a new life for himself thanks to their support.
It’s stories like his that make the Y so meaningful to me. It’s not just a great gym. It’s a support system for the community I call home.
