Mary started coming to the YMCA of Broome County after her friend, “Dee,” posted on social media about her success there. The two knew one another from an Aqua Zumba class Mary attended for 3 years. Mary trimmed off 71 pounds while exercising there. But sadly, Mary lost her job and her mom in 2014. She said, “I got depressed and started overeating.” She gained back most of the weight. Then the Zumba program shut down and Mary had back surgery. She slept until 11 a.m. ...or even 1 p.m., because she had “no reason to get up.” Dee’s positive Y experience gave Mary the hope she needed to break this cycle.
From the first day, September, 10, 2019, Mary loved the Y. She opted for water fitness classes due to a bad back and nerve-damaged leg. She said “the people were so friendly and nice.” Dee and Mary carpooled the 20-minute drive 5 days per week for the 9 a.m. (MWF) classes and 7:45 a.m. (T Th). Then they stayed for the 10 a.m. class (MWF) and 9 a.m. (T Th).
Mary developed other healthy habits: limiting bread and pasta, eliminating junk food, portion control and drinking more water. She came solo on days Dee couldn’t make the Y. One of her water fitness instructors often noted how hard Mary worked in class. As of the first week in February, Mary lost 36 pounds. She said her clothes fit better. Mary also reported her Type 2 diabetes got more manageable. She expects her doctor to reduce and eventually eliminate her diabetes medications.
Mary and 3 other high school friends plan on attending their first 1980 high school reunion, the 40th Year Celebration, this summer. Mary feels confident and excited about reaching more wellness goals before the event!
The Y experience has rewarded Mary with countless wellness reasons to get up and get moving. She says of the YMCA, “I encourage anyone to go!”
February is Healthy Heart Month: Further information on the heart healthy value of combatting loneliness by connecting with others provided in this link. (The YMCA is a great community to find friendship.)
https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemi
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