A Journey of Strength, Health, and Transformation

In October 2021, I reached a milestone that many people can relate to — retirement after 48 years of working behind a desk. But instead of slowing down and settling into a life of relaxation, I decided to take control of something that had long been weighing on me: my health.

At the time, I weighed 297 pounds. For years, I had battled my weight, finding it difficult to commit to consistent exercise or change my lifestyle. But retirement offered me a fresh start. It was time to finally focus on my well-being.

I began by attending a water exercise class at my local YMCA. It was called the "Rusty Hinges" pool class, and I’ll admit, I was a bit embarrassed at first. I could barely keep up with the movements, and I struggled with some of the exercises. But something kept me coming back. Slowly, with time and persistence, I started to notice improvements. I gained strength, developed better balance, and began feeling more capable in the water. Eventually, I moved on to the more advanced aqua intervals classes, which kept challenging me and helped me progress further.

By July 2023, I had made significant strides in terms of strength and balance, but I had not yet lost much weight. That’s when I made the difficult decision to undergo bariatric surgery. This was the push I needed to accelerate my weight loss and truly transform my life.

Fast forward to November 2024 — and I am down 120 pounds! I still have some more to lose, but I feel like a million bucks. The confidence I’ve gained is immeasurable, and I feel more alive than ever. I look back and know, without a doubt, that none of this would have been possible without the support of the YMCA and the amazing classes I’ve participated in.

The journey hasn’t just been physical; it has also been social and emotional. I’ve made wonderful friends through my fitness classes. We support and encourage each other every day, and that camaraderie has been essential to keeping me motivated. I come to the Y five days a week, and I can honestly say that missing a day makes a noticeable difference in both my physical and mental state. It’s become an integral part of my routine.

I’m incredibly grateful for the instructors who have guided me along the way. They are dedicated, and they always make the classes both challenging and enjoyable. They’ve turned every session into an opportunity to push myself, learn new things, and stay engaged in the process.

Recently, I’ve had the chance to accomplish things I never thought possible when I was at my heaviest. I climbed the lighthouse in St. Augustine and hiked through the Labrador Hollow "Unique Area" in Tully, NY with my husband. These are activities I once thought were beyond my reach, hindered by both my weight and my physical limitations. Now, they are part of my new, vibrant life.

In just a few months, I’ll turn 70 years old, and I can honestly say that I’m enjoying life far beyond my expectations. While I still have more goals to achieve and challenges to face, I’m excited for what’s to come. I know that the decision to start working out at the Y, and the perseverance I’ve shown since then, have made all the difference in my journey.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it's never too late to make a change. Whether it’s through exercise, a shift in mindset, or seeking the support you need, transformation is always possible. I’m living proof that no matter your age, you can improve your health, your strength, and your life.