MY Y STORY
I retired March 1, 2012 after 31 years of teaching. Some people thought I took an early retirement but I would say it was just right!
Labor Day 2012 came and I kept my promise and drove to my closest YMCA a day or two after – the Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick. Arline from the front desk was the first to greet me and give me a tour of the facilities. The first class I ever went to at the East Brunswick Y was the 10:00am Cardio Circuit with Amanda as the instructor. I love both these classes but a game changing situation was about to happen in January 2013.
Then another realization hit me, both these Y’s had classes in the evening…why wasn’t I going? Perhaps because I thought watching TV was more important? Heck no…not any more!!! So in addition to the daytime classes, I returned at night for Step & Sculpt and more Spin…2 classes in a row! I also started working out on the Elliptical machine. It didn’t matter what I did, as long as I did something!! I was a woman on a mission.
February 25, 2013 came and my doctor’s appointment had arrived. I looked up to the heavens when I got weighed. It turned out I was a mere 2 pounds more than last year’s number. That meant I lost 14 pounds in 6 weeks!! Fourteen pounds!!! I was jumping out of my skin – but acting cool because the number was still high for my height. At an appropriate time during the check-up, I told Dr. HW the WHOLE background story and although still a high weight I am continuing my exercise and efforts to lose more. He was delighted! He told me to keep it up as I was adding 20 years to my life. That put a big smile on my face!
I remember that day very clearly and I have continued my journey at the Y as many of you that know me can attest to. I feel so fortunate to have the support and encouragement of my fellow members as well as the fantastic instructors. Less than 1 year later, I can proudly say I have lost over 65 pounds and feel fantastic! My daughter is also quite proud of her mom. I still have more weight to lose and this is not the finale to my story but rather a pause looking back up to this point. If you can’t decide when the best time for you to make your move is, then just answer this question: If not now, when?
The Y staff welcomed me and embraced me. They knew the situation which brought me to them and I became part of their family. I formally give a special “shout-out” and heartfelt “thank you” to Ned Kane and Kristin Leung and ALL the staff and wonderful instructors at the Princeton Y- who along with the East Brunswick Y (Raritan Valley) has allowed me to successfully continue my weight loss goals.
I am a regular participant in a variety of group exercise and water fitness classes and in this updated segment can proudly report at my Feb, 2014 annual check-up with Dr. HW, I lost 63 pounds from my 2013 visit – plus the 14 pounds I lost just before that check-up- equals a total of 77 pounds!! (Dare I say –so far?) I raise my water bottle and say “Here’s to you YMCA(s)…Thank You!”
Written by Anita.
Submitted by the Princeton YMCA.
Across the Movement: Stories of Impact
07/08/2015