A Gift for the Whole Family

Val first came to the YMCA when a friend invited her with a guest pass. After a tour and trying out several workout areas, she was hooked. Just two days later, she brought her family—her husband Nate and their children Josie and Wesley—back to sign up, and the Y quickly became part of their routine.

“I hadn’t been a member of a gym for about 7 years and tried to stay active on my own, but I didn’t realize how much I missed people!” Val says. She enjoys the variety of group fitness classes. “TRX, Core, Strength Development, and BodyBalance challenge me in ways I wouldn’t push myself on my own,” she adds. Nate, who hadn’t been in a regular workout routine before joining the Y, has started getting active too, fitting in workouts alongside the family.

The family loves playing basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and running on the track. Wesley has gotten hours of extra practice shooting baskets and even enjoys beating Val in a sprint race, while Josie enjoys volleyball and sometimes joins her mom on the cardio equipment. Because the kids are old enough to be in the gym or lounge on their own, Val and Nate can fit in workouts together—a routine they hadn’t had in a long time. After a tough workout, relaxing in the massage chairs at the Ehlinger Center has become a special treat.

Homeschooling gives the family flexibility, and the Y fits easily into their schedule. Often, the Y even motivates the family to finish lessons because they all enjoy coming so much. The welcoming community has also been a highlight. Older members cheer on the kids, give tips, and staff join in games. “The Y has quickly become like extended family to us, which has nourished our social, emotional, and physical health,” Val says.

Because of the Y, winter didn’t feel as long for their family. “I knew I’d like the Y for fitness, but I didn’t realize it would be such a gift to my children, my marriage, and our whole family,” Val reflects.