Already Stronger

Three years ago, Anthony Chentis injured his shoulder, eventually requiring rotator cuff surgery last year. What was expected to be a month of recovery turned into a longer, challenging journey. When Anthony joined the Y, it became a part of his therapy. At first, he couldn’t move his arm, but being able to exercise in the pool allowed him to feel movement and begin making progress. Now, a year later, he can throw a ball overhand for the first time in years.

This year brought another challenge: a knee replacement. With limited mobility and having to walk with a cane, Anthony appreciates that the Y has lots of equipment for physical therapy and everything he needs for rehab is here. He tries to duplicate the exercises he learned in physical therapy, using things like the recumbent bike, leg press, and walking over hurdles. Though he admits it’s been humbling to relearn basic movements and not be able to lift the weights he once could, he stays committed, coming to the Y every day. He says his victory lap is five rounds up and down the stairs, something that fills him with joy each time he accomplishes it.

Mary Jo, a building supervisor at the Y, observed Anthony on the mezzanine, slowly working his way over the hurdles with a tremendous amount of effort. She shared, “Anthony’s hard work and dedication inspires others to believe that nothing is impossible!”

Recently, Anthony hit a setback when he tweaked his knee. “I was dreading starting over, but I know I’m already stronger. Even with a setback, I’m better than when I started.” When asked what keeps him going, he says, “I want to go do stuff, I want my life back, so I know I have to get up and go do the work.” While it may take another 8–9 months to fully recover, Anthony is grateful “The Y has everything I need to follow through with my rehab. It’s welcoming, clean, and bright—it just makes it easy to be here.”