Well, besides that ten pound loss I have gained so much more. I feel so at home when I get to the facility. The people who work out in all of the different classes I participate in have become friends and everyone cheers each other on. When one of us is absent there is always the question “where were you?” Glad you are back! Then just when I think I have worked every muscle a very knowledgeable staff member will give me a tip to make a slight change and I feel I am challenging myself even more.

My family life has also improved with the family membership. I feel I am setting a good example for my children and the YMCA helps to do that with their commitment to youth and all of the great programs they have for the children. My eight year old son loves to work out in the kids cave and says he feels strong. All of my kids love to come to the special events. Everything is geared toward families spending time and having fun together.

I also can’t say enough about the swim instructors. All three of my children have learned to swim at the Y and the instructors are very patient and kind. My daughter at eight years old refused to take her feet off the bottom of the pool, and was afraid to jump in or float. Her swim instructor was determined to teach her. Within four months she was swimming laps. Now she is in the school swim club and it has given her much needed confidence.

I can honestly say, looking back now on my Y experience the atmosphere at the YMCA has helped me keep my commitment to get in shape and stay there. The YMCA has not only changed my body, it has changed my life!

Lauren Reggio

I joined the “Y” sometime in the mid 80s. I was still working in NYC. So the only participation at that time was a group exercise clad held in the gym. That’s was the only place large enough at to accommodate the 15/20 participants, So I now am entitled to wear my 20 year badge and a couple of additional striped as well.

We did our push ups, jumping jacks, stretching and breathing exercises…and I remember we jogged around the gym; there was no track, so we all had to stay outside of the basketball court lines. Otherwise we were cheating. I think 7 jogs around the court was the equivalent of a 1/4th mile. But don’t quote me.

I also remember the adult fitness room was at the end of the corridor where the little kids now do there exercises and learn social skills by interacting with their peers. That room was very small and I was afraid to use it. We also had our ladies and men wash rooms in that original corridor.

My fear and patience was rewarded when the new addition was built. The home of the Fitness Center with the myriad of equipment, big windows, and loud music hold court. There us something for everyone. Some do every machine, and are looking for new additional all the time. Others have their favorite piece of equipment and are reluctant to give it up at the end of the half-hour mandate.

I do my own thing. I use 5 pieces of equipment. But my favorite is the track. I jog about a mile; walk a mile with weights for my stretching and strength training. Once in awhile you can see me skip 2 full laps. When I was a kid in public school, I could only skip on one leg. Now that I am a grown man, I can skip with both legs and I am so proud of that.

I keep score of my progress with Exercise Planner. I am pleased to say that with the passage of time, I have been increasing the weights that are an essential part of resistance and building of muscle.

In conclusion, I find that the “Y” is vital in my everyday living in three different ways – It is good for my mind, replenishes my soul and rebuilds my body. Any by the way, I may be one of oldest fitness work out members. But, I cannot reveal my age. But, I was born before 1930.
LONG LIVE THE MIDDLETOWN “Y”

Prepared by: DMD
11/02/07