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North Penn YMCA
Home > Y Stories > Y Story – Bridgette Petrino

Y Story – Bridgette Petrino

August 30, 2018

From a Simple Number to a Career I Love

I found myself at the Y in 2015 after donating blood. At the time, I didn’t realize that when you donate blood, your cholesterol is checked automatically. And, a few weeks after donating, I got a letter in the mail indicating that my cholesterol was high.

It was a shock, but looking back I had just had my third child and had gotten into a routine of taking care of everyone else, and not taking time to take care of myself. It was a good wake up call.

So, I went to my doctor and she told me that in order to lower my cholesterol to a healthy level, I could either go on medicine or start exercising. As much as I hated working out, exercising seemed like the smarter option. I live very close to the Y, so I decided to check it out. Once I took a tour and realized  that I could work out and my kids could have fun too, I was sold.

I started taking Group Exercise classes, and within six months my cholesterol was back to normal. In addition, I learned that I actually didn’t hate working out. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up getting certified as a Group Exercise Instructor. Then, I slowly started subbing classes at the Y. That grew into me taking on regular classes of my own, and now I am the Group Exercise Department Coordinator.

It all started from a simple number. But, it changed from wanting to lower my cholesterol, to realizing that I needed to take care of myself again. The Y was a place where I met other moms like myself, built relationships, gained a sense of belonging, and felt welcomed at all times.

My whole family uses the Y for exercise, swimming, and programs. My children have made friends and love the classes and activities that the Y offers.

Now, I can walk from my front door to my desk smiling and chatting with people every step of the way. The Y has truly been a place of transformation for myself and my family.

Filed Under: Y Stories

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The North Penn YMCA provides programs and services for children, teens, seniors, families and those with special needs in the North Penn, Indian Valley and Perkiomen Valley communities. Our programs, available for all ages and abilities, include childcare, swimming, sports, group and individual exercise, character building, social activities and volunteer opportunities.

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