My name is Susan Detwiler and I would like to share my reasons for joining the Y.
Seven years ago, my son got married and I weighed about 100 pounds heavier than I do today. I was really unhappy with myself. When I saw the wedding pictures, I decided I needed to change my lifestyle. I started watching what I ate and walking. That was the start of the new me. I was also working at the time and it seemed to work out pretty well – working, walking, and dieting. I was successful at losing weight as long as I stayed self-disciplined.
In July of last year, my husband and I retired and we started traveling. Also that same year, both my brother and sister almost died from health problems and lack of exercise. In January of this year, I decided to join the Y because the weather conditions would not permit me to continue with my exercise routine and I wanted to exercise more. I had no idea what I was getting into when I joined, but I needed exercise to continue to stay in shape.
When I joined the Y, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I tried just about everything, including several types of classes to see which were a good fit for me. Someone also recommended pickleball, something else I had no idea about or what I was getting into. I tried it and enjoyed it so much I now play pickleball five times a week! I not only love the game, I also love the people that I play with. After the games, I enjoy sitting down and talking with the other players. I have a lot of new friends, and feel like I am part of a new family. When you have a concern or a need they are there to lend an ear or help if they can. Everyone has a different story but we are all joined together in a special way because we all care about our health and want to keep moving to keep healthy.
In March, my husband decided to join the Y as well after seeing how much I was enjoying my membership. He isn’t very much into sports but now after joining, he is also hooked on pickleball and enjoys working out and having coffee with some of his new friends.
I’ve realized now how you important health and friends are to having a good life. That’s why we love our YMCA.
