My journey with the YMCA began in the summer of 2012. Initially, I spent most of my workouts up in the weight room, and occasionally I'd do a little swimming to mix things up. During my times exercising in the pool or on the lifting floor, I did not even think about weight loss.  

Even though I had friends who had passed away from heart complications and other health related issued, I never took weight loss very seriously. I never paid attention to what I ate and I was up to a minimum of 2 cans of pop a day.

Then this past January, someone at the front desk suggested that I take a water aerobics class with Alex. One class turned into taking multiple classes with her. She had heard that I was continuing my education, and we got to talking about weight loss and getting my health back into shape.  

One thing led to another, and I found myself giving up drinking pop all together and making other dietary changes as well. Needless to say it has been at least six months since I had any kind of pop.

One day while I was spending time in the pool, I was asked to train for a swimming event in Sandpoint that happens in August of every year. Although I was reluctant to get involved in a swimming event, I received some strong encouragement from the staff at the North YMCA. 

Nowadays, I find myself focusing on my water exercises during the week. And during the weekends, I spend time concentrating on strength training and cardio work. I found that working with John Harshman helped me add a variety of new workouts into my routine. I enjoy working with John because he provides a positive environment to workout in.

With the help of people like Alex, John and a nutritionist that I visit periodically, I have started to change my diet. Up to this point, I've lost over 60 pounds and have never felt healthier!  

What helps as well is the support system that I have found from other members at the YMCA. This has been a great thing to have because there have been some tough times along the way that made me question "is all this hard work really worth it?" 

The Y provides a great moral support and a positive environment for the weight loss journey. I am grateful to those at the Y who became my friends and support system during this journey. I now know that it is about getting my body healthier and that it will not happen overnight.