After being in the workforce for most of my life, my dream was to be able to exercise more often when I retired. After a "takeover" by another organization my retirement came sooner than I expected at age 68. I have always been a committed person and never missed a day of work and had a sense of camaraderie with my co-workers.
The first few days I felt so lost, then I remembered I had an unused membership to the Y. I went to a couple of evening classes at first, then decided to go in the morning. The feeling I got almost immediately was one of belonging and a purpose. Every morning, I had to get up, dressed, and out the door to be on time for my classes. It became my new "job". I met some wonderful people and made many new friends. We all support one another in our goal to be healthier but also support one another in life's journey and changes.
The classes given by Barbara, Nancy, Kristine, and Fran have greatly improved my strength and stamina and I consider them my "personal trainers"! I am very grateful to them for improving my body and also my mind! I cannot imagine my life without my West Essex YMCA experience!