Kick off your boots at the Y and go sweat it off

February 22, 2012

Layna Eldridge, daughter of Danny and Tya Mantooth of Guymon, participates in an arts and crafts project during a YMCA No School Fun Day. Courtesy photo

Whether your exercise of choice is to work out on the weights, play basketball, swim, do zumba or ju jitzu, there is no doubt that you’ll feel better if you sweat it out.
Some folks exercise because they are health conscious. Some probably just don’t like buying new clothes and want to enjoy eating. And some have found it necessary to enable them to function better, they must exercise. And then there are those that thoroughly enjoy the euphoric feeling that exercise can provide.
Delores Evans found out five years ago she had diabetes. At that time she could not walk on her own. Her arthritis caused her discomfort. With the recommendation of an exercise program and a low carbohydrate diet, Evans set to work. She knew dependency on medications was not what she wanted, so she followed her doctors instructions. She joined the Y, attending morning water aerobics class with Cynthia Schemm. This required overcoming a fear of the water. She began to learn to swim.
While the pool received repair, Evans continued on, learning to use the new wellness equipment.
Gradually Evans lost weight and inches, now walks without assistance, and her balance has returned as her muscles strengthened. Eventually her doctor proclaimed her diabetes free after a series of blood tests. Evans feels her arthritis is also more manageable.
With this testimony, Evans encourages people to join the Y for many reasons. Her first is for the life changing health benefits. But she also enjoys visiting with the Y staff and appreciates the support, encouragement, and training they have given her.
The Silver Sneakers program is designed specifically for senior and is Medicare approved, meaning Medicare pays for the program. “It’s a wonderful program,” declares Rob Rixon. “I encourage everyone on Medicare to come and check it out. Let us show you around and explain Silver Sneakers to you.”
But don’t think the Y is only for the senior generation. It’s for everyone. In fact, the entire family can find something to do at the Y, even be in some of the programs together.
Lee Fowler loves using the Y pool and Kristi Jo Partida says Zumba is her favorite part of the Y. “Susan (Barias) and Stephanie (Babb) make it fun. I look forward to going every Monday and Wednesday.”
The Y says on their letterhead “For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility.” If you’re interested in getting involved in the Y, drop by and have them give you a tour and tell you about some of their programs. They have childcare after school and No School Fun Days, lock-ins on Halloween and New Year’s Eve, and Summer Day Camp. There are youth sports I basketball, football, swimming, and more. For well-being and fitness they have Zumba, Abs Circuit Training, Aqua Aerobics, Spin Classes, and a Lazy Man Triathlon. There is also Ronin Kan Ju-Jitsu, adult basketball and volleyball, runs and races, and a Sprint Triathlon. You can also get your lifeguard certification and they hold CPR / First Aid courses. There’s more, so go check it out.
Stacy Scott says this about going to the Y, “I love Joyce (Halligan)! Every morning she is there with a smile and encouragement.” They Y might be just what you need.
Currently the YMCA is holding their annual fund raising campaign that helps provide the many opportunities the Y offers the community. If they give you a call, remember the Y is for everyone and these donations help that to be a fact because one of the many things our donations go to is to provide program scholarships. If they don’t call you, go by and make yourself known. Help them help our community.
For more information contact YMCA Director Rob Rixon at yceo@ptsi.net or call 580-338-5720 or just stop by the Y anytime, kick your boots off and take a look.