Success Stories - Christina

When I first joined the Rye Y, I was a whopping 284 pounds. I was the heaviest I had ever been and was extremely concerned and battling some depression. I was never a slim build, but I had realized the weight had managed to creep up over the years of being home raising the children. I first started with swimming. My doctor had mentioned that it was really good, but that I needed some weight bearing exercise to build bone density.

That is when I tried Diana’s Boot Camp. Wow, talk about energy and enthusiasm! She has enough for ten instructors. Diana has been my rock and inspiration and still is, to this day! Very soon after, I added in other classes, including Maiju’s Step and Pilates. What a great workout! I think I pretty much tried ALL of the group fitness classes after that. The instructors never mind when someone modifies their moves if a lower impact is needed, and they often show variations of these modifications. The energy and atmosphere in these classes is awesome. You feel comfortable and welcomed. Very early on, when I was in Maiju’s Step class, a fellow member approached me and offered me encouragement and told me how they admired what I was doing. The instructors all do the same. They offer encouragement and smiles whenever they get the chance.

Present day, I am about 70% to my goal of losing 100 pounds, but I am not in a rush, becauseI know this is a permanent lifestyle change. I now have so much more energy, and FEEL good and Happy and Healthy. It feels like a second family here at the Y. It makes you WANT to come. Thank you all for the great encouragement and warm welcoming atmosphere. Without that, you would just be another GYM. Instead, you are a family.