Although the Y has been engaged in building community through exercise since the 19th century, it was in the 1970s when the "fitness craze" really started to take off in the U.S., with fitness "celebrities," including the likes of Jane Fonda, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Simmons, among others, popularizing exercise as a means to achieve greater physical and mental health. Doctors and other health professionals quickly jumped on board to promote the powerful benefits of regular exercise, recognizing that these early adopter celebrities were indeed onto something.
Science tells us that regular exercise strengthens the immune system, fights disease, and improves our focus and overall sense of well-being. It has mental, physical and emotional benefits that make us better equipped to tackle whatever challenges may lie ahead. Doing it in the company of others compounds the benefits because, in spite of being in the midst of a pandemic, human beings are social animals. We need one another and some form of human contact in order to feel connected and emotionally secure. Never before has any of this been more important than it is right now when we are all faced with stresses like never before, which has sadly spurred a tragic rise in obesity, depression, drug and alcohol abuse.
At the Y, we don't need celebrity endorsers to tell our story. Our members tell the Y story much more effectively. They tell us every day what's working, what needs fixing, and exactly what the Y means in their lives. We recently asked a cross-section of members what they think about the Y experience since COVID hit and the Y reopened in June. We asked if they feel safe at the Y, if they value exercise and if they feel welcomed at the Y. Here's a very small sampling of what they told us:
Given the importance of exercise, especially right now, I want to take this opportunity to thank our entire health & wellness team, and all those at the Y who support them, for their commitment to the health and well-being of the many communities we serve. The Y’s welcome desk greeters, trainers, coaches, instructors, membership associates, property managers, stay & play associates, program managers and lifeguards are all doing critical work in furthering our community’s health in these trying times. And the Y’s steadfast members’ commitment to their community and their own health inspires all us all every day.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland