"Over the years I have used so many of the amenities offered by the Y. As a family we have enjoyed racquetball, the treadmills, the bikes and the weights, barre, Zumba and yoga classes. My favorite though is the water fitness which keeps me energized without joint pain. The diversity of activities and the ability to contribute to the community through programs the Y supports make it so much more attractive than a for profit fitness center."
This terrific comment came in through Listen 360, our daily satisfaction survey of members and participants from Robert, a member at the Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold.
So much is embedded in Robert's comments. Robert's use of the Y is a recognition of the fact that exercise is fundamental to good health. It helps boost our immune systems, helps us fight disease and has numerous other important physical, mental and emotional health benefits.
Consider this excerpt from the April 6, 2020 edition of Harvard University Health News:
"Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently."
Clearly, during the ongoing COVID crisis, Robert, like so many others, has confidence in the Y’s commitment to keep him as safe as possible while allowing him to regain the routines that are essential to his life. The fact that he doesn’t mention the temperature checks upon entry, use of masks, social distancing, capacity limits and intensive, enhanced cleaning and other things tells me that he finds those protocols acceptable and reassuring.
Lastly, I want to thank Robert and so many others like him for recognizing that the Y is more than a safe and high quality place to exercise. It is at its core an inclusive community; a mission-driven, charitable community deeply vested in the health and well-being of all, not just those who can afford membership or participation fees.
Our ability to be there for Robert, for all our members and the entire community depends on members like Robert and others who have chosen to stick with the Y, use it and invest in us as partners in individual and collective good health.
Thank you, Robert!
All the best,
John