Y-M-C-A!

Midway YMCA, St. Paul

Winter photos.

I was eligible to join the Y for a reduced rate last August, when I turned 65. One of the benefits of my health insurance, Health Partners Freedom Plan, is membership in a health club -- including the Y and many others within a few miles of our home -- for $25 a year. Unfortunately, I was too sick to take advantage of this great benefit until recently.

After my December stay in the hospital and subsequent slow recovery, I finally felt ready to take on a regular exercise program. A few weeks ago, Bob and I joined the new Midway YMCA on University Avenue about a mile from our home. A few days later, we met with a personal trainer for an introduction to the Y and a tour of the brand new gym. Kerry showed us how to use the machines in the beautiful, bright gym and we soon became regular Y attendees. Our membership is valid at any Twin Cities Y and at any Y across the country that participates in the YMCA reciprocal program.

Because I lost so much strength during my illness, I started off slowly with an easy "Senior Sneakers/Silver and Fit" aerobics class three mornings a week. Most of the participants are "older" but I'm fairly sure I'm not the youngest in the class. Some are very fit but others seem seriously physically challenged. This is my first exercise class ever and I had a little trouble with my coordination for the first couple of sessions.

Two weeks later, my balance and strength are improved, but there's a lot of room for improvement so I'm not quite ready to "move up" to a more challenging level. Tomorrow I'll go with Bob to work on the machines: not being mechanically inclined, I need to be taught more than once how to adjust resistance, handlebars and seat height. I'm a little embarrassed that color coding makes these tasks easy for "normal" users, but I'm way below average in that department.

The best outcomes aren't measurable. The beautiful Y building, competent and helpful staff, and upbeat music lift my mood and energy level for the entire day.