Category: Testimonial

Jessica Salinas

Posted on by Dida Weeks

When Jessica first joined the Y, she was facing significant challenges with her health and lifestyle. “I was very overweight and not active at all,” she shared. Determined to make a change, Jessica immersed herself in the Y’s programs and hasn’t looked back. She now participates in classes like Body Pump, Step, and Functional Fitness, as well as running and walking on the treadmill. The Y has become a major part of her life, with Jessica attending 5-6 days a week. “My entire lifestyle has changed,” she said. “The Y is a huge part of who I am now.”

One of Jessica’s most empowering moments came early in her journey: “The first time I ran on the treadmill, I couldn’t believe I could do it. It was such an empowering experience.” Since then, she’s achieved incredible milestones, including losing 85 pounds, lifting weights, and doing activities she never thought possible. “I used to get short of breath just running errands,” she recalled. Now, she feels strong, confident, and inspired by her progress. Jessica credits her motivation to “seeing the results, the atmosphere in the classes, and the gym itself.” Looking ahead, she’s excited to focus on toning and reaching new fitness goals. Her advice for others? “Whatever you’re looking for in a gym, the Y will have it!”

Jo Simpson

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

My family has a history of heart problems. With that concern in mind, I became a charter member when the local YMCA opened. I spend from 1 to 4 hours a day at the Y. I enjoy the variety of Group Exercise classes and the benefits I have experienced. I am happy to say that my heart is much stronger, joint mobility has increased and joint pain has decreased! Having been a cheerleader and very active in my youth, I really missed being fit and having so much energy! It feels great to have improved stamina and move more freely! As I age, I'm so glad the YMCA opened here and my joints thank you!

Genie Duncan

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

When I started here at the YMCA, I was blown away with all the options offered in Group Exercise classes! All of the instructors are awesome! I think Pam and I have the most in common. She spends time with us seniors to ensure we are doing everything correctly and that we stay safe. I love Pam's positive outlook and how she's always energetic and smiling. Pam's classes keep us dancing and having fun. Sometimes I forget I'm at the gym! I feel young again in her Dumbbells and Drumsticks class! If you haven't had the pleasure of taking one of her classes, please do. You'll leave feeling so much stronger, healthier, and happier!

Geary Hughes

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

Upon completion of my chemotherapy treatment, I was over the moon happy. The cancer was gone and there was reason to believe in the future. There was a problem, however, in that I was so out of shape that recreational activities like hiking and paddling as well as work around our home was just too difficult. My wife and I decided to join the YMCA and during the tour we saw the Livestrong group working out. Well, we joined up and ...I got my strength back.  More than that my mental outlook was also improved, new friendships were developed, and I had the confidence to canoe/kayak on longer day trips.  Indeed, I met my goal by paddling 10 miles on Lake Jocassee!  The Livestrong program is a wonderful tool for building strength and overall well-being.

Betty Baker

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

I am thankfully a long time cancer survivor. I am a member of the Y and heard about the Livestrong program through advertisement there. What I enjoyed most was meeting people in different stages of their treatment and recovery. I loved working out together as a group and just encouraging one another. Laughing, talking and working hard together. Come by and say hi if you see me on the treadmill, bike or rowing machine.

My Wellness Journey – Lou Jessup

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

I am a breast cancer survivor and I heard about the Livestrong program through my doctor.  I decided to join after my husband died last year from cancer.  My physical and emotional body was a mess. At the Foothills YMCA in Seneca, I found healing from the staff and fellow members.  At the end of the 12 weeks I was feeling much stronger and had lost 10 pounds. My spiritual health was an unexpected positive also!  I have joined and I am continuing my excercise.  It is a part of my life now and I’m so thankful for it.

My Wellness Journey – Glenn “Teach” Corley

Posted on Updated on by Dida Weeks

What I like about being a member of the Foothills Area YMCA is that it is like being back at high school but only the good parts. If you show up, you pass. Everyone is a star student, plus you are an automatic athlete.

It is one big gang of local people joined together to improve their lives and their health. You are there because you want to be there. No one makes you go, and it is always fun to be with good people.

The classes vary from “young at heart” to “young and hard”, and of course, there is Rock Steady. From bar bells, bikes, to Pilates mats, it just depends on what intensity that you want with some tasty tunes. Let’s not forget the incredible instructors, and excellent staff.

If swimming is your thing, the Y has a 6-lane, heated swimming pool. From swimming laps to water aerobics, and organized swim meets, the Y will meet all your swimming needs, and of course, lifeguards are always on duty.

The FAYMCA is the best thing that happened to Seneca since the Rec Department was started many years ago. So if you are looking for a safe and clean place to exercise and be with friends, the FAYMCA is better than being back at high school and a lot more fun!

LiveStrong at the Y

Posted on by Dida Weeks

Being a breast cancer survivor for 20 years and having lymphedema in my right arm for 19 years,

I wanted to improve my core strength, endurance, and flexibility.

When I joined the LiveStrong program, I was hoping to learn about all the equipment at the Foothills Area YMCA, especially the weight equipment. 

At about halfway through the program, I felt that my expectations of the program have already been fulfilled, my core strength, endurance, and flexibility have greatly improved. At the end of the program,

the LiveStrong program made me realize that I can do it!

I can get stronger, more flexible, and even lose some weight. And it does affect my daily life—improved sleep, easier to do chores, just to name a few.

My favorite aspects of the LiveStrong program were learning how to correctly use the equipment, learning alternatives to do due to my lymphedema, and meeting other cancer survivors.

I was so fortunate to be able to participate in this program!

 Halie and Becca, our two instructors, were terrific. Their positive approach kept it fun and made it very easy to get to know each other. They provided us with individual attention and instructions, as well as alternative options based on our needs—in my case, my lymphedema.

Thank you Halie, Becca ,and the LiveStrong program—I highly recommend this program to anyone!

L.B.