YWCA Fitness Member Takes Charge of Her Health
Hi! My name is Tricia Simo Kush; most folks call me Trish. I moved to Minneapolis from Michigan almost 25 years ago and have always lived Downtown. As I get older in a city that is very active, I have learned that taking charge of your health is the best gift you can give yourself.
Location, location, location!
The convenience of YWCA Downtown and the recent renovations had me curious enough to visit for a tour and learn more about the facilities. My exercise excuses seem to fade away since I can see YWCA from my back door.I found the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful. The members are friendly, too. Many of us have similar goals, which makes it easy to connect with others. I knew I wanted to be part of a community where ideas and encouragement are shared freely.
Welcoming Staff and Environment
All of the YWCA staff are wonderful, and I really mean that. I have met people from Marketing, Fundraising, Membership, personal trainers and class instructors. Everyone has played a part in making my membership truly special. I have spent the most contact time with my personal trainer, Cha, and it feels as if I spent my summer cycling with Bonnie and Lisa as well.
Becoming a Gladiator
I never thought I’d be in a Gladiator class! In class I found myself staring down medicine balls and ‘the tank,’ wondering what the heck I just got into. I let myself try it. After determining that I didn’t hate it, I showed up again the following week, and now I’m hooked. I’ve even got the day and time blocked out on my work calendar so I can make attendance a personal priority.With guidance from my trainer Cha, I’m considering hitting the pool in 2018. I haven’t done swimming of any sort since college, so I’m more than a little rusty (not that I knew much then, either). I know that I’ll get the help I need from the coaches at YWCA or else I’d never even consider it.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Reaching out to YWCA was something I did because my previous rehab efforts left me frustrated. I felt nothing was helping my injury and I was also losing fitness. Right or wrong, I took matters into my own hands and decided to see what I could do without doctors and physical therapists, and instead began a careful workout regimen. The good news is that I hadn’t lost as much strength as I had feared. My flexibility suffered, but I expected that (and it’s improving).
Taking Charge of My Fitness
Taking charge and learning to push my boundaries is something that I didn’t expect. It didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a gradual process and everyone I’ve met at YWCA has been there with me.