At the Y, we know that having a strong support system can make a big difference when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For the husband and wife team of Bill Turton and Maraline Mattke, joint personal training sessions at the Galowich Family YMCA have proven to be a crucial part of their health and wellness journeys.

Bill, a Y member for more than 45 years, says personal training has helped him navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. While Maraline, who joined the Y shortly after the couple got married in 2003, is seeing the benefits of personal training following multiple knee replacement surgeries and the removal of a brain tumor. 

“The important thing about dealing with Parkinson’s is that you aren’t necessarily looking to increase skills as much as you are focusing on not losing skills. That’s why it’s important to work on maintaining balance as much as I work on increasing strength,” Bill said. 

“I’m trying to get back into shape, address fatigue, and improve balance. Personal training has done so much to improve my balance. I’m able to do so many things better like work in my garden,” Maraline said.

Both Bill and Maraline said a key reason why they have stuck with personal training is the comfortable atmosphere created by Membership and Wellness Director Alissa Koenig.

“I had personal trainers two or three times before and didn’t really connect with them. With Alissa, the connection was immediate. She listens, she’s flexible to your needs, and she’s creative. I’ve been able to work muscle groups in five or six different ways so it doesn’t become boring or repetitive,” Bill said. 

“Her enthusiasm and encouragement is unequaled by anyone. She inspires us,” Maraline said.

Alissa said she enjoys the energy Bill and Maraline bring to not only their personal training sessions, but the overall Y community.

“They have built relationships with other members who are in the fitness center because they have common goals. It is uplifting to hear everyone encouraging each other,” Alissa said. 

In addition to the health and wellness department, Bill said he appreciates the welcoming nature of the staff team at the Galowich Family YMCA.

“The staff at the Y has been nothing but tremendous during my time here. Whether it’s full-time staff, lifeguards, or custodians, everyone goes out of their way to be helpful,” he said. 

Maraline also noted that working out at the Y brings support beyond physical activity.

“I was a social worker for 42 years, working with hospitals in the community. Being at the Y has been a release and has helped in many ways, especially for my own mental health, because coming to workout here has prevented burn out,” she said.

Moving forward, Bill and Maraline said that reaching their weight loss goals is the next step in their collective Y journey.

“It’s more fun doing this together,” Bill said.

The Y would like to thank Bill and Maraline for sharing their Y story. To learn more about personal training at the Y, please click here.