GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

Throughout the year, YMCA members have the opportunity to participate in a number of fitness challenges to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With registration underway for the Y’s Operation Transformation challenge, we are excited to share the story of one of our very own staffers, Kevin Carew. Carew, who works part-time in the custodial department at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield, lost 18 pounds by participating in the 2020 Ho Ho Hold Your Weight Maintenance Challenge. We invite you to read more about Kevin’s story below:

Q: Did you have any previous experience with YMCA Fitness Challenges?

Kevin: This was my second time doing the Ho-Ho Hold Your Weight challenge. I just love the concept of trying to maintain or lose weight during the holidays when it’s the hardest. The first time I did the challenge, I only gained one pound so it was a success. This time around I really wanted to focus on my health.

Q: What did the challenge help you address when it came to living a healthy lifestyle?

Kevin: You name it, I was doing it bad. Eating bad, not exercising. My clothes didn’t fit. I felt lethargic. I think it was a combination of all that which made me realize I had to do something. I actually started the process a little earlier before the challenge because I think I’ve been at it now for right around 100 days. The challenge was a way to supplement my efforts and keep myself motivated and focused.

Q: How did Y staff members help you during the challenge?

Kevin: I think that the staff involved in the challenge do a really good job of being available. I came at it with a perspective of wanting to learn. Whether it’s a nutrition tip or fitness tip, they did a great job of being generous with their time. I took notes on some ideas and best practices. I really had a good support system from within.

Q: What was it like to see how far you had come once the challenge ended?

Kevin: I think when I saw progress, I felt a few things. I think a lot of it was that in my mind, I had never considered myself very mentally strong. It was good to know that I was dedicated enough during this time of year, where you’ve got all the sweets and the treats, to be able to do well during that stretch. It gave me a lot of confidence.

Q: What are your goals moving forward?

Kevin: Like a lot of people, I try to get on a roll in my workouts. I shoot for 30 minutes a day, seven days a week. Once you get on a roll with eating better, sleeping better, feeling better, and all of the sudden you’ve worked out 25 days in a row. You don’t want day 26 to be the day you don’t do something, you want to keep the streak alive. I want to keep the train moving to where I want to be. I’m down about 45 pounds overall and I’d really like to lose another 50.

We congratulate Kevin on his success and thank him for sharing his Y story. Registration for Operation Transformation, which will get underway on February 8, is open now! 

Register Today