Jesse Chavez completely transformed his life at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Because of classes like AM Boot Camp, Jesse went from being overweight to becoming a fierce competitor. For a closer look at Jesse’s amazing transformation, watch the video above, which includes testimonies from YMCA instructors Kevin Hir and Kristen Derengowski, and of course, Jesse himself.
Member Spotlight: Angela Townsend
YMCA member Angela Townsend has made quite a transition since she began coming to the Y, and she has seen amazing results. Below, she describes her past, talks about Y staff, and tells us why she hasn’t weighed herself in more than six months!
My story is simple and not too different from others. I never thought about my weight/figure during my younger years. I always ate whatever I wanted and I didn’t think twice about it. Sweets were my weakness and still are. I don’t know what it was that forced me to get off the couch, but thanks to a good friend, Marenda Eison, who put me in check, I’m looking and feeling the best I have in years.
Thanks to the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s awesome staff and classes, it’s been “easy” to get fit. Kristen Derengowski has been my teacher and whipping me into shape. She puts us through the wringer, but makes it fun at the same time. It’s great to change it up to target different parts of the body, so I’ve tried to take advantage and get into whatever classes I’m available for.
I’ve also slowly modified my eating habits. I’ve gone from candy bar snacks and ice cream EVERY night, to kale smoothies, double servings of veggies and significantly less sugar. I say “forget the scale”—I haven’t weighed myself since October 2013. Be proud of yourself and be satisfied when you start to see and feel a difference—even if you haven’t reached your ultimate goal. Enjoy the view while you’re on your road to greatness!
Olympic Swimmers Visit the Y
The C.W. Avery Family YMCA was lucky enough to have three U.S. Olympians pay a visit to their branch this past Sunday. As a part of the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour, Olympians Kara Lynn Joyce, Chloe Sutton and Scott Weltz taught a swim clinic focused on helping kids become better, more efficient swimmers.
The event was a big hit—a total of 120 area youth between the ages of seven and seventeen attended the sold-out clinic. The Olympians shared various tips and techniques, conducted pool workouts and dry land exercises and even held a Q&A.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Join the Y
The Staff
At the Y, you’re more than just a customer—you’re a friend. Furthermore, you’re a part of a strong community. Our staff is the piece that binds that community together, helping you achieve your goals and encouraging you every step along the way. That’s what sets the Y apart. We’re willing to go the distance to help our members learn, grow and thrive.
The Cause
The YMCA is more than just a gym. It’s a cause. As a nonprofit organization, we raise funds and provide assistance to those who need it most. At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. And because of that, families can come to the Y for much-needed before school and after school programs, summer camps, youth sports, group fitness classes and swim lessons.
The Programs
Catering to all ages, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA offers a seemingly infinite amount of programs taught by hard-working, dedicated individuals. For health enthusiasts, we offer group fitness classes and private personal training sessions. For youngsters, we have youth sports leagues, swim lessons and a wide variety of camps. For seniors, we offer low-impact fitness and aquatic classes and much more! With so many offerings, we are sure to have programs and classes that fit your family’s needs and busy schedules.
The Facilities
Aside from a gymnasium, each of our facilities has a wellness center ideal for any workout routine, a lap pool for swim enthusiasts and a supervised playroom for before and after school needs. The Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs have all of the aforementioned amenities, along with a racquetball court. The C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the largest of our three branches, includes a renovated, state-of-the-art wellness center, an indoor running track and a family aquatic center with a water park, among many other amenities.
The Results
As mentioned before, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. Join our Y family and you’ll see the results! When you walk out the door, you’ll feel a sense of pride, accomplishment and pure joy.
Member Profile: Diana Hernandez
Juggling Act
If you need some advice in time management, turn to Y member Diana Hernandez. In just under a year, Diana managed to lose 50 pounds while juggling time as a nursing student, working part-time and raising her daughter, Gisselle.
Since last February, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA has served as a home away from home for Diana, where she spends six, if not seven, days a week. Although she admits it’s tough, Diana plans to stay committed to her new and improved lifestyle. Diana says she came to the Y with a goal of losing 80 pounds and she plans on reaching her mark.
In support of her goal, Diana splits her time at the Y taking Zumba, Turbo Kick and Body Pump classes, among others. Her niche, however, is running. In fact, Diana, a former high school track and field athlete, was able to return to the racing world in 2013, and participate in two 5K runs: The Dream Run at Humboldt Park and the Santa Hustle, a Christmas themed run throughout the streets of Downtown Chicago.
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