Member Spotlight — Page 6 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

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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Climbing To The Top

Sometimes the best stories are the most simple. Take John Vessel, for example, a Galowich Family YMCA member. John, the humble guy that he is, insists his story is “nothing elaborate or anything.” In a span of seven months, John, at age 44, lost over 60 pounds, and gradually worked his way to top physical form. He says his routine is pretty basic: He lifts weights and does some cardio. Not much more to it.

Like I said, John is a humble guy.

In late 2012, he realized he needed to live a healthier lifestyle, and put his Y membership to use.

“I thought, ‘I’ve got to give this a shot. I’m not getting any younger,’” he said.

John started swimming up to a mile a day—before ditching the lap pool for the wellness center, where he could do his cardio and listen to his iPod (“I couldn’t have done it without music.”).

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

Member Profile: Diana Hernandez

Juggling Act

Member Profile: John Vessel

Climbing To The Top