“The workout is a benefit, but there’s so much more to being here.”
Have you ever wondered if joining a gym is really worth the investment? If you are retired or new to town, finding your perfect spot can sometimes feel a bit tough.
You might find yourself in a new stage of life, trying to navigate a new path. That is exactly how Alexandria resident Sara Ogren felt back in 2023.
A Chance Seat at the Teen Challenge Gala
Sara retired in 2023. She knew in her mind that she wanted to join a gym; however, six months flew by, and she still had not taken the leap.
Like many of us, she worried about the monthly cost. Spending sixty dollars a month on a membership felt like a major commitment, especially since she had not worked out in years.
Then, she attended the local Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Gala. By a beautiful stroke of faith, she sat right next to Jackie Peters, the CEO of our Alexandria Area YMCA.
Jackie did not push a sales pitch. Instead, she offered Sara a friendly, no-pressure tour of our local facility. Inspired by the conversation, Sara secretly bid on a three-month YMCA membership during the gala's silent auction. She won the bid, and her YMCA journey began.
Making a Splash in Water Aerobics
Sara was nervous on her very first day. She decided to dip her toes into a water exercise class in our indoor pool.
The moment she stepped into the water, the other swimmers welcomed her with open arms. She immediately felt comfortable and accepted.
She asked her fellow classmates how often they came to the pool. Many of them replied, "Four to five days a week!"
Sara was shocked, but she was also incredibly inspired to push herself further. Soon, she was not just swimming; she started walking a mile every single day. Her active routine was officially in motion.
Beating Pre-Diabetes and Losing 60 Pounds
Around this time, Sara went in for her annual physical. Her doctor delivered some tough news: she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, a condition her mother had also battled.
Sara knew she had to take action, but she wanted to do it naturally. She skipped the weight loss pills and joined a local pre-diabetic education group.
She began tracking her food, keeping active at the Y, and leaning on her new friends. Over the course of a year, Sara lost sixty pounds!
She has successfully kept the weight off for a whole year now. When she picks up her sixty-pound grandchild, she is reminded of her progress and is amazed at how much lighter and healthier she feels.
More Than a Workout: A Circle of Prayer
But for Sara, the real magic of the Alexandria Area YMCA is not just the physical weight loss. It is the deep bonds she formed with her classmates.
These pool friends do absolutely everything together. They host Bible studies, gather for monthly dinners, meet for breakfasts, and support each other through life's hardest moments.
"It is nice to meet people outside of my normal church circle," Sara says. "We truly encourage each other every single day."
This support became a true lifeline when Sara's granddaughter, CeCe, was born with a serious heart condition. Sara started missing classes to drive to Cambridge to support her family.
She was open with her pool friends about her worries and fears. On the morning of CeCe's open-heart surgery, her class instructor, Susan, sent her a text message that proved how tight-knit this group truly was.
The message included a photo of the entire water aerobics class holding hands in a circle in the pool, praying together for CeCe.
"It is so much more than a workout," Sara says. "The workout is a great benefit, but there is so much more to being here."
Ready to Find Your Place at the Alexandria Y?
You do not have to walk this health journey alone. We invite you to come in for a friendly tour, just like Jackie offered Sara. Your new best friends are already waiting for you!
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Do you have a YMCA story to share?
We love to hear how our Alexandira area community members are building a healthier mind, body and spirit.