BEING YOUR BEST YOU

“You think you’re having a bad day, then Bernie comes in with his big smile and your day is immediately brighter,” says Y personal trainer Betsy Kelley. “He has such a great attitude and that means everything.” In 2016 Bernie suffered a stroke that affected his left side and gross motor skills. After he was discharged from rehab, Bernie’s wife Lisa found Betsy at our Y and liked her background as an RN.  Bernie began personal training with Betsy and in a year’s time he has been able to walk without a cane and can climb up stairs without using both hands.

“We work really hard on stability, balance and coordination. I work with Bernie twice a week. One day we’ll work on legs and the other day we’ll do upper body. Then we always do a core workout. Ab work is so important for stability with activities of daily living. I also give him a few exercises, such as leg raises and arm circles, to do at home. We change it up to incorporate a variety of exercises throughout the week,” says Betsy. “My balance has really improved,” shares Bernie. “Training with Betsy helps get me out of the house, keeps me motivated, and I feel a lot better afterwards.”

“Bernie never says he can’t do something and he never complains. He’s such a joy to work with,” added Betsy. At the Y, it’s not just about the activity you choose as much as it is the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.

Amy Stenger – Y member committed to her health. My journey really began when I realized how out of shape I was.  I didn't take care of my body and was not happy with my appearance, and I decided it was time that I did something about it.

I joined the Southeastern Indiana YMCA  in January of 2018.  It has enabled my journey by offering so many choices of equipment and activities.  I love that there is both an indoor and outdoor track, so you aren't just limited to the machines.

At first it was very difficult to change my diet, but over time I have gotten to the point of easily turning down bad foods because healthy food makes me feel so much better, and when you eat right it gives you so much more energy that lasts throughout the day.  Being mindful of calories is so important, because even small things can be packed full of calories and sugar.

My advice for anyone with similar weight issues is to start with small diet changes and a consistent workout plan.  If you completely cut out foods that are bad for you, it will be harder for you to transition to a healthy lifestyle, so it is best to do it gradually.  Always go for fresh foods over processed, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water!

If I had to choose a favorite exercise, it would simply be jogging.  It always relieves my stress and makes me feel so good.  I also really enjoy strength training.  Building lean muscle aids in burning fat, so it is important to incorporate weights into your workout routine for lasting results.

Where Strength Is Found! Paul Ehrman and his wife Karen have been active members of the Y since it first opened in 1993. They enjoyed all the benefits of the healthy lifestyle they maintained through exercising, eating healthy and staying active with friends and family. A motorcycle accident on a sunny Saturday afternoon in May 2011 while participating in a benefit ride for needy children changed everything. Karen suffered serious neck and shoulder injuries and Paul was thrown from the bike. The impact took the use of the whole left side of his body, from his shoulder to a shattered hip that took the use of his leg.  He could not walk. After two hip surgeries including a new pelvis, months of hard work and intense physical therapy he was able to use a walker.

“The first time I came back to the Y that November, all of the Y staff came out of the building to cheer me in and welcome me back.  They have been there for me ever since,” says Paul. “I started with physical therapy in the pool. They would lower me in with the chair and I would just walk. The pool therapy helped my range of motion, strength and flexibility, and everything improved.  I went from a walker to a cane.  After getting approval from my physical therapists, I started personal training with Frank and I’ve been with him for eight years now,” says Paul.

“When Paul started he had to relearn everything. He could not go from sitting on the bench to standing on his own,” says Frank DeMers, Paul’s personal trainer at the Y.  “When I first started it took me two hours to do a 15-30 minute workout,” says Paul.  While being interviewed for this article, Paul was looking in the mirror and doing clean and presses. “I cannot feel my left leg, so Frank has me watch myself in the mirror when doing exercises. Then I can see if my left leg moves and I don’t lose my balance.” Frank adds shaking his head awe, “It’s amazing how far he’s come. He can do grape vines now (a footwork & agility exercise). He can carry a 30 lb. weight up and down the stairs. When he first started I could not have imagined we could make it this far.”

“I have my bad days too, when I’m in a lot of pain and I don’t want to exercise, but I always come in and the next day I always feel so much better,” says Paul.  Frank adds “Those are the days we spend most of the day stretching. Then on days he feels better we do more weights.”

“When people talk to me about how well I’m doing and my recovery, all the credit goes here, it goes to the Y. Karen and I have been members ever since the Y started. We were on the original board and were in charge of raising money for fitness equipment.  The Y has helped us so much, it just re-affirms that the Y is a cause worth supporting,” says Paul.

     “I had no idea there were so many options for me when I joined the Y,” says member Natalie Myer. “I could barely do a pull-up when I joined, now I regularly do 5 sets of 5.” Natalie is very dedicated, as you’ll find her up to five afternoons a week in the Wellness Center and Gray Gym. She incorporates strength, cardio and body weight exercises into her workouts. “I give her ideas, then she does all the work,” says Jacob Garvin, Wellness Director.  If you follow the Southeastern Indiana YMCA Instagram feed then you are already familiar with Natalie’s videos doing clean and snatches, the skier machine, pull-ups and upper body on the assault bike.

“I feel so much stronger, physically and mentally,” adds Natalie. “It has helped me with my transfers and other daily activities.” Garvin added, “When other members see her do some of the exercises she’s achieved, they believe they can do it too. She is an inspiration to all.”