Quest for a healthy lifestyle
I used to eat cinnamon rolls and hash browns for breakfast, and wash them down with soda. When out shopping, I would think nothing of sailing through the drive-thru for a large order of fries. Dessert was a daily indulgence, and eating was a mindless, destructive pastime and panacea. But those days are over. Today, I am a healthy eater and an exerciser.
Strength in numbers
In the summer of 2007, I signed up for the “YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Program” developed by Stanford University, along with six others. We each set a long-term goal to work on for 10 months. Each week at first, and then bi-weekly, we set a short term goal, always keeping our long-term goal in mind. I benefitted from the group support and accountability, and the information and encouragement provided by the program’s facilitator and Siskey YMCA’s Senior Fitness Director, Jennifer Dodson and the Siskey YMCA’s Fitness Director, Marcia Pirie.
Achieving the goal
I have lost 38 pounds, and being four feet, 11 inches tall, I have committed to stay within the range of 115 and 120 pounds. I continue to work out for 30-45 minutes, several days a week, always being careful to shake up my routine. You can find me dancing the Zumba, on the elliptical trainer, walking the track, or in a cycling class with instructor Joe Fronsee at the helm. I love it all. I feel like a new person. I truly love being in control of my own life. Once, I ate whatever I wanted, but I wasn’t truly free. Now, I stay within safe calorie boundaries, and I am free from guilt and regrets. I still eat dessert – but I earn it by burning it off at the YMCA. And somehow, it’s sweeter.
Erica Parkerson
Siskey Family YMCA Member
Download the complete Fall 2008 
Program Guide or select a specific program area below to view program descriptions and schedules.
(All links are PDF's - download Adobe Acrobat)