Generations of Healthy Memories

The Y has been part of Alisa’s family for as long as she can remember. Her Mom and Dad both went to the Y as kids in the 1960s, took Alisa to the Y when she was a child, and now they continue to enjoy the Y and watch their grandkids do the same.

Alisa’s parents still come to the Y and she jokes that her dad sometimes does more visiting with his buddies than he does exercising.

Their family’s love of the Y has lasted generations as Alisa recalls her parents bringing her often. “My parents have always been active and as a family we spent countless hours in the swimming pool and gym. My brother and I have many memories of hanging out in the gallery of the racquet ball courts watching my parents play in tournaments. And as a teenager in high school and college I used to meet my dad on my spares to go lift weights and take step classes with my mom.” says Alisa.

Now a parent herself, like her parents and grandparents before, the Y is a big part of Alisa’s family. “When they were young, I would drop them off at child minding, get a workout in, take them swimming and play in the gym. It was our second home,” Alisa said, even became a yoga instructor at the Y.

She recalls days as a new mom weren’t always easy. “There were times that after a night of not enough sleep, I would still go to the Y, drop off the kids and go to the hot tub or just stretch and have a peaceful shower, knowing my kids were in great hands,” Alisa said. “The Y is so good for the kids to socialize and for the parents to get time for their mental and physical health. One thing I’ve always loved about the Y is the community, lifelong friendships and connection. There is something for every age and interest and it brings families together.”

“I never in my life dreamed I would be driving to the Y at 7am singing the YMCA song, but here we are!”