We build families communities - YMCA Calgary
We build families communities - YMCA Calgary
We build families communities - YMCA Calgary
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My own <strong>YMCA</strong> success story<br />
By Fatuma Mwenge<br />
I have been a full-time student in the <strong>YMCA</strong><br />
language program at the South <strong>YMCA</strong> for two<br />
years. It has been wonderful and I feel lucky<br />
to be here.<br />
I was never interested in doing exercise,<br />
despite my doctor’s advice that I needed it<br />
and his warning that without it, my health<br />
and life expectancy could be seriously<br />
compromised.<br />
My doctor was right. Of that, I had no doubt,<br />
because there were times when my heart raced<br />
and pounded. These episodes left me quite<br />
breathless and worried. I have children, who<br />
fill my heart with their beauty and love. They<br />
are still young and I want to be with them for<br />
a long lifetime. Still, I did not start to exercise<br />
or diet.<br />
Then one day, my <strong>YMCA</strong> English teacher<br />
took our class to the <strong>YMCA</strong> gym. She showed<br />
us the machines and explained how to use<br />
them. I was curious and tried one, surprised to<br />
find exercise is enjoyable. When class ended,<br />
I found it was much too soon, so I stayed an<br />
hour longer. Now, using the workout facilities<br />
is a habit.<br />
The <strong>YMCA</strong> language program and going to<br />
the gym have changed everything. My mind is<br />
in tune with my body and my body feels well—<br />
the more exercise I do, the better I feel. I no<br />
longer pause on every step of a stairway to<br />
catch my breath, but walk up and down easily.<br />
My heart no longer races, but maintains a<br />
calm and steady beat. And, the more English<br />
I know, the easier it is to communicate with<br />
other people.<br />
I appreciate what the <strong>Calgary</strong> <strong>YMCA</strong> has given<br />
to me. I am confident in my English and my<br />
fitness. Being a part of the <strong>YMCA</strong> is a good<br />
way of living.<br />
“The <strong>YMCA</strong><br />
language program<br />
and going to the<br />
gym have changed<br />
everything. My mind<br />
is tune with my body<br />
and my body feels<br />
well—the more exercise<br />
I do, the better I feel.”<br />
<strong>YMCA</strong> <strong>Calgary</strong> // Annual Report ‘09<br />
11