FINDING MORE THAN FITNESS

For Dan Roberts, a YMCA member who has attended multiple classes a day for many years, the Y has become like a second home. “The instructors have been fantastic… they do a great job of giving us different looks each class so we’re not duplicating anything, which makes it exciting and fun,” he said. But what matters most to him isn’t just the workouts; it’s the people. Dan comments, “They become your best friends and like family. You expect the same people to be there, and you look forward to seeing them. It makes a big difference in your life. It really does.”

That same sense of belonging is what drew Kapra Freeman back to the Y after having her two children. “It was nice to be able to connect with other people again, and do something for my health and feel better about myself,” she shared. Due in part to Group Ex classes, today Kapra feels both physically and emotionally stronger. “Now I feel so much stronger, I feel confident in my body, and I feel like I can even be a better mom because of what I’ve built in exercise class.” The encouragement she found from her classmates has made all the difference. Kapra shared, “It helps keep you coming back because you have that group of people who are there encouraging you.”

FROM PARTICIPANTS TO LEADERS

For Kasi Young, Group Ex classes started as a way to carve out one hour for herself. That hour soon became the start of a life-changing journey. “The classes and community have made me both physically and mentally stronger,” she said. “I have made lifelong friends because of these classes, and I will be forever grateful I found something that has impacted my life in such a positive way.”

It was those friendships and the push of the community that motivated her to do things she never thought possible: running races, completing Tough Mudders, and eventually becoming an instructor herself. Although it was never her main goal, Kasi states, “My favorite accomplishment is becoming a YMCA Fitness Instructor. I learned so much from the classes and instructors that I felt confident and prepared when I applied.” Commenting on Kasi’s dedication and success, fellow Group Ex instructor Bobbie Jo Messersmith said, “She now takes that love of fitness and confidence and shares it with everyone as a Group Ex instructor.”

For instructors like Chloe Perdomo, the magic of Group Ex isn’t just the exercise; it’s in witnessing people hit their goals and see their progress. She recalled one member who lost 30 pounds while attending her evening Group Ex class. But what inspired Chloe most was the woman’s shift in mindset: “She began grabbing heavier weights, asking for more challenging options, and really pushing herself. Seeing that kind of transformation is the most rewarding part of teaching.”

Chloe believes that the YMCA’s mission is what makes Group Ex so unique. She shares, “To me, creating a space that supports community and overall well-being, not just fitness goals—that is really what sets the YMCA apart.” Chloe adds, “I hope people leave reminded that fitness can be fun, and that they walk away feeling stronger, more confident, and better than when they came in.”

STRONGER TOGETHER

Across ages, abilities, and backgrounds, YMCA Group Exercise classes unite people with one shared purpose: to grow healthier, stronger, and more confident, together. For those waiting to take the first step into class, Kapra encourages,

“No matter what level you’re at, just come and do it…you’re going to have a group of people cheering you on, wanting you to succeed!” That is the heart of the YMCA Group Ex classes. Walking into a class where you are welcomed, supported, and celebrated for simply showing up. Echoing her own story, Bobbie Jo says, “It all started by just walking in that door and receiving a smile and encouragement from the people inside.” At the YMCA, fitness becomes friendship, movement becomes confidence, and every class becomes a step toward a stronger you.