If you stop by the YMCA on a weekday morning, you’ll likely see two familiar faces on the indoor track — Robert Bogart and Chris Smith, walking side by side. For them, the Y is more than a place to work out — it’s where health, friendship, and community come together.
Starting with a Goal
Robert had been to the Y years ago, but he came back with a new purpose: to take control of his health. “Everyone kept saying I wouldn’t get off oxygen,” he says. “But I didn’t accept that. I started walking the track until I could do a mile.”
That dedication paid off. He was able to get off oxygen for a time — a huge personal victory. Though he’s now back on it due to ongoing health challenges, his mindset and motivation remain strong. He still shows up, focused on moving forward.
“It’s helped me stay home instead of going into a facility,” Robert says. “It keeps me active, but more than that — it keeps me connected.”
The Power of Partnership
Chris Smith is more than a familiar face at Robert’s side — he’s his full-time caretaker, contracted through the League of Human Dignity. With nearly two decades of experience in disability services, Chris brings a deep understanding of both care and independence.
He encouraged Robert to start small — stretching at home, using resistance bands, and doing light weights. Eventually, he suggested trying the Y. At first, Robert was unsure. Then something clicked.
“Once we got there, he realized people were talking to him, saying hi. That social connection really made a difference,” Chris shares.
As someone who’s spent years supporting others, Chris is clear about his purpose: “One of my favorite things to say is, ‘In healthcare, I’m always trying to work my way out of a job.’” His goal isn’t to foster dependence — it’s to help people like Robert reclaim strength and autonomy, one step at a time.
Now, their routine is simple but consistent: Robert walks the track. Chris gets his own workout in. They meet up for coffee with a group of regulars — many of whom Robert also sees at church. The two communities have blended into one.
Consistency in the Face of Challenge
Robert has faced more than his share of physical setbacks, but what stands out is his mental strength. “When you live with health issues every day, it’s easy to give up,” Chris says. “But Robert keeps going. He shows up. Even when it’s hard.”
That consistency — showing up on good days and tough ones — is a big part of why the Y works for them. It’s not just a place to exercise. It’s a place where people notice if you’re gone, ask how you’re doing, and encourage you to keep going.
Why the Y
Chris and Robert both say the Y plays a key role in their lives. “It gives me purpose,” Robert says. “It’s good for my body and my mind.”
For Chris, the value extends beyond his role as a caregiver. “My wife and kids use the Y too. I’ve joined pickup games, classes, and made connections. There’s something for everyone.”
When asked what he’d say to someone who’s hesitant to join, Chris doesn’t overthink it: “Just come in. Walk through the door. You’ll be greeted, you’ll feel welcomed — and you’ll want to come back.”
Robert and Chris’s journey reminds us that progress isn’t always a straight line — but showing up, staying connected, and walking forward together can make all the difference. At the Y, we’re proud to be part of that journey.