When Stanley Naylor returned to Nebraska after living in Phoenix for most of his adult life, he found the YMCA at Gothenburg Health a good place to stay healthy and connect with others.
Stanley, 66, grew up in Cozad and lived there until age 26 when he moved to Phoenix. He worked in the city for 39 years at Avis Budget Rent-A-Car. He returned to Cozad when his mother became ill in 2023.
“I got two months with mom before she passed,” Stanley said.
After her passing, Stanley decided to forgo city life for good and enjoy retirement in South-Central Nebraska. He found a house in Gothenburg and made the move.
He had never been a YMCA member, but he decided to join the YMCA at Gothenburg Health to stay active and healthy in his retirement.
“I’m a believer in the ‘use it or lose it philosophy,” he said. “If you sit at an office all day and then sit on the couch all night, you’re not going to live very long doing that.”
He now exercises at the YMCA about three days a week for an hour or two, depending on how long he stays to visit after his workout. He warms up by shooting hoops in the gym for about 20 minutes, then lifting weights on the weight machines and walking a few miles on the track.
His exercise at the Y has made him feel stronger and healthier, and while he’s not trying to bulk up, Stanley says he’s definitely “firmed up all my muscles” since he started lifting at the Y. In high school, he was a football guy, and though he wasn’t much of a shot in basketball back then, he’s noticed his aim improving since joining the Y.
“I’m shooting better now than I ever did,” he said.
Exercise is a way for Stanley to get connected to the community, too. He’s a self-described “friendly guy,” always stopping to chat with the staff and others exercising at the Y.
He especially enjoys visiting with YMCA Sports Director Hunter Kiburz.
“Stan and I talk frequently here at the Y as we either shoot hoops together, walk or just sit down and have some coffee or soda together,” Hunter said. “Stan is a very friendly and helpful person who can strike up a conversation with anyone.”
When he’s not exercising, Stanley enjoys fishing at Lake Helen and at area interstate lakes. He’s also looking forward to some duck hunting. His Y exercise will ensure he can continue to enjoy his favorite outdoor activities.