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26 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 30, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Y is `much more than sweating with strangers' The following letter was recently submitted to the YMCA of Oakville. Its heartfelt thanks to the Y and message about life speaks for itself. Dear Oakville YMCA: I am a part-time counsellor with Community Living Oakville. My responsibilities include providing life skills training to mentally challenged adults. There are many objectives to life skills training but two important skills are socialization within your community and to be physically active. Obviously we were drawn to the YMCA to enhance their physical activity, but to my surprise, the experience began improving their ability to socialize. Motivation to workout -- argh! Many people procrastinate and/or are intimidated by the weights, the machines, the visibility of the aerobics class, maybe even getting into a bathing suit to splash about in the water, but continuing exercise often becomes about maintaining motivation. I know this, although I'll throw many excuses to the contrary, but while supporting these men I am witness to a very candid and open communication about obstacles that hinder their desire to workout. These obstacles reflect our own without the misdirection of other more detailed excuses. But when the experience includes the warmth, encouragement and embracing attitude of this YMCA, it is inviting just to show up. I inquired about a reduced membership for these gentlemen, and I was introduced to Alison. We went through their financial situation and Alison offered a reduced membership allowing these men to become members. This is where it began. The membership was accessible, but more importantly while we were shown around, Alison playfully interacted with these men demonstrating tenderness and encouragement with a touch of mischief. As we met more of the crew, we found that this caring and playful combination was the prevailing attitude. There was no more intimidation. It was fun just to show up. Two of these Community Living men have been using their membership for four months, two to four times a week, 30-40 minutes on average a visit. One has lost 10 pounds and two inches off his waist. The other has lost five pounds and an inch on his waist. The physical activity has not only assisted the men with weight loss, but an increase in energy, improving their mood and interaction with others. The positive interaction they encounter with YMCA staff assists with their confidence while interacting with others and helps them exercise society's conventional boundaries supporting them in other social situations. This is much more than sweating with strangers. As for myself, it has been a strange few years in the hustle and bustle of the Golden Horseshoe. I had grown accustomed to a slower pace where there was more time to smile and converse with neighbours. This home lies somewhere else. Many dramatic things have happened completely out of my control, affecting my life monumentally. But I work on my pudding. It has been reduced to a three pack. I am half way there. Also the positive interaction I encounter with YMCA staff assists me with confidence interacting with others in this strange place. Never mind the guys; I look forward to showing up. Wow! This is much more than sweating with strangers -- a little touch of home. Thank you, Alison, Elaine, Nestor, Suzanne, Lynn, Jim, Patty and Nicole. To all the other Oakville Y staff, I do not know the names of, a big thanks as well. BILL LEGGE --Submitted by the Oakville YMCA.