I’m 95 years old and I’ve been a member of the West Side YMCA for 60 years. It’s more than a gymnasium, it’s my church. I come three days a week at 5 in the morning. I work out for three hours. I do dips, curls, bench press, other weights. I’m a former boxer, so I hit the bag a little. Then I go to the sauna.

A lot has changed over the years. I’ve changed up my routine as I’ve gotten older. But what hasn’t changed is the community. 

There are so many people here I connect with and identify with. Right now my number one guy is Jim. He’s 83 and has climbed Mt. Everest twice. He’s in a lot of pain and can barely walk. But he hits the heavy bag for an hour straight — an hour straight! Try that some time and let me know how you feel. We train together and we feed off each other. He just won’t give up. I love tough guys like that. 

People have no clue how lucky they are to be members of the YMCA. It’s the best place in the world. When I walk in here, things change for me. It’s an amazing place. I'll be here for life.

Find Your Way at the Y