Scott McWalter: Part 2

Now that I am officially a member of the PG Family Y again, this time around I've decided to pass on the undeniably terrific gift of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to others in two ways: one, by becoming a volunteer group fitness instructor; and, two, through motivating friends and family to get memberships. Since not everyone's psychologically wired to get up in the morning and go to the gym, it took a bit of work convincing people; however, I'm proud to announce that since establishing this latter goal, I encouraged my parents to acquire Family Y memberships in January, and since then they've lost a collective 27lbs. They've trained exhaustively and now feel better than ever.  

Some people experience a lot of anxiety when starting something new, such as a new exercise program. What they have to realize is that anxiety isn't the enemy; it's just a clear indication to what they need to work on first in their life. It's unrealistic - in fact, probably a little unfair - to sit back and expect the Family Y to do all the hard work for you. You have to earn it for yourself, and the most powerful way to do this is by setting goals. I'll never be able to emphasize how powerful setting meaningful goals can be. It's life-changing! I started setting goals two years ago - daily, weekly, monthly and long-term - and it's absolutely astonishing how quickly it changes your life.

I can honestly say that spanking goals is one of my favourite things in life; in fact, if it weren't for creating and following through with goals, I wouldn't be half way through the YMCA National Certification Course for becoming a certified fitness leader. It's a proven fact that once you write down a goal, you're more than 100% more likely to accomplish (spank) it. I challenge you to test this theory out - you'll be amazed how productivity-enhancing such a simple step  can be, and how quickly you’ll start receiving dividends.

Once I start instructing Cycle Fit this autumn, maybe you'll even make it one of your goals to attend one of my classes. Together, we'll be able to contribute to the Family Y of Prince George's goal of building a healthy community. I look forward to seeing you there :)

Scott A. McWalter, B.Comm.

Email:    mail@scottmcwalter.com

Twitter:  KitsBeachCanuck

www.goalspank.com

Scott McWalter: Part 1

My nameis Scott McWalter and I am a proud member of the Prince George Family Y.

I firmly believe that health is a virtue people most often taken for granted until it'sgone. So, like many other individuals who are fortunate enough to call the great City of Prince George their home, the Family Y continues to play a vitally imperative role in helping me stay active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Over the years, as a by-product to the fitness component of being a Family Y member, I've developed enduring relationships with the friendly staff, various fitness instructors and, of course, other members who share the same passion for being part of a fitness facility synonymous with enhancing community spirit. Welcome to the world of the PG Family YMCA. It's a fun world to be in.

Growing up in Prince George, I use to think the PG Family Y was, by far, the best fitness facilityin the City. After graduating from the UNBC Commerce Program in 2008 and spending the past few years living in places like Prince Rupert, Whistler and Vancouver, it's became clearly evident to me that the PG Family Y is one of the best fitness facilities in the province!

The compelling proof presented itself while I was living in Kitsilano, one of the most health-orientated communities in Canada. At this time, I experienced a heightened fascination with physical fitness, but there was always something missing: none of the gyms in the lower mainland, although insanely beautiful and well-kept, had the same sense member camaraderie as the PG Family Y!

In late-2011, I received an offer of admission to UNBC's Master of Business Administration program. Immediately, I was excited about the opportunity to return to my homecity, not only to pursue my MBA, but also because this meant I'd once again get to enjoy being Prince George Family Y member. How good is that?

The Family Y has helped me facilitate the achievement of several past fitness goals. Whether it was participating in a Rep Reebok class to lean down for summer, joining a running group to prepare for the annual Iceman competition or rocking a fusion class that incorporated balance into my varsity soccer training schedule, I could always rely on the Y's group fitness programs and instructors for supplementary guidance and inspiration.

Scott A. McWalter, B.Comm.

Email: mail@scottmcwalter.com

Twitter: KitsBeachCanuck

www.goalspank.com

Tony Cue

Tony Cue is such a wonderful person. He hasbeen a volunteer running leader for the YMCA running clinic and he is such ajoy to be around. I have gotten to know him over the past 10 weeks during ourruns. He sincerely makes an effort to get to know you and commits everyone’sname to memory. He always greets you with a warm smile. I am so grateful thathe is sharing his story.

Tony is so modest and humble. Here isresponse:

Tony is on the left

“Thank you for inviting meto be a guest blogger. It is quite an honour. I really do not havean awe inspiring story to tell. For many years I have been interested infitness. It really started in the early 1970’s with a fitness areaat Queen's Park in New Westminster. I would visit it quiteregularly. When my wife and I moved to Prince George in the 1970’s Iwould enter the Father's Day race that was held at the old Lakewood High Schooltrack. The Labour Day Classic was another race that I enjoyed being aparticipant.

It is within the last tenyears that I have been with the Y. Without a doubt, they have beenwonderful years. I have met many great people, far too many tolist. (And I do remember names) Running with others through the Y has meant a new focus with my running. Whereas before the YMCA running clinic I would mainly run on my own, but nowthere were others who also enjoyed running.

I particularly enjoy running with those whoare perhaps just starting out. It is a joy to see the confidence that grows asthey see their progress. We have just completed a Learn to Runclinic, with Carol Reimer leading it so well, and a number of veryenthusiastic volunteers, assisting.

The Y has been very effective with regards tomy fitness because of the thought that goes into their fitnessprograms. Very gradually one's fitness level increases. I hope tocontinue to enjoy the Y, and all that it offers, for many more years.

Tony Cue ”

Brian Ray

My name is Brian Ray and I have called PG home for over 20 years. My story is the same as many of you; we came to town screaming & kicking yet soon loved it enough to stay. My wife, Val, and I have four kids all of whom have left the nest.

I am a 52 year old Bank Manager of the TD Canada Trust in Pine Centre. As you might be able to guess, my job is lacking for any type of exercise. That said I have been known to wrestle for a good pen or valued file folder.

I hate to admit something... All males do. It’s a secret core belief we all have deep within, yet we never talk about it. It’s not something that we want to make public, even though all men believe it. You might be wondering what that secret is. Ok, I will tell you, but don’t let on that you now know. Here it is: “Young men are gods and they will live forever.”

Dose of reality: I turned 51 last year and I took toll of where my body was at. Eek!

I was out of shape, overweight, I felt lethargic and ached all over. I had an epiphany that shocked me to the core. I was NOT a god and certainly would not live forever. On top of that, the torpid and achy feeling was not how I wanted to live. And then my doctor used a word that hit me right between the eyes. He called me obese!

I knew I had to make some changes.

I think I am very typical, in that I took too many things for granted. I had chosen not to learn some basics of life. I enjoyed food, so I ate what I enjoyed whenever I wanted. I never learned how to eat properly. I hadn’t been to the gym and I had no idea what to do if ever I wanted to get fit.

The first thing I did was learn to eat. I discovered the proper amounts to eat, proper types of foods to eat (and the food to stay away from). There I was, 51 years old and had to learn how to eat properly. However, in that, I discovered an entirely different repertoire of food that I now love.

Then I joined the Family Y and spent some time with Heidi. She was excellent. She cared enough to understand where I was at and helped me formulate a plan. I really appreciated her (even though she could out-lift me… by a lot!) I go to the Y three or four times a week and love to go. It makes me feel good.

As for today, I have lost over 60 pounds, look and feel fit, eat well, have tons of energy and I see the value of being healthy. My wife has been inspired and she has now lost over 70 pounds. I love you and am very proud of you Val!

I may not live forever, but I will certainly feel great for the rest of my life.

Get fit, eat well and get to the Family Y!

Brian Ray