From Fear to Fierce
Leslie Flanagan’s Fitness Journey at the Y
When Leslie Flanagan found the courage to join group fitness classes at the YMCA this summer, she had hoped to lose weight and improve her physical health. What she didn’t expect was discovering her own inner strength to embrace herself just as she is. “I really struggled with how I looked in the mirror,” Leslie says, “and the Y has given me this gift of having a better opinion of myself. I’m proud that I’m on this journey, and I’m sticking with it.”
For years, Leslie and her husband had considered joining the Y, knowing how important a fitness routine would be as they approached their 40s. Self-conscious of her weight, Leslie shied away from group exercise and the possibility of feeling judged or out of place. So, she began riding her bike around her neighborhood instead. One day, she gathered her nerve and rode downtown to register at the Frederick Y.
As a new member, Leslie found the antidote to her fears in aqua Zumba. It’s a fun, gentle way to work out that also offers a measure of privacy, since participants’ bodies are mostly submerged under water, and mirrors are not used in the pool area. “I love my Aqua Zumba classes,” Leslie says. “I love the music, the water is easy on my joints but also provides resistance, and I don’t have to be distracted by my reflection in a mirror.”
In Aqua Zumba, Leslie grew more confident and made new friends who helped her feel at home. “When you’re new to working out, you need a support system,” she says. “At the Y, your classmates cheer you on when you’re unmotivated, sad, not making progress, or injured. They’re so friendly and encouraging; when I walk through those doors, I know I’m among friends!”
Eventually, Leslie faced her fears about other types of fitness classes—and the dreaded mirror. She mentioned her discomfort to an instructor. She says, “They reminded me, ‘Hey, everybody’s in different fitness places. You just keep being you and doing your thing.’” The words hit home for Leslie. Today, she loves encouraging others, especially people who are just getting started, or who feel self-conscious about their bodies, like she did.
“I want to be an ambassador for beginner fitness at the Y,” Leslie says. “Everyone is on their own fitness journeys. You have people here with injuries or who are working on rehabilitations, so you’re not out of place. We’re all doing this together and we can motivate each other.”
Looking to learn more about joining the YMCA? Schedule a tour and receive 7 days to Try the Y for free.
