I have the greatest job! I have the opportunity
to help people work toward their health and fitness goals as a YMCA Fitness
Instructor at the Southtowns Family YMCA. It is an incredibly rewarding
job and I often feel that I should be paying the YMCA for allowing me to do it!
As an instructor, my number one intention is to
provide something useful, motivating, or uplifting to the members that attend
my class. I am there for them. In each class I teach, I have had
members tell me that I have made a difference in their workout. It could be something as simple as a song on
my group cycling play list that really inspired them or teaching them a new
breathing technique in yoga. It is great to know that I can have a
positive impact on someone’s health! Being a contributing member of the
community fills me with a sense of purpose and inspires me to want to do more.
This summer the YMCA and Independent Health
partnered to bring Fitness in the Parks to Buffalo. I am proud to say
that I am a part of this program, bringing FREE group exercise classes to the
Buffalo community all summer long, while enjoying the weather in our area
parks. I teach Pilates at Canalside every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
The setting there is perfect and such a great way to get your workout in and
still be able to enjoy the outdoors after work. Even on those really hot
nights we have it is much cooler near the water and there is always a
breeze. My favorite part of the workout is in the very beginning of class
when we lie on our mats and practice deep breathing. Many nights there are sailboats floating down
the canal as we lay under the shade of two full trees.
The Y is a place for families. My husband
and I work out there and my three year old son just loves going to see his
friends in child watch. It is also great when he can burn off a bit of
energy in the Adventure Room and he has learned a lot in the other pre-school
classes that are offered there.
I am proud to say that I am a part of the YMCA
team. Just being there puts me in a good mood because I am surrounded by
health minded, happy people (that includes employees, volunteers, and members)!
The YMCA is an organization that brings health of the body, mind, and soul to people
of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and cares about the community.
If you haven't tried Fitness in the Parks yet this summer, there's still a few weeks left. Download the schedule. I hope to see you there!
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Kelly Williams’s involvement with the Y began as a YMCA volunteer and
has grown ever since. She was hired as a
YMCA fitness instructor in 2010. Kelly
can be found teaching group exercise classes such as yoga, group cycling, and
Pilates. She most recently became a
FitStart Coach and looks forward to becoming a SilverSneakers® instructor this fall. She is passionate about heath, whole living, and having a positive impact on the community. She loves long distance running and has completed many half marathons. Kelly resides in Lancaster with her husband Andy, son Jameson, and their boxer Brewzer.
