Rebecca Hurst’s Y Story
When Rebecca Hurst first walked through the doors of the YMCA in 2021, her goal was simple: move more and lose weight. After a knee replacement, she and her husband knew they needed an environment that felt safe, supportive, and adaptable. What Rebecca didn’t expect was that the Y would become a place of transformation—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Rebecca began her journey in the pool, taking Aqua Fit classes that allowed her to move comfortably while rebuilding strength. It was there that she met Brooke Arthur, an instructor whose welcoming style and thoughtful approach made an immediate impression. Rebecca followed Brooke from the pool into studio classes, gradually expanding her comfort zone and confidence.
After about a year and a half of consistent participation, Rebecca took a short break from the Y. When she returned just three weeks later, she noticed a striking difference—daily tasks felt harder, and her overall ability had declined. That moment reinforced just how vital movement had become in her life.
Rebecca transitioned into Healthy Living classes, specifically Enhanced Fitness, where she found something she deeply valued: smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and peers facing similar challenges. “The way the Y is responding to the increasing presence of aging adults—I think that’s a wonderful thing to do,” she shared. The classes weren’t just about exercise; they became places where relationships formed and informal support networks grew.
After multiple sessions, Rebecca realized she was struggling with fatigue, breathing, and balance. She mentioned her concerns to Brooke, who listened carefully and referred her to balance-focused programming. That connection led Rebecca to Moving for Better Balance, where staff took the time to explain available classes and supports.
Though Rebecca described this period as a low point in her physical ability, the impact was powerful. After two sessions, she began noticing improvements in everyday movements—getting on the floor, climbing stairs, navigating her home with more confidence. Being offered the class at no cost meant more than she could put into words. “The idea that the Y gave something to a group that didn’t qualify financially—that meant a lot,” she said. “It gave me something I couldn’t back off from.”
That same spirit of care continued when Brooke, reviewing Rebecca’s health history, noticed she was a cancer survivor and suggested LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA. Through the help and support of Director, Eirikur Holt, Rebecca joined the program at Westwood and found herself in a small, intimate group where encouragement, humor, and determination filled the room. “You could see people pushing themselves and investing in their own efforts to live longer and healthier,” she said.
Through LIVESTRONG, new doors opened—strength training orientations, personalized guidance, and a deeper sense of belonging. “The Y sees me, they know me, and they’re designing something for me,” Rebecca shared. She even began creating home routines inspired by what she learned at the Y.
After 47 years as a community college teacher, Rebecca understands the power of relationships. “The student-teacher relationship is everything,” she said. At the Y, she found that same impact—staff who listen, adapt, and care deeply.
“Hope is a wonderful thing,” Rebecca reflected. “And hope is what you all deal in.”
For Rebecca, the YMCA isn’t just a place to exercise—it’s a place where she feels seen, supported, and empowered to keep moving forward.
Where Support Becomes Strength
Stories like Rebecca’s are possible because the YMCA is more than a place to work out. It is a place where people are seen, supported, and empowered through every stage of life. Your generosity helps ensure programs like Healthy Living classes, Moving for Better Balance, and LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA remain accessible to those who need them most. Together, we can continue building a community where hope, connection, and wellbeing are within reach for everyone.