Category: Uncategorized

Sandi Colston

Posted on by Anna Coffey

I started in the fitness industry as a certified personal trainer and group ex instructor 20 years ago. But I set all of that aside after my second child was born and decided to focus on family and faith. We bought a small farm and homeschooled our two youngest kids. I put God first, then my family, and I didn’t give time for fitness. I was creating a home, which included homemade bread, fresh eggs and all day canning from the garden in the summer. It included early morning fires and books being read around the wood burning stove.

Fast forward to 2012, I  suffered a neck injury that cause me to lose mobility in my left arm and cost me $30k in medical expenses. My physical therapist and chiropractor got me out of being basically disabled, because I didn’t think I would live to see my children grown. On top of that I found out I needed another major surgery that God brought me through.

Two years later I joined the Steiner Branch Family YMCA where my life took a turn for the BEST! I  made lifelong friends and have become totally connected with so many members. We connect in class and in our Christian faith. I gained mobility in my left arm in a class that I participate in twice a week with the encouragement of the instructor and participants. I have a host of friends I love through Ingrid’s R.I.P.P.E.D class.

These are people I see inside of the gym, sometimes outside of the gym, many have been to my house, several have gone to church with me. We have laughed together and prayed together and cried over the hurts and joys of life.

Then by accident in January 2019 I met Rhys who was facilitating Y-Change, a new version of the Team Lean program. I really took to Rhys. For those of you who know him, it is not because he is fun and outgoing, but rather it’s because he offered ideas that intrigued me. He challenged and still challenges my thinking. He didn’t say the things I expected him to say as a trainer. I took a risk although I thought it was a huge expense for one month. I was hooked in the first week and told him immediately I would commit to him for a year to see what changes we could make.

I have had so much progress in strengthening my neck and upper back I have not been back to the chiropractor in 3 months. My posture is noticeable improved. He has also become a treasured friend in this journey. I have recommended him to everyone I know that is looking for a change. Several friends have joined with him and more will be calling soon. My entire family all joined the Y at this point as well.

I had promised myself when I was in so much pain wondering if I could live that way for even another year or two, that if I ever got healed, I would not waste my life on TV and romance novels, or living through other people’s adventures. I would smell the roses, invest in more people, go hiking and get in better physical shape.

To wrap it up, the Y has been great for this next season of my life. My empty nesting years. I liked it so much I was willing to join the team when I was recently asked by Scotia since I already felt like I was so connected to the staff and people that come to the Y. They already felt like family.

Sheila Tucker (pictured center)

Posted on by The Family Y

This is what the Y is about. Bring people together in one community. Livestrong program has transformed .the women lives in this photo. So many more before us and still enjoy the program. Y you belong is for the friendly atmosphere that the staff have. Each and every day. The programs are awesome I currently do three. PICKLEBALL, WERQ, Pilates, fit after fifty..there are a host of others to offer. This is Y I belong with a smile everyday

Melissa Payne

Posted on Updated on by The Family Y

When my spouse and I relocated to Augusta from out of state in 2015 I struggled to find employment. I immediately started volunteer work at the United Way of the CSRA, and eventually landed part-time employment at the South Augusta YMCA. This was a huge blessing for my family and it helped me find purpose in my professional life as well as root myself within the CSRA community. I led the Prime Time after school program as the Site Coordinator and the experience allowed me to have immediate impact on the community and the families we served through the program.

Lane Widener

Posted on Updated on by The Family Y

About a year ago I was what felt like my last leg in this life, Over weight, Uncontrolled Diabetes, short of breath, and was Im sure a couch potato. My Doctor told me I had to do something to get the weight off or my life would be very short, she sent me to a place for gastric bye pass, after talking to them about the procedure and playing it all out in my head until I was sick on my stomach, I told myself it was time to join the Y and do this the way every healthy person does it, Exercise, push myself one step more each day. The Y was just a couple miles down the road and welcome me in and gave me a few pointers and I felt they really supported me in my goal, Today Im about 30 pounds lighter pants size from a 42 to a 38, I have more energy and doing things around the house that I just let go, I feel better and Most importantly My Doctor told me I could reduce my diabetes medicine my A1C when from 8 to 6.4 GREAT! Im not where I want to be but Im not throwing in the towel and I looking forward to the beach with my grand babies . Thank you so much to all the staff at my Thomson Family YMCA, And for Dr Fincher for sending me and caring for me.