My Y Story
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Melanie Hartman
Melanie Hartman, left, is pictured with Michael May, the health and wellness director at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and a personal trainer. Michael worked with Melanie on a workout plan following a back injury Melanie suffered in October of 2021. For more information on personal training sessions at the YMCA, call May at (540) 862-8678. (Photo Courtesy Alleghany Highlands YMCA)
The staff at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA takes great pride in efforts to better the lives of those individuals who seek their personal assistance.
On numerous occasions, the results speak for themselves. Individuals dedicated to improving their health and lifestyles feel a drastic difference after some personal attention, and it is often reflected in their appearance and in the way they feel.
In October of 2021, Melanie Hartman suffered a back injury that left her struggling to accomplish the everyday things that most take for granted. Walking up three steps onto her deck, carrying groceries into the house, attending to her home and walking her dogs became a challenge. Simple tasks such as getting out of bed without pain, stepping into the bathtub without the fear of falling, bending over to pick up something on the floor of sitting at her desk to work were arduous tasks.
“I knew I needed help to recover, and I knew that once the pain began to subside in February that I needed to become more physically fit,” Melanie recalled. “My core was weak; my posture was poor, and I had no muscle mass.”
Melanie decided to seek the assistance of a personal trainer, and that’s when Michael May entered the picture. Michael is the health and wellness director at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and a personal trainer who worked with Melanie on a plan specific to her needs. After a consultation consisting of an assessment, Melanie’s goals and what she was able to do at the time, the two developed a workout regimen that addressed those needs.
“With his encouragement and progressive plan, I am making steady progress,” Melanie said. “I am lifting weights, working a kettlebell and a weighted ball. My balance is improving and my core is strengthening.”
Melanie can now run up and down flights of stairs. She can lift 40-pound bags of birdseed, dirt and mulch. She is once again working in her garden, mowing her grass and using the weed eater. She can walk four miles in less than an hour without pain.
“With Mike’s direction and plan, along with my determination, I am getting my life back again,” she said.
Michael has worked with numerous individuals at the YMCA who face their own unique challenges. Each case is different, and specific plans detailed to each individual are developed.
“Melanie has made tremendous progress from when she first started,” Michael said. “She’s always a joy to have for each of her sessions, and anytime I throw something new at her, she always up to that challenge.”
Melanie, a secretary at Callaghan Elementary School for the past 12 years, has faced some life-changing challenges in the last year. Her husband, Rick, was a 42-year employee of the Alleghany County School System who retired on Oct. 1, 2021, and died five days later on Oct. 6.
But with the YMCA as a backdrop, Melanie credits Michael with helping her rebound from her physical difficulties. “His personality suits my style,” she said. “He’s very easy to work with. He incorporates your interests into your workout plan; he’s flexible, and he’s accommodating.”
Melanie has also enjoyed other amenities offered by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. She swims in the pool, and she utilizes the sauna, exercise bikes and the walking track. Now that she’s in better shape, she is looking forward to returning to Zumba classes and getting into the weight room.
“I love the Y,” Melanie said. “I really believe in what the Y offers.”
For additional information on personal training sessions at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, call Michael May at 862-8678. For general information on the YMCA, call (540) 962-9622.
Susan Hutchison
Susan Hutchison
Photo courtesy of Mandy Lawrence Photography
I like to stay active and fit, and the YMCA gives me this opportunity. As a member for the past ten years, I enjoy working out at the YMCA's facility and have made many new friends, most of whom I would not have had the opportunity to meet had I not joined the Y.
One of the first people I met was Keith Simpson, who inspired me to take my first cycling (spin) class and later insisted that I teach. I eventually became an IFTA certified spin instructor and recently became a certified POUND instructor.
After retiring from my 30-year role as Clerk of the General District Courts, I became the part-time Director of Development of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. The Y is important to me and to this community, and I hope that I can contribute to the Y with my organizational skills for planning events and fundraising.
Charlesetta James
Charlesetta James began her journey with the Y from the desire to serve as a positive role model for the son she wanted to see grow up. With lots of options to help her lose weight, Charlesetta worked with staff member Keith Simpson to learn how to use equipment in the Wellness Center and began working out 5-6 days a week. Seeing the weight come off on a steady basis gave Charlesetta encouragement to continue, and even though working out was sometimes tedious she always left feeling great about life and the changes she was making. With the encouragement of Y employees, Charlesetta reached her weight loss goal in 91 days. She was PROUD and EXCITED, energized, and determined to live a better life. According to Charlesetta, “the Y is a great place to start with your goals, whatever they may be: weight loss, to get healthy, or just stay healthy. The employees are there to assist in anyway they can”.
Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson, a police officer for the City of Covington, has been an avid weightlifter ever since he can remember. He recalls tagging along with his father to a weight room and it was at that time he became hooked on the sport. When the Y opened its new location in 2007, Justin started attending just about everyday the facility was open. But, lifting weights was not the only connection he developed with the Y. Justin took the lifeguard course and was hired by Shari Peterson, aquatics director. That was a great experience for him.
Health and Wellness technician Keith Simpson is another idol of Justin's, as he often asked Justin to watch over the wellness center in his absence. Recently, Gayle Kitchen and Jennifer Unroe made arrangements for Justin to be interviewed on the air by Big Al, general manager of Big Country 101 Radio, about his experiences through the Y.
"Being a member, as well as former employee, of the Y is a great experience", Justin notes. "There are great people who put effort and time into making sure every member is satisfied. Not only am I happy to live in Alleghany County, but I am happy to be a part of the YMCA. Again, I would like to thank Jennifer, Gayle, Keith and Shari for the many opportunities."
The Jonas Family
Toby, Lisa, Hayley and Trevor Jonas have become like second family to the Y staff. It's a rare event when Lisa and Hayley aren't at the Y each day; in fact, Hayley has taken some of her first steps in our child watch center and we've watched her grow practically from day one into the busy toddler she is today! In the evenings we'll often see the family come back with Trevor for some of our youth programs.
The Rookin Family
(As told by David Rooklin) My family was one of the first families to join the YMCA when it was first chartered in the Alleghany Highlands and we have been dedicated members ever since. I can honestly say one would be hard pressed to find an individual or family that has benefitted more from our Y, or any other YMCA for that matter.
From being an integral part in helping me overcome my addiction to alcohol, to playing a significant role in developing my children, (Hillard, Kent, and Maggie) into exceptional athletes, the Y has been a very important part of our lives.
My children have not only benefitted from the athletic opportunities the Y has provided, but they have also made many friendships that may not have occurred if not for our YMCA. Jeanie and I have also benefitted not only from the physical fitness opportunities, but have also made many friends at the Y.
Simply put the Y has been and continues to be a very important part of my life and that of my family. I cannot imagine what our lives would be like today had the YMCA not located in our area, but I can emphatically say I am extremely thankful that it did.
Natalie Moats
After nearly 6 years of chronic pain and disability along with four back surgeries, I rarely left my home. My strength and ability to move had declined. My Doctors had recommended additional therapy to help relieve some pain and assist in regaining some mobility, stating that aquatic therapy would be ideal since it didn’t stress the joints. Knowing the YMCA had a pool; I made the decision to join but was very apprehensive about finding something for someone with restricted movement. One look at all of the machines and exercise equipment and I was terrified that I’d made a huge mistake.
To my delight, I discovered that in addition to a beginner level aquatics class, the YMCA also offered other activities that I felt I could tackle, even with my many limitations. Chair Yoga is a great way to do some gentle stretching, the size of the walking track is ideal (and they play great music) they even have Social activities like Bingo! I was also able to speak with a trainer to set up a program especially tailored to my personal needs. The first week, I came to the YMCA for 5 days in a row!! It had been years since Id left my house that many times in a week.
Not only did I find activities that I enjoy, but I also discovered a phenomenal support system! Everyone, from the Instructors, Trainers, Custodial staff, and the pleasant front desk people that greet you each morning; ALL have become an integral part of my rehabilitation. The Staff will listen to concerns, offer encouragement, guidance, or even congratulate me on each of my achievements, no matter how small. They have become SO MUCH MORE...they have quickly evolved into my friends! The YMCA truly does have SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
From being an integral part in helping me overcome my addiction to alcohol, to playing a significant role in developing my children, (Hillard, Kent, and Maggie) into exceptional athletes, the Y has been a very important part of our lives.
My children have not only benefitted from the athletic opportunities the Y has provided, but they have also made many friendships that may not have occurred if not for our YMCA. Jeanie and I have also benefitted not only from the physical fitness opportunities, but have also made many friends at the Y.
Simply put the Y has been and continues to be a very important part of my life and that of my family. I cannot imagine what our lives would be like today had the YMCA not located in our area, but I can emphatically say I am extremely thankful that it did.