Alice Schoen

I just rejoined the Y. I originally joined about 20 years ago when we first moved to the neighborhood so I could take classes with my little ones. We were members for years. We worked out in the gym, the kids took swim classes, we did everything you’re supposed to do over there.

But then, parking was a challenge and for other reasons, our family ended up going somewhere else. Now that COVID has passed—I had it, twice—I was looking at getting back into exercising.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with MS. So strength and core and balance is all very important. Every time I was driving by the Studios, I would see the signs that this was coming. I was hesitant to join because of COVID, but once I got COVID, I decided to come. And honestly, it felt like coming home. I was so thrilled to be back. I joined as a single member and now my husband is probably going to join and use the pool in the winter.

My goal is to stay healthy and to focus on my balance. I did PT about a year ago and that was working on core exercises. So it was a choice I made this time around; I could do physical therapy or I could come here. And this was a much better choice.

It’s been so great, coming in and seeing all the same instructors who were here when we originally joined. This is only my third week back but I’ve taken the HIIT class and a couple classes with J.T.

It’s so welcoming here and it’s great to be back.