Getting in shape for the new year is a common resolution, but for some finding the time and the money can be a challenge. But one Gainesville family found a way to make getting healthy a family affair.
Tony Scalese said, "Personally, I would like to lose between 10 and 15 pounds this year..." Becky Scalese said, "I do wanna lose weight that's one of my ultimate goals, but I just want to be healthy and hopefully buy a few extra years of my life when i get a bit older."
Each member of the Scalese family of Gainesville has a goal of their own. 8 year old AJ Scalese said, "I really wanna be a football player cause I'm trying to keep in shape." 10 year old Alexis Scalese said, "Well we did a lot of stunts and stuff like tumbling and jumping on trampolines, so I burnt a lot of calories then. But since I'm just staying at home and not doing a lot, I decided to come here and do it as a family."
They decided to join the Northwood Gainesville YMCA last November because it was close to their home and affordable. Tony Scalese said, "I think we pay less than 60 dollars a month and considering to the other...you know we look for convenience as well as price. Somewhere else might be a little further and we would go as often." North Central Florida YMCA Membership Director, Sarah Renner, said "The Y" is family focused and offers assistance for families, so that anyone can join.
Renner said, "We offer after school programming, recreational pre-school and competitive gymnastics, swimming lessons, sports. You name it, we provide it." The Scalese family chooses to make working out less of a chore and more a bonding activity. Alexis Scalese said. "It's like a double bonus basically because I get to stay in shape and spend time with my family.
As Tony, Becky, Alexis and AJ Scalese discovered, whatever your reason for working out or the goals you've set, there are options available to fit your lifestyle. After all, just because your waist is getting thinner, that doesn't mean your wallet has to.
The Northwood YMCA is waiving joiners fees now through February as a part of their 2011 Healthy Starts Here Campaign Membership Drive. For more information visit http://www.ncfymca.org/.