STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
Read about Paul Davis, a member who swam 1,000 miles, the Y Madness 2025 Championship and more!!
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2026
P. 4 Coping Corner: Mental Wellness Month P. 8 Community Highlight: Basketball and Group Fitness P. 10 Programs for Healthy Living P. 12 Mission Spotlight: Rock Steady Boxing P. 14 Adult Programs P. 16 Group Fitness Schedules P. 18 Special Feature: Y Madness Championship Recap P. 20 Member Profile: Meet Mary Huffer P. 23 Food For Thought: Systems for Success
Are you required to take a Minimum Distribution from your retirement account? You can use these funds to benefit the community by making a donation to the STAUNTON- AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA or COMMUNITY CHILD CARE. Check in with your financial advisor or ask SAYMCA Executive Director Josh Cole for more information about how to maximize your giving potential.
The Annual Giving Campaign is the lifeblood of our YMCA. Each year the campaign raises money through charitable donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations. These funds help to ensure that no one is ever left behind regardless of their financial circumstances. Together we are building a healthier community!
NO JOINING FEE All month!
COUNT ME IN!
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Mental wellness begins with acknowledging how we truly feel, rather than how we think we should feel.
January often arrives quietly. The decorations come down, routines return, and the pace of life shifts after weeks of celebration and activity. For many, this transition brings a mix of emotions—relief, exhaustion, hope, and sometimes a sense of heaviness. That’s why January is recognized as Mental Wellness Month, a time to focus not on perfection or drastic change, but on care, connection and sustainability. It’s also important to recognize that January doesn’t feel the same for everyone. While some people welcome the fresh start, others may feel emotionally drained after the holidays or disconnected when routines return. Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and fewer social gatherings can all influence mood and motivation. These reactions are common and valid - and they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Giving yourself permission to move at your own pace this month can be an important act of self-care. At the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA, we believe mental wellness is not a destination - it’s a practice. This month offers an opportunity to check in with ourselves and each other, reflect on what we need and build habits that support well-being throughout the year. Mental wellness is also deeply connected to belonging. When individuals feel welcomed, supported, and included, they are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and reach out when they need support. The SAYMCA strives to be a place where people of all ages and abilities feel safe showing up exactly as they are - whether that means participating in a fitness class, joining a group activity or simply sharing space with others in the community. For some, walking through the doors of the Y is the first step toward reconnecting with themselves or others. That sense of community - seeing familiar faces, being greeted by name or following a routine - can be just as important to mental wellness as any structured program. These everyday interactions help remind us that we matter and that we belong. Progress Over Perfection The start of a new year often comes with pressure: new goals, new routines, and expectations to “start fresh.” While reflection can be helpful, mental wellness grows best when goals are realistic and compassionate. Rather than asking, “What do I need to fix?” consider asking: • What helps me feel grounded? • What gives me energy instead of draining it? • What is one small habit I can carry forward this month? Mental wellness is built through small, consistent actions - getting enough rest, moving our bodies in ways that feel good, pausing to breathe and allowing ourselves flexibility when life feels heavy. Gentle Movement as Motivation Movement can be a powerful tool for mental wellness, especially when motivation is low. Practices like Tai Chi and yoga emphasize slow, intentional movement, breathing and body awareness - making them accessible options for individuals who may feel overwhelmed by high-intensity exercise. Tai Chi encourages balance, coordination, and focus through flowing movements, helping calm the nervous system while gently engaging the body. Yoga offers similar benefits, combining mindful movement with breath work to reduce stress, improve flexibility and support emotional regulation. Both practices provide structure without pressure, allowing participants to move at their own pace while staying present in the moment. These classes offer more than physical benefits - they create space for mental reset, reflection and connection through shared experience. For many, simply showing up to a familiar class can help rebuild routine and motivation during the winter months. Motivation in January: Why It Feels Different January motivation often looks different than motivation at other times of the year. After the structure and stimulation of the holidays, many people notice a dip in energy, focus or enthusiasm. This doesn’t mean motivation is gone - it often means it has changed. Motivation generally falls into two categories: external motivation and internal motivation. External motivation includes schedules, routines, accountability and environmental cues. Internal motivation is driven by enjoyment, personal values or a sense of purpose. Both are important, and both naturally fluctuate. During winter months, external motivation can be especially helpful. Showing up to a familiar routine, participating in an activity, or maintaining structure can create momentum even when internal motivation feels low. Often, action comes first - and motivation follows. Words Matter: Self-Talk and Momentum The way we speak to ourselves has a powerful impact on motivation and emotional well-being. Negative self-talk can quietly increase stress, lower confidence, and make it harder to begin tasks - especially when energy is already low. Try replacing harsh thoughts with more supportive ones: • “This is hard, but I’m doing my best.” • “I don’t have to feel motivated to take one step.” • “Starting small still counts.” Self-talk shapes how approachable a task feels. When motivation is low, gentle language helps lower the emotional barrier to action and supports follow-through over time. Connection Without Pressure Connection plays a critical role in mental wellness, but it doesn’t have to look a certain way. For some people, connection is conversation. For others, it’s shared routines, familiar environments or simply being part of a space where they feel recognized and accepted. During winter, connection can become quieter and more subtle. Attending a class regularly, exchanging a greeting, or participating in a shared activity can foster belonging without requiring emotional or physical closeness. Meaningful connection is built through consistency, not intensity. Reframing “Blue Monday” The third Monday in January is often referred to as “Blue Monday,” a term that reflects how many people experience lower motivation and energy during mid-winter. Rather than viewing this as a negative label, it can serve as a reminder to pause and check in. Consider asking yourself: • How is my energy right now? • What support or structure would help today? • What is one manageable step I can take? Low motivation is not a failure - it's information. Responding with curiosity instead of judgment can help restore balance. Coping Tools to Try This January Coping tools don’t need to be complicated to be effective. The most helpful strategies are often the ones that fit naturally into daily life and reduce pressure rather than add to it. • Breathing Reset: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6 (repeat three times). • Grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, and 1 taste. • Connection Goal: Show up somewhere familiar and notice who’s around you. • Movement Break: Gentle movement counts—Tai Chi, yoga, stretching, or walking. • Reflection Prompt: What do I want more of this year—not to achieve, but to feel? A Final Thought January doesn’t have to be about drastic change. It can be about permission—to rest, to reconnect with yourself, and to move forward gently. At the SAYMCA, we support the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Small steps matter, and you don’t have to take them all at once.
COPING CORNER: Mental Wellness Month
COPING CORNER
Make Mindfulness Central to Creating Healthy Rhythms By Brian Ringgold
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Connor Brown is a regular in the Early Morning Hoops group at the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA . He loves competing before he goes to work his corporate job.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: Basketball and Group Fitness
A collection of basketball-loving STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA members - the Early Morning Hoops Group - is fighting off the extra holiday pounds by playing pick-up hoops three times a week. “It’s a great way to stay in shape,” Dustin Wright said, “and it gives us a sense of community.” FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME It’s only appropriate that the organization that created basketball has a robust hoops community. The Early Morning Hoops Group is informal. Players show up around 5:45 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The runs conclude around 7:15 a.m. The first 10 players to show up play first, and others work their way in afterward. If the group ever gets to 20 people - a rarity - the group runs a pair of cross court games simultaneously. It’s a diverse group. Robert Migliaccio, a regular, loves “the energy of the competition.” Dr. Resche Hines often comes with his teenage sons. “I come for the intergenerational connections,” Hines said, “and the ability to share the love of the game with the fellas and my sons.” COMMUNITY IS KEY Ric Durrette loves to start his day with exercise. “The sense of accomplishment before I really start my day puts a little bounce in my step,” he said. Durrette and the guys are getting more than cardio. They are getting community. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention data, 32% of U.S. adults experience loneliness. While the Early Morning Hoops Group is informal, the YMCA has always known the power of group fitness. “Being in a like-minded group - those who are goal-oriented - helps to keep each other on track,” YMCA fitness director Wendy Shutty said. “In the event that someone starts to get discouraged, the fear of letting others down helps encourage you to continue. Sometimes there is strength in those numbers; strength you would not necessarily have on your own.” Despite being informal, the regulars do check on each other if someone is missing. Some form of the Early Morning Hoops Group has been around for more than a decade, but some of the group fitness members have been taking the same class for multiple decades. Avis Henderson teaches the tabata class at the Y. “You become friends with the people in the classes,” Henderson said. “People notice if you are not there.” The same is true for the basketball group. Sarabeth Johnson, a huge college basketball fan, has also taught a number of cycling and yoga classes at the Y. She knows the difference accountability makes. “For many, socializing is just as important as the physical exercise,” Johnson said. “Friendships are made based on good, healthy habits. It's the ‘these are my people’ mentality.” Lisa Botkin teaches early morning classes upstairs while the games are happening in the gym. She agrees with Johnson. “I think just knowing someone else knows you should be there ,” Botkin said, “helps people know that someone does care.”
Update Rally flier with picture of Cam.
It's a Group Thing: Early Morning Crowd at the Y Shares Fitness, Friendship By Chris Lassiter
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Coach Chris will be out the week of November 17. There will be no classes during the week of Thanksgiving.
TENNIS LESSONS
Adult Pickleball & Tennis
Contact Chris at cstambaugh@swattennis.org with any questions.
Homeschool Tennis Ages 6 - 11 For beginner and intermediate players. Days and Times: Tuesdays | 10 - 11 AM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member
PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS All ages Individuals, of all ages, seeking to improve at tennis can arrange to meet individually with our instructor to improve tennis fundamentals. Private lessons can be tailored to improve a weakness or gain a new skill. Fees: Member $60 for one hour, $35 for 1/2 hour Non-Member $75 for one hour, $60 for 1/2 hour GROUP TENNIS LESSONS All ages Fees: Member $38 for one hour Non-Member $55 for one hour
ADULT INTERMEDIATE TENNIS For adults 18 + wanting drills and competition in singles and doubles. Dates and Times: Fridays | 9 - 10:30 AM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member
REGISTRATION FOR ALL LEVELS CLOSES ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW SESSION.
Early Hitters Ages 5 - 8 Beginner level where the fundamentals are introduced. Days and Times: Tuesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM OR Thursdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Mid Hitters Ages 9 - 11 This will teach your pre-teen intermediate tennis skills. Dates and Times: Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Upper Mid Hitters Ages 12 -14 This will get your student prepared for high school tennis. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Highschool Tennis Ages 15 - 18 Advanced techniques and skills to prepare for competition. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:00 PM Fees: $75 Member $90 Non-Member
FALL 2025 DATES:
General re-string and re-grip starts at $25 per racket.
Session 3 Tuesdays: NOVEMBER 4, 11, DECEMBER 2, 9 Wednesdays: NOVEMBER 5, 12, DECEMBER 3, 10 Thursdays: NOVEMBER 6, 13, DECEMBER 4, 11 Fridays: NOVEMBER 7, 14, DECEMBER 5, 12 Member Registration: October 28 Non-Member Registration: October 29
BEGINNERS ADULT PICKLEBALL Learn to play or brush up on the basics. Dates and Times: Fridays | 10:30 - 12 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Meets on the tennis court.
Siblings get 10% off after the first child enrolls! Register in person or online at saymca.org
RACKET AND STRINGING REPAIR:
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On most days, by the time Paul Davis walks through the doors into the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) studio – a specially equipped room just across the parking lot from the main building on Coalter Street – his muscles and his mind have already been hard at work. Not one to stay still much, even at age 85, the retired elementary school principal and avid runner is up early five days a week to strength train with former colleagues and other community members. “I’ve always been an active individual, and I’ve been working out with [that group] since 1992,” Davis said. “It’s something I plan to do as long as I can.” In the same way that he values those long-term relationships, Davis has started to make connections with the coaches and participants during Rock Steady classes over the past several months. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA has supported a chapter of the internationally recognized workout program for people with Parkinson’s disease since 2017. “I really, truly think [Rock Steady] is zeroing in on how to manage this condition,” Davis said. He attends the second class, for people with less advanced symptoms, as often as possible, ideally three times a week. “I’m in it for life now, I think,” he grinned. New Diagnosis, Familiar Faces Davis was running on a local track when he had his first fall about five years ago. He had already started to notice occasional trembling in his hand and face. Then came two more falls. His balance deteriorated quickly, and began to affect daily activities. An initial evaluation indicated essential tremor, a neurological disorder similar to Parkinson’s that causes involuntary trembling, usually in the hands. But Davis soon learned that was only part of the story, and that he was one of nearly 1 million Americans with a progressive Parkinson's diagnosis. Davis had been a member of the SAYMCA for a few years when he took Rock Steady participant Judy Briggs up on her offer to walk at Gypsy Hill Park and talk about the program. Briggs is an outspoken proponent of the unique method, and she is trained to serve as an instructor as well as attending class to manage her own Parkinson’s. “I see now why she was so positive about the coaches,” he said. “Their knowledge and creativity create a really specialized workout that gets right to the heart of it.” “They are so dedicated to all of us, and always looking for ways to improve and do things a little differently. I notice a difference in myself, and I’ve talked to others who do as well,” he added. “It's also just really good fellowship.” One of those dedicated coaches is Avis Henderson, a longtime YMCA employee who worked with Davis when she taught at Hugh K. Cassell Elementary School in Augusta County, where he worked as principal. They developed a bond through their vocation and because their children are similar ages, Henderson explained. “It was great to reunite with him after all these years,” she said. “He’s working hard in class, and I’m glad that we can offer him hope and help.” Like most Rock Steady participants, Davis’ progress is measured in slowing or halting the progression of the disease. It’s in making the invisible brain and muscular connections that result in better balance, critical thinking, and movement control. RSB coaches are trained to look for those subtle changes and achievements. We strive to recognize boxers in class while they are participating to let them know how well they are doing. That process, to me, is the most important – instantaneous recognition,” said Wendy Shutty, Fitness Director and RSB Coach. The team also conducts 90-day follow-up assessments for each participant. “Paul’s endurance has gotten much better and he has made improvements in his balance, which he wanted to work on,” Shutty added. Davis himself said that he is comfortable with the physical work of the program’s boxing repertoire, and he admits that maintaining his balance is a perpetual challenge. Finding Fitness and Family The Rock Steady group’s tight bond was on display during a recent class, when Davis attempted to transition from standing to a seated deep stretch on his mat. Participants and instructors alike watched him carefully, at first offering encouraging nods. But when they realized it was a little too much, the consensus of gentle concern and support kicked in. “It’s okay, you don’t have to do that today,” said Shutty, looking on from the sidelines. Henderson, the session leader, and other members chimed in with their own reassurance: “You’ll get it,” and “Don’t worry, just do what you can.” They speak with the confidence that he would do the same for them. “Community is what I see every single day in Rock Steady,” Shutty said. "There is a support system that forms just from our boxers being together in class three days a week. Our boxers know they are not alone in their fight," she added. "Not only do they have their group here at our Y, they have a much larger group of support throughout Rock Steady Boxing all over the world." Davis is equally enthusiastic about the high quality of instruction and the variety of equipment available to Rock Steady participants. "It all comes together during classes," he said. "The program is highly defined - the equipment is excellent, and our coaches really demonstrate their training." As the program's team looks toward celebrating a decade at the SAYMCA in 2027, they recognize that while RSB is already changing the lives of many Parkinson's survivors, there is always room for growth. That could look like more partnerships with the community to bring awareness to Rock Steady, adding classes if needed, fostering more education with physicians and neurologists locally, and seeking support from folks who would like to volunteer, said Shutty. "We're always trying to touch as many people as we can," she said.
Participant Finds Purpose, Support in Program for Parkinson's Disease By Dawn Medley
The Powerlifting Club has different levels for members to complete. Eisgruber set out to achieve the 500 Pounds Club first and then completed the 750 Pounds Club less than a year later. Using the levels as goals helps him stay motivated.
Todd Eisgruber was 53 years old when he got his wake up call. “I was overweight. I felt terrible every single day. I was exhausted, drinking gallons of caffeine, trying to get myself to keep going. Nothing was working,” he said. And then a routine medical test made one thing abundantly clear; Eisgruber needed to make his health a priority. He was told that he needed further testing after a Cologuard test came back positive. Eisgruber reflected, “It kind of makes you focus on that for just that split second and you get to make the decision of, am I going to do something about it?” Follow-up tests indicated the polyps were benign, yet, the experience was enough to motivate him to make a change. That’s when he decided to join the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA. Eisgruber and his family joined in 2023. His wife, Sarah, works at the front desk. Making a change for yourself is powerful. When you also do that for your children, it’s inspiring to them, too. Eisgruber’s experience with his health scare made him more aware of the impact his unhealthy lifestyle was having on his son, James. “Part of what motivated me there was [realizing that] I'm setting a terrible example. Because all he sees is his dad sitting around all day doing nothing.” Getting started in the gym isn’t easy. There are so many modes and philosophies surrounding fitness. Waiting for the perfect time, diet or routine isn’t realistic. When you need to make changes, Eisgruber has this advice: “Just do anything. If you keep trying to find the right workout, you're never going to find a workout to begin with. Just pick something.” When you have a starting point, you will learn what works for you. You will find out what you enjoy and determine what needs to be adapted. Sometimes inspiration comes after you’ve begun your fitness journey. Eisgruber had already been coming to the weight room for a few months before he discovered the Powerlifting Club. “That actually was a huge inspiration for me,” he said. His teenage son, James, saw that his teacher, Mr. Payne, had completed the 1,500-pound club. “I just looked at him and I said, ‘you know what? I'm going to get on that board.’” Suddenly, Eisgruber was coming in to work out 5 to 6 days a week. He made it a goal to complete the 500-Pounds Club. In September 2024, he achieved that milestone. In less than a year he had gone from couch potato to earning a place on the Powerlifting Club board in the Wellness Center. Setting manageable goals is fundamental to being successful in fitness. Eisgruber knew he wasn’t ready for the 1,500-Pounds Club, but starting with the first level was within reach for him. The Powerlifting Club is designed with that in mind. It allows for progression. Reach that first level and then go on to the next. Eight months after Eisgruber completed the 500 pounds, he went for the 750-Pounds Club. He surpassed the required weight limit of 750 pounds to actually lift 920 pounds. Then, he experienced a few setbacks. It happens to everyone. Eisgruber had pneumonia which took time to recover from and then he injured his back. This was another kind of wake up call. He had to be honest with himself, “I just realized a lot of what I was doing was incorrectly done. I wasn't following proper form and I wasn't advancing anymore.” Injuries are common, especially when you are moving heavier weight. Getting started independently is great, but if you are starting to injure yourself or experience plateaus, then working with someone who can lead you through that safely is a great choice. Eisgruber knew he needed guidance from a professional. “I was stuck in this long plateau where I was doing the same thing over and over again. I said, ‘I need some help.’” Alex Williams is a Personal Trainer at the Y who recently started working with Eisgruber. “The last month and a half has been absolutely miraculous,” Eisgruber said. “[Williams] knows his stuff. He has helped me out in so many different ways.” Having this support has helped Eisgruber remain focused on his goals. “I have absolutely planned on doing the 1,000-Pounds Club,” he said. Despite the fact that this November he will turn 56, he isn’t letting age hold him back either. “I feel like I’m old for doing this kind of thing, [but] maybe completing the 1,250-Pounds Club isn’t out of the question.” A health scare brought Eisgruber to the Y. His dedication to his family inspired him to try something different. The support of Alex Williams encouraged him to keep pushing those goals and to do it safely. “This has been a very positive experience for me, for sure,” Eisgruber said. This journey has brought him closer to his son. They make good use of the racquetball courts, pool and the Wellness Center. “There's a lot of good father-son bonding time that actually stemmed out of this, which was kind of unexpected,” he said. “I think it's been really good for us as a family.” Now he is here to motivate the next round of people like him. “Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. That was a crippling factor for me getting in here,” he said. “It took me about a month before I realized nobody cared about what I was doing.” Take care of your health. “Everybody hates going for that colonoscopy. That's not everybody's favorite topic. But it's important. Pay attention to your health, pay attention to how you feel.” Don't be afraid of resting. “Get your head wrapped around that and say, ‘Okay, I'm going to take X number of days off to rest and recover and then come back.’” You will come back stronger. And his journey extends beyond the physical. Eisgruber has been able to make connections with the people he meets at the Y. “There's a lot of good relationships that I've started to build here. You know, not just with the staff. Everybody back [in the Wellness Center] has been great,” he said. “Quite honestly, these are the first relationships I've started to build since I've been here in Virginia. I've been here since 2008.”
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MISSION SPOTLIGHT: Rock Steady Boxing
Fitness Director and Rock Steady Boxing Coach Wendy Shutty has a laugh with participant Paul Davis, center. Davis has formed a close bond with the instructors and fellow members during several months of attending the specialized classes for Parkinson's patients.
SAYMCA member Todd Eisgruber knew he needed to make a change for himself and for his family. He has completed two different levels of The Powerlifting Club and works with a personal trainer to stay on track.
Health Scare Prompts Member to Build Muscle, Relationships By Eleanor Rixey
Rock Steady Boxing participant Paul Davis, center, works on boxing moves and much more during sessions three times a week. The internationally recognized program combines physical activity and mental tasks to combat the symptoms of the progressive neurological condition known as Parkinson's disease.
MISSION STORY: Todd Eisgruber
EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Free for ages 15+ Sign up at the front desk today!
BIBLE STUDY 11 AM Mondays Multipurpose Room
CPR and First Aid Training Does your job require you to be CPR/FA certified? Do you need to keep your certification current? Interested in learning how to save a life? We offer a four-hour class that will give you the tools you need. February 21 | 8 - 1 PM $85 Members/ $100 Non-members
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room
PICKLEBALL See Basketball Court Schedule Free for members. $10 Drop in rate for non-members.
ONCOLOGY YOGA This ongoing one-of-a-kind program is designed for cancer survivors and those still undergoing treatment for any form of cancer. This gentle program is taught by Melissa Anderson Morgan, a certified yoga4cancer teacher. Stop by the front desk to pick up a brochure or register. Tuesdays at 4:20 PM in the Mind/Body Studio Each session begins the first week of the month Fees: $30 Members per month $45 Non-members per month **Remember to bring a yoga mat**
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ADULT POWERLIFTING CLUB 500 LB, 750 LB, 1000 LB, 1250 LB Adult members can apply to join by signing up at the Wellness Center kiosk. Find your cumulative combined weight of 1 rep max Bench Press, 1 rep max Back Squat and 1 rep max Deadlift while following the rules and regulations. Applicants MUST be 18 or older. Upon completion of the challenge you will receive a shirt and your name will be displayed in our Wellness Center. Contact Healthy Living Coordinator Krystal Clark at krystal@saymca.org with any questions. Fees: $25 Members Only
ADULT PROGRAMS
ROCK STEADY BOXING RSB enables people with Parkinson's disease to delay the onset of the symptoms through a non-contact boxing style of fitness. This method has been proven to improve participants' quality of life and sense of efficacy and self-worth. RSB provides encouragement through a "tough love" approach, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance and flexibility. Registration is ongoing and available at the front desk. Pick up a brochure today! Fees: $60 Members per month $70 Non-members per month
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Lift & Pump with Tim
LAND and WATER GROUP FITNESS
Arms & Core Bums &Tums (BB Court) Barre Fit 4 Life (BB Court) Lift & Pump Muscle Max Senior Fitness Step Strength Tabata Zumba
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Adaptive Yoga Tai Chi Chu'an Chair Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Flow Yoga Pilates Men's Yoga PACE Wall Yoga (Racquetball Court)
NOW HIRING!!
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GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE CARDIO/STRENGTH STUDIO
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE MIND-BODY STUDIO
CERTIFIED AQUATIC G.F. INSTRUCTORS!!
Cycling classes available in the Cycling Studio Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM
Find schedules and class descriptions online at saymca.org on the homepage. Print outs available at the front desk.
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Group fitness classes are included with your membership! Non-members can purchase a pass of 10 classes for $90.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy
AQUA YOGA 9 - 9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy
SPLASHBURNER 10 - 10:55 AM Karen
AQUA YOGA 11 - 11:55 AM Karen
GENTLE AQUAFIT 11:15AM - 12PM Tammy
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Karen
FRIDAY
AQUAFIT 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 10-10:55 AM Tammy
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Jenn
We are currently recruiting riders to particpate in the 2026 Rally for the Y fundraiser! More info at bluegoji.com/rallyforthey2026
Bill Smith is now a cycling enthusiast. He has participated in the Weekly Ride challenges as well as the Goji Games. He rode 118 miles in a 24 - hour period to ensure our victory in Y Madness. Challenges and competitions on the bikes happen throughout the year and help bring people together.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: Y Madness Recap
Bill Smith was one of the first to show up and one of the last to leave. When the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA opened its doors at 12:00 a.m. Thursday morning, Smith was there in his trademark Bo Jackson cross trainers, ready to ride the Expresso Bike. When the YMCA was finally ready to close the building at 12:014 a.m. the next Friday morning - a full 24 hours later - the retired administrative law judge was one of the last to walk out of the building. This time, however, Smith walked out as a four-time champion. All 65 of the riders that helped the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA to an unprecedented Expresso Y Madness championship four-peat have a story. For Smith, that story is growing more competitive with each passing year. “In the first week of 2022, I rode five miles, and I thought that was something,” said Smith, who finished with 118 miles in the 2025 Y Madness championship round. “I realized it was healthy, and it wasn’t hurting my joints. I think we’re all pretty competitive - not like cutthroat - but wanting to help the team win.” In 2025, he joined Nancy Barlow, Jeff Collins, Gabriel Niculescu, David Piguet and Tamara Piguet in the 100-mile club. Those six riders - along with Marcel Ciascai’s 92, Jess Wiley’s 72 and David Redman’s 70 - helped pace the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA team to a total of 1,793 miles. It was enough to beat Chambersburg’s cumulative total of 1,553. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA needed every ounce of that competitive fire from Smith and the other 64 riders in the championship round. This year, the team needed a come-from-behind victory over a resilient Chambersburg team. “This is probably the toughest one,” said YMCA business manager Jeff Collins, who serves as the team captain. “We knew it was going to be tough, too. We didn’t have some of our riders that we usually have, and Chambersburg is a really good team. We battled.” Although the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA was always within striking distance, the team trailed Chambersburg on two separate occasions. The score was close enough that a group of riders returned for the nightcap. One of those riders was YMCA staff member Eddie Santiago. The YMCA’s beloved Teen Center director, Santiago had just finished a meal at the Queen City Bistro. It was a night where the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA received a portion of the proceeds. Once he checked the scoreboard, his physical hunger was replaced by a competitive hunger. “I was hungry for that fourth W,” Santiago said. “I said, ‘Let me see what the numbers are.’ When I saw we were only up 46 - and I looked again and we were up 38 - I was like, ‘Oh, it looks like we kind of need the help.’” Santiago also called one of his employees, YMCA youth counselor Delonte Johnson, to join him. One of 38 STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY riders to eclipse the 10-mile total in the championship round, Johnson finished with 22 miles. “It was fun,” Johnson said. “I’m a competitor, and I love to compete. It was good to come out with a four-peat.” Rachel Blair finished with 49 miles, and 13 of her teammates rode at least 50 miles in the finals. One of those was YMCA building monitor Brian Ringgold, who finished with 55 miles. Ringgold has a special inspiration for the championship ride. “Today was a little more meaningful,” he said. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be here. My grandfather passed away earlier this week. I knew I needed to be here, and I’m glad I came. This is the most challenging one we’ve got of the four.” The first three golden spokes trophies are in the YMCA lobby near the front desk, and it remains to be seen where the fourth trophy will fit. However, stories like Ashley Crowell’s are more important than taking a victory lap. Crowell, a super competitive mother of a toddler, saw the Y Madness signs around the building. She decided that once she put her child down to sleep, she’d come and put in some miles. Crowell has only been in the area a matter of months, but made quick friends through competition, something the former track, soccer and volleyball player loves. “I’m very competitive,” said Crowell, an Idaho native who logged 30 miles in the championship round. “My parents put us in soccer when I was 4-years-old. My siblings couldn’t care less. I wanted to play with the older kids. I’ve always been like that. It (completing 30 miles) hurt, but it felt good to push myself.” STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA CEO Josh Cole loves the unifying aspect of the Y Madness competition throughout the YMCA community, and wants to see more of that during the year. “I think there’s an opportunity to do more of this stuff for people like Ashley,” Cole said. “It brings an excitement to the building.”
Staff, Members Unite for 24-Hour National Cycling Challenge By Chris Lassiter
Mary Huffer began swimming in 2002. In 2006 she set a goal of swimming 1,000 miles. Twenty years later she completed that distance. Taking this approach to health and goal-setting has kept her healthy and active into her seventies.
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STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
MEMBER PROFILE: Mary Huffer
One Member's Commitment to Health Stands the Test of Time By Eleanor Rixey
As her last name implies, Mary Huffer enjoys working hard. At 76 years old and after 30 years of continuous membership at the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA, she knows a thing or two about getting and staying healthy. In the early years of her membership, she recalls being fond of attending Bible Study and aerobics classes. In those days, the aerobics studio was located where the Women's Locker Room is now. "I've always been very religious, and I didn't do too much with machines. I just would come to the classes," she said. Over a span of decades, things change. Huffer experienced injuries, surgeries and other effects of aging. Our facility changed as well. But one thing never changed for Mary - her commitment to keep moving no matter what. "I love doing these exercises, because your diet and your exercise and your sleep, and your work, and your spiritual health. It's all important to be healthy," she said. In her senior years, she is maintaining a consistent routine, coming to the Y most days and engaging in different modes of exercise like swimming, cycling and yoga. "I discovered yoga about 4 or 5 years ago, and I really regret that I didn't start that when I was younger, " Huffer shared. "In my opinion, it is the most important exercise that we have." Yoga has helped her gain a better awareness of her body and she feels the benefit of the gentle stretching. "It is excellent. It does the whole body. And I just think everybody ought to do it," she continued. Being open to trying something new and not giving up has been part of Mary's health journey from the beginning. In 2002, when her mother passed she found herself gravitating towards the pool. She didn't know how to swim laps, but she observed the swim instructors and other swimmers and she kept trying. "I had broke my neck in '87, so I couldn't turn to the left. But I just kept on. I finally got to where I really felt like I knew how to swim," she recalled. After her loss, her visits to the Y took on a new meaning. Huffer shared, "I started coming more often because that's my only family. I have no brothers, no sisters. I have autism and a hearing problem. I do not make friends well. So, I'd always come to the Y." For a while, she was going through the motions, but beneath the surface something was being cultivated. She remembered, "By the time 2006 came, I thought I was pretty good, so I started keeping a chart." On the pool deck there is a chart where members can mark off how many miles they have completed. And Mary wants to make a point about that distance, "One lap is down and back not just one way," she said. "And it is just over 32 laps to make a mile." As her motivation and confidence about swimming grew, she then found inspiration in a former swim instructor George Solt. "He had his name on the board. George had swum 1,000 miles. So I said, 'I'm going to do that.'" There is a plaque hanging on the wall of the pool deck honoring George Solt's commitment to sharing his love of aquatics with the Y community. And Mary is one of the now much smaller group that was here when George was alive. "George Solt really inspired me," she said. In 2006, Huffer decided she would swim 1,000 miles just like George. In September of last year - 20 years after she set out to complete this goal - she did it. There aren't any other names on that chart besides hers and George's laying claim to achieving that type of milestone. It's a quiet and exclusive club. She didn't do it for recognition or status. She did it because she was inspired and enjoyed the challenge. As time passes, she continues to find new ways to challenge herself in spite of physical setbacks. She has had both knees replaced - one in 2016 and the other in 2019 - as well as having surgery on her rotator cuff. Two years ago, she heard about weekly challenges that take place on the Expresso bikes. She decided she would give that a try. She likes it, because it is another thing she can add to her routine and it has allowed her adapt to her body's changing needs. Since then, she has completed nearly if not all of the weekly challenges. "I asked Josh to give me a chart [of the challenges]. I have that chart up in my house, and I show people how I have done all 52 of those Expresso rides." Tracking her progress, whether it's miles in the pool or on the bike, is what gives Mary a sense of accomplishment. "I just feel very proud of the fact that I kept those records, and I always tell people put your name up there ... Any kind of competitive thing helps us to grow." While she may be slowing down, she certainly has no intention of stopping anytime soon. Her determination shines through her efforts. She explained, "You really have to be self motivated. You can go to the classes, and you can enjoy the camaraderie and the social aspects, but if you're not motivated to come, even when there's no class, or it got cancelled, then you can't succeed. It has to be your own determination." For Huffer, they Y has been a constant source of support and encouragement. "If it wasn't for this YMCA, I would not have accomplished much of what I have accomplished. Because no matter what. No matter how bad I felt. If this ain't working, I'll go to the Y. When I walk through that door and people greet you and you see people that you know, it's great. That's what we all need." Fun Facts About Mary: Mary is a musician. She has played with local ensembles like The Stonewall Brigade Band. She plays the trumpet and piano. She also sings in her choir. Mary has worked as a substitute teacher in almost every local school. She has also worked as a technical writer. Mary owns a 1972 Corvette. She has owned it since 1973. It is one sweet ride. Trying. Trying ain't gonna get it. You got to do it and make a record so you know I did it.
Two years ago Huffer began participating in the Expresso Weekly Challenges. Last year she rode all 52 courses. Her overall miles cycled totals more than 1,500. Once she sets her mind to something, she sees it through. Being open to new challenges has kept her moving as she ages.
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WENDY SHUTTY Her love for step aerobics helped Wendy Shutty step out in faith. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA’s highly esteemed fitness director, Shutty didn’t start with aspirations of working at the Y for more than three decades. It was an encouraging word from a friend, YMCA group fitness Sheree Kiser, that forever changed the trajectory of Shutty’s career. “I happened to be in the women’s locker room one day,” Shutty said, thinking back. “Sheree Kiser was talking to me, and I was telling her how much I loved taking classes. She said, ‘Well, if you love them so much, why don’t you think about teaching?” Shutty took Kiser’s advice to heart. What started as a fun part-time job eventually turned into her career. Thirty years later, Shutty has taught almost every class on the group fitness schedule, with the exception of Zumba and a few others. Additionally, YMCA mission programs such as Neurowellness, Rock Steady Boxing and Yoga 4 Cancer have been added during her tenure. “Wendy has a caring heart,” said Candace Martin, Associate Executive Director for the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA. “She is so passionate about Rock Steady and ‘Neuro’ and the people in the group fitness classes. She wants to do her best for them.” If it was fitness that got Shutty in the door, the relationships she’s nurtured have convinced her to stay for the long haul. “It’s what our Y stands for, and the people who are in the Y,” Shutty said. “I have met so many people - had so many experiences - that I would have never have had if I wasn’t here. This is my second family.” With 30 years of experience, Shutty has grown in her skill set just as the YMCA has grown over the last three decades. “Watching how our Y has grown is really a story within itself,” Shutty said. “The building might change. The surroundings might change, but the people generally don’t. Again, it all goes back to the people. It’s a wonderful feeling when you come into this Y.” CAROL BYRD When Carol Byrd arrives at the SAYMCA, it’s typically dark outside. The YMCA’s Active Older Adults Coordinator, Byrd arrives prior to the break of dawn, assuring that the Y is open for the first wave of members arriving weekdays at 5:30 a.m. After 30 years, she’s grown accustomed to being up before the sun. Moreover, Byrd herself has a special internal light that has an effect on everyone she meets. That’s what has driven Byrd to put in three decades. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA is not just a career to her. It’s a calling. “Carol knows everybody by name when she welcomes people,” Martin said. “I know when there’s been hard times with staff in work life or personal life, she’s the first call many of them make. She’s just that kind of centering for all of us, and our moral compass.” Looking back, Byrd sees her career at the YMCA as an answer to prayer. The job offer came at a challenging financial time in her life. “Initially, I was a single parent who needed a job,” Byrd said, “so I could take care of the needs of me and my son. My niece happened to see the ad in the newspaper, advertising for a front desk position and said, ‘I think you’d be good at that.’” Her niece was right. Byrd has been perfect for the Y, and the YMCA has been perfect for her. She’s still the friendly first point of contact for Y members most mornings, but her job description has expanded noticeably over the decades. For many years, she has led Bible studies and serves as the organization's Chaplain. She also enjoys coordinating and performing in the YMCA’s outreach vocal group, the Y Not Sing? Singers. And then there are all the ways Byrd goes beyond any job description. She has fostered such a tender network in her group fitness aquatics sessions that many participants regularly get together outside of class. The extra phone calls she makes to check on members. The funerals she attends and heartfelt cards she circulates. She initially thought of the YMCA as something she’d do for about 30 months. It has been 30 years. “I think a lot of it had to do with I think God let me know He wanted me here,” Byrd said, “and that He could use me here.” RHONDA SHINABERRY Rhonda Shinaberry’s retired, but she’s not done. The former associate executive director for the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA, Shinaberry still swings by whenever the YMCA needs a helping hand, a healing heart or her collective wisdom of 30 years as a YMCA employee. In 45 years, there’s never been a version of the North Coalter Street facility that hasn’t been graced with Shinaberry’s presence. “This will always be home,” Shinaberry said. “The people keep me coming back. The atmosphere and the work the Y does, I feel like I’ll always have a place here.” In this case, she swung by to help stuff 3,000 envelopes. In a twist of irony, Shinaberry is working in the office she called home for so many years. The office is now manned by Martin. To add to the irony, it was Shinaberry that helped Martin truly consider the YMCA as a career path. Shinaberry used to be Martin’s boss. Now the roles are somewhat reversed. “In this position, it’s rare to have a really good friend and a really good boss at the same time,” Martin said. “She and I have been able to keep that both ways, when I worked for her, and now when she works for me in a sense.” Part of the reason it works is because of the deep amount of respect Martin has for Shinaberry, who she describes as family. “She’s the one responsible for bringing me here, ultimately,” Martin said. “Every day I do this job to make sure she’d be proud of the decisions I make.” Of the six employees who have reached the 30-year milestone, only Shinaberry has retired. It has given her time to reflect on her decades of service with the SAYMCA. “I think time went by so fast that it’s a blur looking back,” Shinaberry said. “I just think of all the changes. This building had three tennis courts and three racquetball courts to what it is now.”
One of the biggest challenges with New Year’s resolutions is how heavily they rely on motivation. On January 1, motivation is usually high—we’re rested, hopeful, and convinced this time will be different! But motivation is a feeling, and feelings are fleeting. They shift with sleep, stress, schedules, and life in general. When progress depends on feeling inspired or energized, it’s only a matter of time before things start to unravel. Imagine if we only went to work when we felt happy, or only got out of bed when we felt fully energized. Most of us wouldn’t make it very far. Yet when it comes to nutrition and health goals, we often expect ourselves to operate exactly that way—waiting until motivation strikes before taking action. When motivation fades, we tend to feel that we’ve failed, when really we were just relying on the wrong driver. This is where shifting the focus away from a feeling and toward systems becomes so powerful. Instead of asking, “How motivated do I feel today?” a better question is, “What supports do I already have in place to help me follow through?” Progress doesn’t require constant enthusiasm; it requires structures that work even on tired, busy, or stressful days. One of the most helpful frameworks for creating realistic, sustainable change comes from Atomic Habits by James Clear. The central idea is refreshingly simple: lasting change doesn’t come from perfect motivation or massive overhauls. It comes from small, repeatable actions done consistently. As Clear puts it, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Goals give us direction, but systems are what carry us forward when motivation inevitably fades… because it will! This shift in thinking is especially powerful when it comes to wellness. “Eat healthier this year” sounds great, but it’s vague and hard to sustain. A system, however, is much more concrete. It shows up in the foods you keep stocked in your pantry and fridge, the meals you default to on busy days, and how accessible healthier options are when hunger hits. Keeping easy protein sources on hand, portioning fruits or vegetables ahead of time, or having grab-and-go snacks ready to go are all examples of systems at work. These choices reduce decision fatigue, so eating well doesn’t depend on willpower in the moment. Instead of chasing perfection, the focus becomes creating an environment where the next good choice is simply the easiest one. Another key takeaway from Atomic Habits is the importance of starting small. Clear describes habits as “the compound interest of self-improvement,” meaning tiny changes, repeated over time, add up to meaningful results. In practice, this might look like adding protein to breakfast, including a fruit or vegetable at one meal per day, or simply drinking water with meals. These actions may not feel dramatic, but their simplicity is exactly what makes them sustainable. If you’re setting a nutrition intention this January, consider this: focus on building one or two small habits you can repeat most days. No finish line. No deadline. Just steady, consistent progress. As Clear reminds us, “Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” The most effective nutrition plan isn’t the most intense one—it’s the one you can still be doing when January turns into February. And that’s a goal worth keeping.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Systems for Success
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Goal Setting that Actually Works By Jess Wiley
Jess Wiley holds a Master's degree in Nutrition and Human Performance and is a certified Personal Trainer and nutritionist. She's passionate about helping others set and achieve their health and wellness goals and is excited to be offering nutrition services to our Y community. She is the proud mom of three boys, serves as President of the Shelburne PTA and also coordinates the annual fundraising gala for the local non-profit farm Project GROWS.
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