NEWSLETTER
Read about sue mirra, leader of inclusive wellness initiatives at the wfymca on page 8.
WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA
JUNE 2026
LEARN More about THE ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN & How to becomE A "U" Club Member On page 3!
Want to know more about how to get connected with The WFYMCA Pickleball community? Scan the code to view the schedule. Or sign up for the next beginner's pickleball class.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Denny Walling
Member's Commitment to Health, Community Stands the Test of Time
For more than 50 years, Denny Walling has been a familiar face at The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA. "I've been a member here since I was 21. I'm now 72," Walling said. "The Y is steadfast. The people change, but the Y is consistent. It's going to be here forever." He still visits several times each week to stay active, socialize, and enjoy one of his favorite activities: pickleball. Walling is a lifelong athlete whose journey started in his youth. He lived out a childhood dream, spending over 14 years in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals before coaching and mentoring players throughout professional baseball. Despite a career that took him across the country, Waynesboro remained home for his wife, Teresa, and their four children, Heather, Kyle, Kurt and Kara. They have continued to grow as a family and have been blessed with 14 wonderful grandchildren. Today, Walling continues to embrace an athletic lifestyle. After playing basketball at the Y three times a week for more than three decades, he discovered pickleball through his wife. "My wife introduced me to pickleball. Now I'm hooked," he said. Twelve years later, pickleball has become much more than exercise. It has created friendships, community, and a sense of belonging. "We talk to everybody. It's kind of like a pickleball family," Walling said. Whether gathering for coffee after a match, sharing lunch with friends, or checking in on fellow players during difficult times, Walling says the connections are what make the experience special. "We have a great community. Everybody knows everybody. They're concerned about everybody, and they care," he said. That community has also helped him continue doing what he loves even as life serves up challenges. Just three months after hip replacement surgery earlier in 2026, Walling was back on the pickleball court, supported by his family, community and the Y. "The Y plays a role because this is where I come to work out," he said. "I do my agility drills, I do my weight training here, and then I play pickleball." For Walling, staying active has never been about winning. It's about enjoying life, building relationships, and continuing to move. "It's not about winning up here. It's about having fun, and talking to people," he said. After more than five decades as a member, Walling continues to find what so many members discover at The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA: a place to stay healthy, connected, and part of a community that feels like family.
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Train Smarter not Harder
Meet Aggie Gleason
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Fitness apps and smart scales promise a detailed look at your progress—from weight and body fat to muscle mass and calories—but the real value lies in how you use that information. While these tools can help you track habits and spot trends, they’re only part of the picture. Sustainable results come from consistency, balanced habits, and avoiding the temptation to chase quick fixes or obsess over a single number on the scale. “Scales tell you you lost five pounds. Your measurements say you lost more… That’s why I prefer to take measurements. Measurements will not lie,” said WFYMCA Personal Trainer Tre Woodson. Mindset is just as important to having a holistic approach to fitness. Fitness Attendant Sarah Olivares suggests asking yourself, “How do you feel? Do you feel sluggish and slow? Do you feel like you were healthier last week? What were you doing last week compared to this week? … Let’s look at all the factors.” Here are Woodson's and Olivares' recommendations for training smarter and not harder. 10 Tips For Training Use apps as tools, not solutions– they guide you, but you do the work. Keep it simple: weight loss = calorie deficit; muscle gain = proper fuel. Don’t obsess over the scale– daily weight changes are normal. Track trends, not days– look at weekly or monthly progress. Use multiple measures– photos, measurements, fit of clothing, and energy all matter. Avoid extremes– fast results usually don’t last. Don’t over-track– too much data can become unhealthy. Focus on nutrition quality– not just calories. Balance your intake of protein, good carbs, and fats. Master the basics first– sleep, water, movement, whole foods. Be consistent and patient– slow progress is sustainable progress.
Toddlers engage in playful activities that deepen their bond with their caregivers. It is delightful chaos that brings a smile to everyone's face.
FITNESS NEWS
This month, our special corner of the Y highlights our Saturday Gymnastics Program! More than playtime, The WFYMCA gymnastics program offers a developmental pathway to confidence in movement and eventual gymnastics skill mastery. Our youngest gymnasts, who are ages two - to - four, explore movement alongside their parents in an obstacle course specially designed by Coach Chaya to develop body awareness, fundamental locomotor skills, and movement practice. Every station is an adventure, and every accomplishment is celebrated. Our next age group, ages five - to - seven, is given more demanding movement practice, and the class becomes more focused on specific skills on the bars, the low balance beam, and tumbling. Coach Chaya encourages, but does not push, as she guides children toward greater gymnastics precision and confidence. Our oldest group, ages eight and older, is truly a marvel to watch. These young athletes practice impressive gymnastics skills such as casting on the bars, balance beam handstand dismounts, and tumbling runs across the floor exercise mat. This is a highly motivated group that takes instruction from Coach Chaya seriously and demonstrates remarkable focus, determination, and perseverance. Our 8 Plus gymnasts also participate in a conditioning routine. This regimen includes exercise such as sit-ups, planks, squats, and calisthenics to build stability, muscular strength, and cardiovascular capability needed for both gymnastics performance and a healthy life. Whether they are taking their first steps through an obstacle course or mastering advanced gymnastics skills, our young movers and athletes are learning that progress comes from practice, perseverance, and the courage to try something new. In this corner of the Y, Saturday gymnastics class is a delightful place to be—filled with family, laughter-filled play, and true accomplishment.
CORNER OF YOUR Y: Youth Gymnastics
Older children continue to hone gymnastics skills. The sense of accomplishment they feel while having fun strengthens their confidence.
Instructor Inspires, Educates Beginners About the Benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, balance, strength, and posture while also helping to reduce stress and tension in the body. Gentle stretching and controlled breathing techniques encourage relaxation, which can support better sleep, lower anxiety, and improve overall mood. Whether someone is new to exercise or already active, yoga can be adapted to meet individual needs and abilities, making it an accessible and inclusive form of movement. This month, Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher Lynne Cieslewitz answers questions about trying a yoga class for the first time. Question One "I'd like to try yoga, but I'm not flexible at all. I can't touch my toes, my hips are tight, and I feel stiff most mornings. Should I wait until I'm more flexible before taking a yoga class?" Lynne: No, you should absolutely not wait until you are flexible to start yoga. Yoga is the tool you use to build flexibility. Come just as you are, and improve from there. Your yoga teacher will guide you with modifications and the correct use of blocks, straps and blankets to make poses accessible as you become more capable. Question Two "I'd like to try a yoga class, but I don't understand all the yoga terminology. What if the instructor starts using Sanskrit names and I have no idea what he or she is talking about?" Lynne: It is completely normal to feel intimidated by Sanskrit yoga terminology, but you do not need to memorize a new language before your first class. The yoga instructors at The WFYMCA use the English names to cue, occasionally adding the Sanskrit term to enrich the experience. Question Three I'd like to try a yoga class, but I am worried about keeping up because getting up and down from the floor is difficult for me. Lynne: I would recommend selecting a Chair Yoga class to start. In Chair Yoga you perform modified poses while seated or holding onto a chair for stability. This entirely eliminates the need to get up and down from the floor. It also helps you gain the joint range of motion and stabilization strength that will eventually make it easier to get up and down from the floor! In addition to physical wellness, yoga promotes mindfulness and emotional well-being. Adults who practice yoga often experience increased focus, self-awareness, and a greater sense of calm in their daily lives. For older adults, yoga may help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls, while younger adults can benefit from improved energy and stress management. With many styles and levels available, yoga provides a safe and supportive way for people of all backgrounds to stay active, healthy, and connected to both body and mind. The WFYMCA offers a whole range of classes at different times of the day. A complete list of all the classes along with descriptions can be found in the monthly group fitness schedule. No need to bring anything but yourself as the fitness studio has mats, straps, blocks and chairs.
Effective cardio training is better measured by: Increased stamina Improved recovery after cardio Better breathing efficiency Faster heart rate recovery More daily energy
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Myth: “If you’re not drenched in sweat, your workout wasn’t effective.” Truth: Sweat is mostly your body cooling itself — not proof of workout quality. Some people naturally sweat more than others due to genetics, temperature, humidity, fitness level, medications, hydration, or clothing. A person can leave a workout soaked and still not have trained efficiently, while another person may improve heart health, endurance, and metabolism with only light perspiration. The current U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and recommend that adults follow these Aerobic (Cardio) Activity Recommendations At least one of the following each week: 150 – 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity Examples: brisk walking, recreational cycling, water aerobics, dancing, doubles tennis, mowing the lawn. OR 75 – 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity Examples: jogging, running, lap swimming, fast cycling, aerobic dance, singles tennis. OR An equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Additional Guidance Activity should ideally be spread throughout the week. More activity provides additional health benefits. For even greater benefits, adults may exceed 300 minutes of moderate activity per week. Any amount of activity is better than none. Aerobic activity can be accumulated in bouts of any length; it does not need to be done in 10-minute blocks. Row Your Way to Better Health The rowing machine is one of the most complete cardiovascular tools in the gym because it combines: Heart and lung conditioning Full-body muscular endurance Postural strength Rhythm and coordination Low-impact training Unlike many cardio machines that emphasize only the legs, rowing trains the body as a connected system. Not sure how to get started? Ask one of our Fitness Staff to help you get set up. Start slow and listen to your body. Remember, the goal is to be consistent. Over time you can increase the challenge or the time frame. Move for life and not for today!
TRAINER TIPS: Getting Started with Yoga
Looking for another way to include cardio into your routine? Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 AM - 6:55 AM for SUNRISE CYCLE with Justin Underwood
Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, Lynne Cieslewitz, welcomes people to try yoga for the first time.
WFYMCA Member Billy Wrenn gets a great low impact workout on the rowing machine.
MYTHS VS TRUTHS: Effective Cardio
Inclusive wellness adapts exercise and recreation to expand the area of impact. Sue Mirra is on a mission to see that grow.
Every Tuesday and Thursday a group of young adults walks through the doors of The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA ready to move. Students might choose strength circuits or cardio endurance. Others look forward to basketball, pickleball, dancing, or outdoor walks on the Greenway. Together, they are part of an inclusive wellness (IW) model that has become a vital part of their week and the Y community. This model of inclusion has provided fitness opportunities and community connections to young adults, ages 18 to 22. The WFYMCA partners annually with the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program - also known as STEP - a post high school program that supports the transition of students with disabilities to life after high school, with a focus on employment, independent living, and community participation. When Sue Mirra, program coordinator and certified Personal Trainer, retired following nearly three decades as a special education teacher and director, she wasn't ready to step away from supporting individuals with disabilities. In 2017, she launched a small scale Inclusive Wellness program at The WFYMCA through a mini-grant and partnership with Waynesboro City Schools. The model has evolved over the years, and has remained focused on helping participants build strength, confidence, friendships, and healthy habits. "The piece that seemed to be missing for students was stepping into a place where they felt comfortable, could get exercise, meet new people, and have fun," Mirra said. For many, the weekly sessions provide something they may not otherwise have access to. Mirra continued, "Most often this may be the only exercise they get." For Jenna Keenan, the program has helped her discover forms of exercise she enjoys. "I really like working out and getting stronger," she said. Keenan looks forward to returning to the program and continuing to build her strength. Students also appreciate the opportunity to stay active alongside their friends. "We have seen such growth in the social development of each student.” Mirra said. Participants learn fitness skills, but they also gain familiarity with community spaces, build relationships and develop confidence navigating The WFYMCA independently. "After just a few weeks there is a natural response to come into the Y with confidence, meet and greet staff at the welcome desk, find their way upstairs to the studio, or cardio room, and just be in an inclusive environment — that's important, and a really good thing,” Mirra explained. The confidence participants gain extends beyond The WFYMCA. Keenan is currently completing an internship at Brookdale, where she enjoys spending time with residents. "We talk to the residents," she said. Those interactions, like the friendships built during wellness classes, help participants strengthen both social and workplace skills. Natalie Hall, a WFYMCA fitness instructor, began teaching and supporting a smaller group of students this year. Without really knowing what to expect, and with diverse levels of fitness, it did not take long to see the incredible growth and adaptability. "There are limitations in the community to accessing, encouraging, and accepting all levels of ability and experience,” Mirra adds. "We have a Y that promotes a welcoming environment for all. It's just part of the culture to say… 'Come on in, we want you here, and we’ll figure out how to accommodate.'" That philosophy guides Mirra's vision for the future. She hopes to see more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to remain active throughout the summer, participate in internships, and access more fitness classes or programs to meet them where they are. The challenge, she believes, is sustainability. “That is really important to me,” she said. Even so, the success of the program can already be measured in small victories: a participant who feels comfortable walking into a gym, a young adult who develops a healthier habit, or someone who realizes they are stronger than they thought. “As a teacher and personal trainer, my focus will always been on individual progress - for one person to grow in some way…step into a gym, ask for help, come back, take a walk after dinner, make one better food choice, lift a little heavier," Mirra said. "Plant the seed and mention often how important it is.” At The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA, that seed continues to grow — one workout, one friendship, and one step at a time.
Mirra's program includes teaching mindfulness as a life-skill. It's just as important as exercise.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Inclusive Wellness
More Than Exercise: Adaptive Program Builds Confidence, Community, Healthy Habits
STAFF MEMBERS RECIEVE SPECIAL DISTINCTION FOR THEIR DEDICATION
The Cause-Driven Leader Award is a recognition given by the YMCA to individuals who exemplify the Cause-Driven Leadership principles in action. It honors people who live the YMCA’s mission every day, make a positive impact within their local YMCA, and demonstrate the qualities that advance the Y’s cause of strengthening communities. Thank you for all you do, Jenn and Jeff!
WFYMCA CHILDCARE FUNDED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CENTRAL BLUE RIDGE
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: Shared Purpose
We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge for their continued investment in the children and families we serve through The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA! In addition to years of dedicated support, this year marks the third year of their generous three-year commitment, providing $7,500 annually for a total investment of $22,500 in our childcare services. The Community Foundation’s commitment has helped us create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Additionally, this has allowed many parents and families the ability to continue working and exploring educational opportunities. That not only strengthens their family’s situation, but also helps our community as a whole. Thank you for believing in our mission and for making a lasting impact on families throughout our community. We are honored to partner with you in strengthening the future of Waynesboro's children. Congratulations to The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA and Community Child Care for being awarded grants as well! (Pictured: On the far left is Josh Cole, CEO, and on the far right is Anne Hudlow, our Executive Director. They are joined by other committed and well-deserving recipients within the Community Personal Enrichment category.- Photo by Brad Bryant)
Jeff Collins and Jenn Sheaves were awarded the Cause-Driven Leader Award for 2026!