contributed photo Marshalltown residents Katy Reid, left, and Katie McKeever, right, have each lost 40 pounds utilizing the EGYM at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.

As the communications person at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, I’m entrusted with telling the stories of the impact the Y has on the community.

And boy, have we been outdoing ourselves lately and I’m pleased to tell you about just some of them.

EGYM is a hit

Our recent EGYM installation earlier this year has people shedding pounds and gaining strength at a rapid rate. EGYM is a circuit of state-of-the-art strength training equipment that automatically adjusts to the user’s settings. It allows for a full-body workout in 30 minutes.

Marshalltown residents Katy Reid and Katie McKeever have each lost 40 pounds using EGYM.

Another local man, Bobby Shomo, reports that he has lost 20 pounds and is down three belt loops on his waist using EGYM and swimming at the Y. With more than 500 Y members enrolled in EGYM, no doubt the success stories will keep on coming.

Meanwhile, in the pools…

This Thursday we will graduate our 23rd class of the Teach Them To Swim program. This program started after the tragic drownings in the Iowa River in 2012 in Marshalltown and has taught more than 800 fifth and sixth graders from Lenihan Intermediate School through the years. This 12-week program makes a huge impact on our community.

Oh, and before the school year ends this spring, we will have provided one-day Safety Around Water classes to all Marshalltown Community School District fourth, sixth and eighth grade students. Yep, ALL have been to the Y this school year to learn water safety as part of this partnership with the schools!

A place to connect

Let’s not forget the social community we provide for hundreds of people who seek out the Y not just for fitness, but for friendships and connections. Morning coffee club, yoga groups, pickleball players, noon basketball, dance, powerlifting, youth sports teams – you name it!

We appreciate the support of the community in our mission. We have seen increased membership numbers lately and also will be seeking support through our Y Annual Campaign donations later this year. We pride ourselves on never turning anyone away from the Y for the inability to pay and the Annual Campaign ensures this.

Interested in learning more? Stop by the Y for a tour or more information.

You could be our next success story!

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Andrew Potter is Marketing and Communications Director at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.