The Sweat You Break at the Y

“I’m going to Mexico next year!”
“Oh, nice!”
“Yeah, we’ll be hitting up the Azul Fives for a wedding!”
“Nice! It gives you a year to take care of…” (looks me up and down) “…that.”

— an uncomfortable conversation between a colleague and I

Ever since becoming a Dad, I’ve admittedly let myself go. Before the kids were around, I did it all—intramural sports, biking in the summers, working on my feet all day… but it all seemed to change so suddenly. I got an office job. I had to start choosing family suppers over sports. My routine suddenly saw considerably less physical activity, and I gained the Fatherhood Fifteen to prove it!

But as with most life changes, you eventually find your groove. Now that the boys are a little older and we’ve returned to some regular routines, it’s up to me to take control and make exercise a part of my life again.

And where better to do it than the YMCA of Greater Toronto?

The Problem—Gym and I Haven’t Spoken in Quite a Long Time.

Gyms don’t do it for me.

Running to nowhere, inferiority complexes, and lifting heavy things over and over for fun… that’s not my jam. But frankly, it’s important to remember that some things are greater than ourselves.

Those who support the Y don’t just do it because it’s an awesome place to get exercise—they do it because they believe in a better tomorrow, and the Y’s the perfect place to help make that happen!

For more than 160 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has strived to give back to the communities they live in, offering opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership, regardless of where you come from. In fact, with inclusivity as one of the five key factors that the Y focuses on to set them apart from the rest, you’ll find a good fit there no matter your income, age, gender, ethnicity or status!

But not enough people know this. In an age inundating us with reminders that we need to eat healthily and the ever-challenging goal of maintaining the perfect beach body, we’ve forgotten that the Y is the complete package, offering everything you need for your physical, mental and social health!

And that’s why they’ve started Sweat for Good.

YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Sweat for Good—Because Working out at the Y Does More Than Just Benefit You.

Sweat. The universal fluid. Regardless of what level you’re at, what shape you are, or the story you’ve lived in your life, sweat comes from all of our pores when we’re hot. And at the Y, they celebrate sweat. They celebrate it as a symbol of achievement and the ambition it took to get there. They celebrate the strength, drive and commitment needed to make that sweat happen every time you choose to work out. Sweat for the YMCA of Greater Toronto stands for so much more than just what you did that day in the gym—because your status as a Y Health and Fitness Member means becoming part of a community committed to creating a healthy and vibrant future for everyone in our society.

We sweat for ourselves. For others. For positive change and all of humanity. Sweat for Good’s the embodiment of all the good the Y represents, so if you’re looking for incredible facilities, exceptional activities and a strong sense of community spirit, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is where it’s at.

Go Play at the YMCA of Greater Toronto Today—Your Community Will Be a Better Place For It!

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is the largest charitable organisation and service delivery organisation in the GTA for a reason—no matter whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, or working out for ten years or ten minutes, they’re invested in you. They’re more than just a gym—they have community gathering spaces. Certification programs. Weekly Teen Nights and more! Whether you’re in need of immigrant services, child care or day camps, check out the Y—you won’t know what they can do for you ’til you try!

May all your sweat help you not only reach your goals but also help build a better world around you!

Until the next, I remain,

---

Disclaimer: I wrote this post as a YMCA of Greater Toronto Sweat for Good Ambassador, receiving compensation at a charitable rate. But I do plan to pursue becoming a Y Health and Fitness Member, because hey—this Dad Bod ain’t gonna shape itself! More to come about my journey for my best life!