September is an excellent time of year to refocus attention on our health and wellbeing. After a long summer filled with company and often less than healthy food choices, fall routines can be a welcome reprieve.

However, for many, it isnsa国际传媒檛 always as easy as jumping back into a gym environment or going for a run. If you have ailments or you have never been to a gym before, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

For Chris Ogilvie, it was simply a matter of stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new. Ogilvie decided to attend one of Kelowna Family YMCAsa国际传媒檚 Health Assessments for age 50 and above and was surprised to see the community of participants who attended regularly; some almost daily.

She had a nice time and learned so much about her own personal health and wellbeing that she decided to participate in a seven day trial at the Kelowna Family YMCA. During her free week she met new people, received a personalized workout plan and was surprised at how helpful everyone was.

sa国际传媒淚 had never come to a gym before,sa国际传媒� Ogilvie explains. sa国际传媒淚 am not that brave at times, but my fitness coach, Collin Polmear, took me under his wing and helped me feel more comfortable. There is always someone to help me if I need it and I am finding exercise truly helps my COPD and Rheumatoid Arthritis.sa国际传媒�

Since then, Ogilvie has been coming to the YMCA four times a week. She participates in the YMCAsa国际传媒檚 Breathe Well program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, does Deepwater Aquafit on Fridays, and on Mondays she does a combination of her own work out and Deepwater Aquafit.

sa国际传媒淚sa国际传媒檝e always been scared of water,sa国际传媒� Ogilvie goes on to explain. sa国际传媒淭hatsa国际传媒檚 a big one for me. One of the fitness instructors, Sandie Cale, convinced me to try the pool and spent a half hour with me in there, which was really helpful. If it wasnsa国际传媒檛 for her taking that time, I wouldnsa国际传媒檛 be in the pool today.sa国际传媒�

Now aquatics programs are a part of Ogilviesa国际传媒檚 regular routine.

sa国际传媒淚 like the pool,sa国际传媒� she says. sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 good for me and Isa国际传媒檓 getting a little braver each time. We go camping a lot and I will now go in the water.sa国际传媒�

To Ogilviesa国际传媒檚 surprise, her newfound health routines are making daily activities easier.

sa国际传媒淓xercising really helps,sa国际传媒� Ogilvie says. sa国际传媒淚 never really thought it would. I didnsa国际传媒檛 have any expectations, but boy it is so important. It makes moving easier. Because of my arthritis, I would sometimes look at the stairs in my building and think, sa国际传媒業sa国际传媒檓 not going up that today,sa国际传媒� but now I donsa国际传媒檛 have any problem going up and down the stairs.sa国际传媒�

On top of the physical benefits, Ogilvie also attends the YMCAsa国际传媒檚 monthly Mingle Monday sessions which are a great way for individuals over the age of 50 to get out of their homes and connect with others. Social isolation can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. At the YMCA, social inclusivity is just as important as physical activity, which is why the charity continues to encourage seniors to attend this free community program.

sa国际传媒淭he YMCA is a place where everyone belongs,sa国际传媒� says YMCA Senior Manager of Health and Fitness, Kelley Taylor. sa国际传媒淲e believe the negative effects of social isolation can be just as detrimental to our health as being inactive. Our facilities are centers of community. They are inclusive spaces where people can focus on their holistic health; body, mind and spirit.sa国际传媒�

And Ogilvie agrees. For her, the YMCA is just as much a social community as it is a health facility.

sa国际传媒淐oming to the Y gets me out of my house,sa国际传媒� says Ogilvie. sa国际传媒淥nce you get to my age and yousa国际传媒檙e not working, you donsa国际传媒檛sa国际传媒� see a lot of people. This helps me get out and meet people, and everyone is so wonderful here.sa国际传媒�

The YMCA of Okanagan has options for everyone to fall back into health this season. With free Health Assessments for those age 50 and above in October and November, over 80 group fitness classes for all ages, and the new fall kids programs, no matter your age or your stage, you will find something at the YMCA to help you prioritize your health.

Take that first step. Learn more about all that the Y has to offer at both the Kelowna Family YMCA and H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre at ymcaokanagan.ca.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 the Y,sa国际传媒� says Ogilvie. sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 not a gym. Well it is, but it is so much more.sa国际传媒�