"I want every person who walks through our doors to feel valued, respected, and inspired to live a healthy and connected life," says Tracy Spinks, the Forever Well Coordinator at the Hastings YMCA. With her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to community wellness, Tracy truly embodies the YMCA’s mission to foster health and connection for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Recently, Tracy had the opportunity to represent the Hastings YMCA at the inaugural Hastings Senior Expo held on May 17, 2023, at the Tilden Community Center in Hastings, Minnesota. This free community event provided a platform for various organizations to share resources and services targeted towards senior citizens. Tracy, however, was there to remind everyone that the YMCA is more than just an exercise facility – it's a hub for whole-person wellness, where people of all ages can find resources for physical, social, and mental well-being.

At the YMCA, inclusivity and accessibility are not just buzzwords but guiding principles. Tracy underscores this by highlighting the YMCA’s commitment to offering classes and activities for everyone, regardless of color, race, or financial ability to pay. With a range of programs from swimming lessons and exercise classes to arts and crafts and outdoor walking, the YMCA endeavors to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the Hastings community. Importantly, the YMCA does not limit its services to Hastings alone. Membership grants access to all associated YMCAs across the Twin Cities, promoting a sense of unity and shared community spirit.

For seniors, specifically those aged 55 and above, the YMCA provides an array of activities tailored to their unique needs and preferences. This includes the Silver Sneaker and Forever Well fitness classes, board games, card games, arts and crafts, out to lunches, and even balance assessments. A particular favorite among seniors is the 'coffee and chat' time, a social gathering designed to promote community bonding and laughter, thus enhancing mental wellness. The YMCA also offers stretching, yoga, and meditation classes, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being that caters to the mind, body, and spirit.

What makes the YMCA's approach to wellness so effective is the blend of personal and group activities. Members can benefit from one-on-one sessions with certified personal trainers and wellness coaching, which provide custom paths to achieving wellbeing goals. There are also group activities, led by both staff and volunteers, that create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Tracy’s participation in the Hastings Senior Expo was not just about promoting the YMCA’s services. It was also a call to action for the community to support the YMCA’s mission. As a non-profit organization, the YMCA relies on donations and volunteers to run its programs. It offers scholarships to enable everyone, regardless of age or financial capacity, to participate in its activities. The YMCA is not just a gym or a fitness center, it is a community resource committed to enhancing the quality of life for all its members, and it needs the support of the community to fulfill this mission.

Tracy Spinks represents the YMCA's dedication to community wellness and inclusivity. Her message to the Hastings community is clear: "Keep moving. Keep stretching. Keep connecting." She stands as a beacon of the YMCA’s commitment to promoting health, well-being, and community connection, showing us that wellness is not just about physical health but also about mental well-being and community engagement.

Tracy’s work has brought awareness to the wide range of resources available at the YMCA, inspiring individuals to engage in activities that promote their physical and mental well-being, and fostering a sense of community that is so essential to our overall wellness. Through her efforts, Tracy Spinks has become a catalyst for change, inspiring the Hastings community to embrace a healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling lifestyle. And for that, she deserves our applause, our admiration, and our support.

So, let's all take a leaf out of Tracy's book - let's keep moving, let's keep stretching, and let's keep connecting, because wellness is a journey that we should all embark on together.