When Ralph first came into the Y as a ’79 NU graduate he could not have known the challenges he would later face. “I was drawn to the Y community’s culture and mission. It’s like seeing family when I come into the Y.
There is a sense of wholesomeness, not competitiveness… the Y is not a fitness organization, it’s much broader.” Ralph has coached 6th grade basketball at the Y as a volunteer, and his own son went to Camp Echo. Now, his son works out here with him when he’s on break from college.
MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF CHALLENGES
Some years ago, “there was no time to work out, I was under lots of stress, I let myself go. Someone close to me was very ill and although it wasn’t me that was going through it, believe me it takes its toll. In the end I came back to fitness and regained my vitality. I turned to the Y and the Y came through.”
Prior to that, Ralph had had his own battle with cancer, and the treatment he had to undergo severely decreased his lung function and affected his balance and coordination. At first he was intimidated about coming back into the Y, but found that he never felt out of place or uncomfortable.
“I started personal training because I needed motivation, someone to ‘kick my butt.’ Ralph thought that he would be exhausted after his personal training sessions, but instead found himself energized and satisfied. He has now trained with Fernando for almost two years. Together, they worked to improve his lung capacity and rebuild his strength. That took yet more sacrifice and commitment on Ralph’s part, qualities Fernando, who is himself an Ironman athlete, understands, supports, and admires.
TRAINER AND CLIENT ENERGIZE EACH OTHER
“Ralph is an inspiration” Fernando says, who focuses on balancing and equalizing Ralph’s strength with weights and other exercises, and supports him in increasing his endurance. In the spring of 2011, Ralph conquered his first 5K race – quite an accomplishment. After the race, Fernando told Ralph “you are a runner now.” He is that and more in our book.
