YMCA Member Story: Improving Health While Giving Back

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | Our Cause

Paul Swiatocha works out at the Y.

Like many others, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Paul Swiatocha was faced with the challenge of staying active and healthy while working from home and dealing with isolation. Gyms and other businesses had temporarily shut down under state orders. He noticed he was putting on weight.

Two years ago and once gyms had reopened, he joined the Sussex County YMCA after learning the cost of his membership would be covered by his health insurance company. Initially, he found it difficult to achieve his fitness goals until he connected with Y trainers and participated in their classes. He began with the elliptical machines, watching the Defend class in the gym as he exercised, and eventually overcame his initial hesitation to try the class. Not only is it now his favorite class, but he also became a class ambassador to help others feel welcome.

Paul credits the Y staff and the friends he has made through the Y for providing the motivation and support he needed to get healthier. He attends the Y seven days a week, twice a day Mondays through Thursdays and participates in close to 15 fitness classes a week. He also volunteers to help out at events whenever he can.

“The instructors care about you. They want to see you succeed,” he said. 

“Paul has not only met his initial goal for improving his overall health but he has exceeded them with an 80lb weight loss. He continues to be a great role model for others and impresses us with his determination to be able to do a perfect burpee at 73 years old,” said Teresa Aulisi, Wellness Coordinator at the Y.

After retiring from a construction career spanning more than 40 years, he was looking to give back to his community through volunteer work. He has been able to do that through the Y as well, helping out at events like Healthy Kids Day, Senior Olympics and Senior Health and Fitness Day, collection drives for Ukraine, and the Annual Support Campaign. 

“The Y has done so much for me. I wouldn’t be in the shape I’m in…I wouldn’t have a sense of satisfaction in my life that the Y has provided,” he said.