Hudson Y member tackles challenges head-on

With fond memories of going to the YMCA as a kid, Josh Oswald knew that the Y could help him with his desire to take his health more seriously. Just over a year ago, Josh made his health a higher priority and worked on getting better nutrition, and started coming to the Hudson Y to work out.

When he joined the Y, it was a struggle to run less than a mile and trying to do one pull-up was a pain. Now, after 16 months of coming to Group Exercise classes, hitting the weights, shooting hoops and running, Josh can easily do multiple pull-ups and breeze through a seven-mile run.

He credits the structure and group dynamic of the Y’s fitness classes as a great way to keep himself accountable and active—and make new friends.

Pairing his activities at the YMCA with proper nutrition, Josh has lost 55 pounds and has accomplished goals like running a 5k race, and recently finishing a Tough Mudder run—where he conquered several obstacles over a course that’s more than 10 miles long.

In addition to achieving his fitness-focused goals, Josh has enjoyed being able to do things together as a family at the YMCA—his two small children love coming to Kids Stuff for fun activities while Josh works out with a long-term goal in mind, “Rather than trying to keep up with my kids, I want them to have to try and keep up with me!”