Member Spotlight

Lisa McKay

You may recognize Lisa McKay’s bright smile because she is the overall winner from the West Bay Family YMCA’s first session of the The YLife Team Challenge (previously the Biggest Winner program).  Even though she lost 26 pounds and had increased energy when the program was done, she has really won more than “bragging rights”:  She won a profound feeling of accomplishment for reaching a goal that had before eluded her. 

After playing sports her whole life, Lisa didn’t anticipate ever not being active.  She played high school basketball, field hockey, and track. In fact, she has been a physical education and health teacher in Rhode Island and a Special Olympics coach for almost 30 years.  So, when Lisa began to feel lethargic and realized she had gained weight, she wanted to get back to being a healthy role model.  Lisa found the Biggest Winner program “was a perfect fit and perfect timing.”  That program, combined with her participation in the Healthy Lifestyles program, inspired Lisa to work harder than she would have on her own, to become mindful when eating, and to finally lose those extra pounds.           

Why the YMCA?  Lisa really enjoys the positive atmosphere at the Y.  She feels that the employees are friendly and take time to check in with members.  She finds the members are wonderful, too!  Lisa also likes to see the children here being physically active, taking dance, karate, swim, and fitness classes.  Because of her many years teaching physical education, Lisa feels strongly that we need to get the youth of America active; to get them sitting less and moving more.   

Lisa’s life has always been filled with physical activity and sports.  As a parent she encourages her family to be active as well.   While she continues to be active (check out this list!:  women’s soccer and basketball leagues and a coed softball league and participation in five Sprint Triathlons that her sister encouraged her to try), she found the support here to accomplish her recent goals.  In fact, her experience has been so rewarding she signed up as a member! 

What’s next?  Watch for Lisa’s participation in the January 2009 edition of the YLife Team Challenge.  With her determination and effort, combined with the support of the staff here at the YMCA, Lisa is bound for much more fitness success!