When Bruce and I turned 50 and we both had a change of job into people management and we decided we needed to look after our own health, so we joined the gym at the Y. We found the complimentary fitness review and programme helpful. We then went on to experiment with some of the classes to see where we fitted. We have changed activities from time to time as our needs have changed. We enjoy the fact that the Y is local and we might meet the members in the community. We find it a friendly place with helpful instructors who make things fun.

I have been coming to the YMCA Trentham since mid 2010. What keeps me turning up.

The staff at the gym are really friendly and helpful. They take the time to talk to you and they know you by name. Deb has been constant over the ten years I have attended. I have appreciated her no-nonsense, ‘get on with it’ approach. She listens and guides using her great sense of humour. We have had many in-depth conversations about life, death and wellness.

Over the years I have attended fitness classes, I have appreciated the fun wat that Helen and Tarsh have run the Pilates classes. Fun but hard work as well.

I really like the atmosphere at the gym, it is casual and relaxed. The people are unpretentious. The recent upgrade has really improved the service offered. One of my biggest concerns about COVID-19  lockdown was not being able to attend the gym – had to dust off my bike!

A real disadvantage for me attending this gym has been it’s close to home. This has made it easy for a ‘slacker’ like me to get there regularly. I cannot imagine what my physical and mental health would have been like if I had not had the opportunity to come to the Y. It has certainly changed my life.

After ten years I feel like the gym is an extension of my family.

So apparently it’s been ten years since I joined the Upper Hutt Y! But actually my association with the YMCA goes back far longer, more like 30-35 years. The gym in Courtenay Place was the first Y that I went to and there I tried out the very first step class when it first came to Wellington. I was terrified that if I was not in at the beginning, my lack of co-ordination would never catch up. It was a typical Y gym, a little bit worn around the edges, no doubt because it was it was waiting to be demolished to make way for the Reading movie complex. I was living the corporate life so would rush to the gym in a lunch ‘hour’, huff and puff at a class, shower and then put the corporate suit back on and go back to work.

When the demolition did come, the Y moved to the very plush premises in the majestic Centre complete with internal lap pool – luxury and very trendsetting. I would drive to town, do a class and then off to work, hot and bothered but feeling virtuous. I would even drive in at the weekend from Silverstream for favourite classes such as HAT (hips, abs, thighs) – the joys of a company car and company paid petrol!

When I swapped from corporate to mother role there was a Y in central Upper Hutt, fitting in classes with child and then children in the creche.

I have tried having a programme and using the machines etc but I always head back to classes. I think it’s the discipline of knowing that if I don’t make it at the scheduled time then I miss out. I like the group dynamic, the incentive to try and keep up with the rest of the class, the camaraderie when it’s tough and we’re all feeling it and the chance to have a bit of a laugh is always appreciated.

Therefore the range and appeal of classes is crucial and the timing of those classes. A variety of instructors and styles is important. I like the slightly ‘down at heel’ surroundings of the Y – nothing too flash. It makes for an easy and comfortable environment and there is no need to be wearing designer, matching lycra.

As a charity/not for profit it is good to know that the fees paid are not going to prop up a profit-making company but rather in some way supporting the local community.

The staff are always helpful, approachable and ready to answer questions or chat through any issues. Debbie in particular is such a mine of information. That’s what years and years of experience brings. And Lesley, gone but always remembered – gentle, patient and unfailingly encouraging.

Most of all I love that the Y is a ‘woop woop’, ‘yeehaa’ free zone. I have tried a few other gyms for brief periods but seem to always come back to the Y. It does help that it is just around the corner and reasonably priced but that is just part of the equation.