For Kristen, the YMCA has been more than just a gym—it’s been a lifelong companion. Her journey with the Y began as a teenager in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota, where she’d read magazines while pedaling away on the elliptical. Now a dedicated member of the Greater Burlington YMCA, Kristen (or KB, to many) jokes that she can barely distinguish between her “Before Y” and “After Y” eras—because the Y has been such a consistent and meaningful presence in her life.
Today, Kristen is a social worker and a proud member of the tight-knit Burlington community. For her, the YMCA is at the heart of that sense of belonging. Alongside the Vermont Comedy Club, she affectionately calls the Y one of her “third spaces”—places outside of home and work that keep her happy, healthy, and grounded. Data linking isolation to adverse health outcomes helps her view these sites as essential anchors for human flourishing in an increasingly insular, technology-driven world.
Kristen thrives on variety in her workouts. She’s a devoted fan of group fitness classes, “because I love the motivation that comes from exercising with others and being led by an inspiring instructor,” she says. Before undergoing foot surgery last fall, she was a regular at Hip Hop Cardio & Tone, and while she’s had to pause on that favorite for now, she continues to enjoy classes like cycling, Body Blast, and Chisel & Burn. Always open to new experiences, she’s tried everything from Aqua Zumba to Barre and Pilates—proving that a little curiosity goes a long way when it comes to wellness. In the summertime, when the Y’s walls expand all the way to the shores of Lake Champlain, she relishes greeting the day with 7am Yoga on the Dock.
Fitness is central to Kristen’s mental health and daily wellbeing. She describes movement as, “an immense positive impact on my mental health.” A quick chat with fellow members and the Y’s friendly staff helps her start the day with a sense of accomplishment and connection. She felt the absence of that routine deeply during her post-surgery recovery—and couldn’t wait to return to the Y to regain those mental and emotional benefits.
What keeps Kristen motivated? A mix of internal drive and community accountability. Whether it’s the gentle nudge of knowing she’s registered for a class, the encouragement from fellow members or instructors who check in when she’s been absent, or the rewarding feeling of progress in her strength and stamina—each factor inspires her to keep scanning in each morning. Additional fitness inspiration comes from her fellow members, like “Y Royalty” Cherifa Swearingen, who model the kind of dedication to a healthy lifestyle she hopes to maintain throughout life. Kristen says prefers the Y’s diverse membership to more homogenous fitness environments, noting that “it fosters inclusivity across age and fitness levels and allows intergenerational friendships to bloom.”
What’s surprised her most about the Burlington Y community? Just how many people are eagerly lined up, ready to greet the day the moment the doors open. Or how fast a popular Spin class can fill up – 3 seconds or less!
Kristen proudly recommends the Y to anyone seeking health, connection, and joy in a bright and welcoming space. She’s living proof of the power of community-centered wellness.