Grace Raver, Member & Employee
My fellow members of the Yakima Athletic Club,
My name is Grace and I have been a member of this gym for the past 5 years and believe me when I say a lot has changed since then. Since taking my first Les Mills class in the group fitness room, I was hooked. I became a Body Pump instructor 2.5 years ago as well as an aqua fitness instructor. I love everything from the music to the energy that every class brings.
My life seemed to be headed in the right direction until I found out that I needed spinal surgery with estimated healing time of no one knows. I underwent a microdiscectomy in June 2022, and what I thought would be a couple of months of recovery, turned into countless months of not being able to do much at all. This time was extremely hard for me, especially since I was not getting the relief of pain I was hoping for. I was at an all-time low and found myself getting more and more out of shape as time went on.
After many months of this, I decided it was time for a needed change, so I started exactly where felt I needed to, doing Les Mills workouts at home. After I finally got the courage, I came back to the Athletic Club. I could not believe the encouragement that I got from everyone, the nonjudgmental support, and the positive feeling I got every time I stepped into the club. I have now lost over 80 pounds, but more importantly, I feel stronger and more confident than ever before, now with minimal back pain. I was able to follow my dream of going to nursing school and returning to teaching the classes I love at the club.
I cannot thank the Athletic Club enough for welcoming me back with open arms and being such a huge part of my success. I re-fell in love with fitness and my only regret is not coming back sooner. I want all the staff, members, and everyone to know how much this gym means to people, including myself. I hope to inspire others through my classes and story and show that no matter where you are starting from it doesn’t matter, just start. No goal is too big or too small. Find something you love, and that makes you want to come back the next day.