Vernon Hills resident gets in shape at YMCA

You could say that Donna Flouret was “sick and tired of being sick and tired” and knew she had to do something about her weight so she started working out at the YMCA.

“I started making lifestyle changes about three years ago with my eating habits. I also started doing the elliptical and bike. I was losing a good amount of weight but I needed to ramp it up a bit,” she said.

And ramp it up Flouret did when she started boot camp. “It's challenging. We run obstacle courses, pick up and throw tires, do relay exercises, squats, partner pulls and tire pulls, for example.”

Flouret is part of a group of women who have bonded and based on their increased athleticism, have done competitive events together.

“We have a great camaraderie from working out together. I feel accountable with the group. The classes have taken me the step further in my weight loss, now 122 pounds, and fitness ability,” she adds. “It's amazing how working out has become a part of my lifestyle. Now I need to get to the Y!” she added.

“My husband says I carry myself differently. I have far more confidence. My cholesterol level was borderline. My blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels have all come down.”

We say kudos to Flouret who recently completed her first half marathon. And some of her friends from the YMCA were there to support her.

The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1892 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan.