Member Story: Heather’s Journey to Finding Her Y

Finding your people and feeling a sense of belonging can be transformative for anyone. MetroWest YMCA member Heather Lerminiaux knows first-hand how much is possible when you find a place where you’re supported and empowered.

Growing into a Confident Athlete

Like many people, Heather's Y story began years ago when, as a young woman, she volunteered as a gymnastics assistant helping to support young children participating in class. But it wasn't until 2018 that she became an active member of our Y where she shows up five days a week and enjoys group exercise classes and Functional Training (FT), an energetic, high-intensity interval training class.

Prior to joining the Y, Heather didn't consider herself an athlete, but that has since changed. She has achieved a number of personal goals and continues to find new opportunities to challenge herself. She’s participated in the annual Indoor Triathlon for the past three years, started cycling outdoors and has worked her way up to 75-mile rides, attends FT consistently, and challenged herself in 2023 to run a 5K every month—and did it!  

“I am now a confident athlete who strives for the next physical challenge,” she shares. “I fully embrace the reality that physical activity is vital for my mental health.”

Like any athlete, Heather has her own sources of motivation: a great instructor, exciting new challenges, and of course, a supportive community.

Finding Her People

Along with becoming confident in her fitness journey, Heather has found a welcoming and encouraging community whose members come from all walks of life.

“We all fit! I have made friends with people I might never have encountered otherwise!

She continues, “I love the community I have built. They are my peeps! We hold each other accountable, meet for dinner or outdoor exercise activities like hiking and running/cycling events, and support each other through the realities of life.”

One of the individuals in Heather’s community is her daughter, Jenna, who also works at the MetroWest Y in the Wellness Department and at the Member Services desk. Together, they make a dynamic mother-daughter team that encourages one another to try new things. While yoga wasn’t a top choice for Heather in the past, she now attends regularly thanks to Jenna’s suggestion. In return, Heather supports everything Jenna is involved with at the Y. They’re each other’s biggest fans.

Heather recognizes the support her community has provided throughout her fitness journey. When she participated in her first indoor triathlon, the experience was understandably nerve-wracking, but she was willing to give it a try. To prepare, she attended a six-week clinic, went to cycle classes three times a week, and added running to her routine. Plus, the encouragement of her Y “peeps” and guidance of Y staff members like Health and Wellness Director Katrina Ladd made all the difference.  

Embracing New Challenges

The confidence that Heather has gained helps her stay open-minded to anything new that comes her way. She may already have a number of personal achievements under her belt, but that doesn’t mean she won’t keep pushing herself.

For upcoming goals and challenges, Heather is focused on staying consistent with FT to build her strength and has her eyes set on riding 100 miles outdoors. She’s also trying pickleball!

We can’t wait to continue watching Heather thrive and see what she achieves next!