The YMCA changed my life: Carissa's inspiring story

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At 300 lb. Carissa, joined the YMCA in October of 2002. Unhappy and unsure, she was hiding in the corner. She knew it was time to make changes, set a better example for her daughter and claim back her own life.

Fast-forward seven and a half years, and Carissa, the Tong Louis YMCA's Fitness Team Lead hardly recognizes this earlier version of herself. Beautiful, vibrant, energetic and strong, this 38-year-old woman shares a "before photo", reflects on her personal journey and shares her mission to help others.

Talking with Carissa, it's clear that this woman is tough. She sets a goal, works tirelessly towards it, celebrates her accomplishments and immediately sets that next target. This is the only way she could have lost 155 lbs to date, and have accomplishments to her name that even seasoned athletes covet.

In April of 2003, at 235 lbs. she ran the Vancouver Sun Run with the InTraining program and a group of YMCA members. Carissa is still amazed that her body could manage such a physical feat. Six months earlier, she couldn't carry groceries up the stairs, and here she was completing a 10K race. Training three times each week, she admits that it was ten months before she actually started to enjoy running.

"I owe my success to the people here and their support" After coming to know people at the YMCA and gaining confidence in her own ability, Carissa began volunteering. In January 2004 she joined the InTraining team and lead a Sun Run group. In February 2004 she ran her first half marathon, and in 2005 she was a half marathon leader. She completed that race 7 ½ months pregnant!

After her baby was born, Carissa didn't waste any time. She developed 'Stroller Baby Bootcamp' and 'Backpackn' Baby'. Spending a generous amount of time working in a volunteer capacity, Carissa began taking classes and advancing her own skills. In 2007, Carissa was "Volunteer of the Year". Eventually, Carissa began working at the membership desk, from there she moved to the fitness floor, where she's found her true calling.

Carissa remembers what it was like, walking into the gym for the first time and has a deep empathy for the struggles people experience and a tremendous belief in their ability to succeed.

"People think they can say anything to you". Carissa recalls her early days in training when she'd be harassed and ridiculed by cars passing by, one yelling out the window "keep walking fatty!" Through most of the training Carissa would walk or run late at night. Most people would avoid that for safety reasons, but Carissa found the most safety in anonymity.

As a fitness leader and Coach Approach mentor, Carissa attracts clients who are struggling with similar issues. I ask her how she relates to clients who are hiding the way she once did:

"It's hard to let go of the distrust you have towards people...I understand it and it makes me sad. It makes me really sad...they are so afraid of being made fun of, and I can't promise they'll be fine." She tells her clients, "I can't promise people won't make fun of you, but how long are you going to let people delay this for you?" She notices that many clients branch out in a safe place and join one of her classes first. She leans into me with a devilish laugh and says "I can't promise they won't be made fun of but I can promise that nobody is going to make fun of them in MY class".

155 lbs lighter than she was the day she started her journey, Carissa reflects on the woman she was, and celebrates the woman she's become. Still volunteering with youth programs through the YMCA, Carissa is dedicated to the community and there is no doubt that the community is a better place and peoples lives are hugely changed because of the role she plays in it.

- Francesca Clarke -