When Perry walked through the doors of the Monroe Y three years ago, he was determined to keep moving, keep healing, and stay connected to the community around him. Degenerative osteoarthritis was changing how he moved, but not who he was. What he found at the Y was exactly what he needed, a place designed to meet people where they are and support their health, well-being, and sense of belonging.
For two years before his full right-hip replacement, Perry committed himself to “pre-habbing.” He used the Y’s treadmills, stretching equipment, resistance machines, sauna, and pool to build strength, flexibility, and confidence. “I wanted to be ready,” he says.
His preparation paid off. As soon as he could move after surgery, Perry shuffled his walker back into the Y, stepped onto the treadmill, and began the long process of rebuilding.
At ten weeks post-surgery, he was completing exercises he expected would take three months or more. “I’m a month and a half early because of the facilities at the Y,” he says. “This has been the perfect place to prepare and recover.”
Perry’s routine is disciplined and intentional: warm-up, cardio, progressive strength work, stretching, range of motion, and time in the sauna or hot tub. The Y’s equipment offers exactly what he needs—safe, scalable tools that honor his limits while helping him grow stronger.
But for Perry, the Y has been more than equipment. It’s the people. Staff who remember his name, ask about his recovery, and make space for him—literally—by finding him a small corner of the pool when every lane is full. “They care,” he said. “They listen. It’s shocking sometimes, in a good way.”
It’s a culture where effort matters more than the weight on the machine. “Here, I can do 30-pound leg curls without anyone judging,” he says. “Everyone is working in their own zone.”
Today, Perry is back to swimming, walking miles on the treadmill, and rebuilding the strength he needs to keep doing the things he loves. And he’s quick to encourage others preparing for surgery or recovering: “Join the Y. Be intentional. There’s a level here for anybody.”
“The Y has been the perfect set of tools. Scalable tools for me to prepare and recover from surgery. And it’s a warm and welcoming, fun place to be.”
Perry’s story reflects what the YMCA of Snohomish County strives to offer every day. A community of tools, people, and purpose that helps individuals stay strong, connected, and hopeful. It’s the power of belonging made visible, one member at a time.
