My Y Story: Fitness and Friendship

Dan Marcinko has been involved at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA since it opened five years ago. Born and raised in Winfield, Illinois, his family frequently visited the Glen Ellyn YMCA where they enjoyed swimming, playing basketball, hanging out in the teen center, and taking in an afternoon movie. Based on his experiences growing up with the YMCA, Dan was excited to participate in planning Snoqualmie’s first YMCA. His family of five immediately joined the Y and have enjoyed all aspects of the facility ever since.

Dan has three teenage children—a daughter and two sons. Two of his children are enrolled at WSU (go Cougs!) and his youngest is a junior at Mount Si High School. About a year ago, Dan started participating in a YMCA wellness program to improve his health. Although not an easy journey, he is proud to report a weight lost of more than 40 pounds through a healthy diet combined with 5 AM daily workouts at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA.

In addition to the fitness benefits, Dan also enjoys the sense of community and the family atmosphere of the Y. He has made many friends during his workouts and says “The Y is the hub of the community. It’s where people can go and not only work out but also see a smiling face, ask questions, or enjoy a cup of coffee with good conversation. Even if you come here alone, you’ll leave with many new friends.”

Embarking on a health journey is not easy, but Dan encourages people to keep trying until they find what works for them. Most of all, he insists that they don't give up and encourages them to try different types of workouts, whether it be individual, group, or both. For Dan, group workouts offered the best system in terms of motivation and consistency toward reaching his goals.

In addition to working out at the Y, Dan enjoys family time, hiking, and square dancing—an activity he has participated in since early childhood and now enjoys with his wife.