From Retirement to Triathlon Champion: Brenda’s YMCA Journey
For Brenda Arsenault, joining the YMCA was something she had been looking forward to for years. After more than two decades dedicated to helping others improve their mobility and quality of life, she is now enjoying her own fitness journey at the Y and recently added a new accomplishment to her list: winning the individual category of the YMCA’s Indoor Triathlon.
With a degree in Kinesiology and Physiotherapy, Brenda operated her own physiotherapy clinic in Millidgeville for more than 23 years. Her days were busy caring for patients, leaving little time for herself. But throughout those years, she kept hearing wonderful things about the YMCA from the people she treated.
Many of her patients were Y members who spoke highly of the pool, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation opportunities, and the welcoming environment they found there. As Brenda listened to their experiences, she often thought, “It must be a nice place. I’ll have to try it when I’m retired.”
Last year, after retiring and undergoing back surgery to address scoliosis, Brenda finally had the opportunity to do just that. Following several months of recovery, she joined the YMCA and gradually began rebuilding her strength and fitness. She started in the pool, progressed to cardio equipment and weights in the gym, and eventually joined the Saturday morning spin class, a favourite part of her routine and, as she puts it, “the best way to start the weekend!”
Today, the Y has become much more than a place to exercise. It is a place to reconnect with old friends, meet new people and enjoy a strong sense of community.
“Everyone is so friendly and helpful. We laugh a lot. I feel great!” Brenda says. Since joining, she has noticed a significant improvement in her overall fitness and looks forward to every visit.
That growing confidence, combined with her love of a good challenge, inspired Brenda to register for the individual Indoor Triathlon. With her birthday falling the day after the event, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to celebrate by pushing herself and ending the year on a high note.
“I always love a challenge. It helps us to grow and makes us stronger,” she explains.
Participating was also a way for Brenda to give back to an organization that has become so meaningful to her. Having spent her career supporting others, she understands the importance of community and believes in taking an active role in making it stronger. She wanted to support the YMCA and the outstanding work it does to help people of all ages and abilities.
The triathlon turned out to be everything she had hoped for and more.
“It was exciting, inspiring and a lot of fun,” Brenda recalls. She was especially moved by the camaraderie among participants and the encouragement from YMCA staff, volunteers and fellow competitors. Their support motivated her to give her very best throughout the event.
Although Brenda is proud of winning the individual category, she sees the experience as a shared accomplishment.
“I feel that everyone who participated in the triathlon was a winner!”
Since crossing the finish line, Brenda has felt more motivated than ever to continue her fitness journey. Her goal is to stay healthy, build strength and keep making the most of this new chapter in her life.
Her message to anyone considering the Indoor Triathlon but wondering whether they can do it is simple: give it a try. Taking that first step can lead to a sense of accomplishment, new connections and a renewed belief in what is possible.
Brenda’s journey is a reminder that it is never too late to try something new, challenge yourself or discover a community where you belong. After years of hearing about the YMCA from the patients she helped, she finally found her way here and she is making every moment count.
About the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Help Us Tell More Stories
If you’re reading this and someone from our YMCA community comes to mind whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and share their story so we can continue highlighting the voices, moments, and impact that make our YMCA so special.