Meet YMCA Member: John C.

John Cummings likes to start his days at the YMCA.

“I come to the Y as often as I can,” he said. “I start by swimming laps. It’s good for your body and also your mind. It’s almost a meditation session and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.”

From there, he travels upstairs to the Y’s Health & Wellness Center to do physical therapy.

Originally from Butte, John moved to Bozeman where he pursued a degree in electrical engineering. From there, he travelled to Missoula to work as an electrical engineer for Montana Power. Today, John works part-time for Energy Keepers, Inc. and relies on the Y to help him stay active and healthy.

"I ran a lot when I was younger,” said John. “There’s a big hill in Butte. During my lunch break, I would run up and down it ten times.”

“I’m a little more cautious now that I’m older,” he explained. “In the summer, I like to hike the trails. In the winter, though, I work out at the Y.”

John speaks highly of the Y’s pool and equipment, but for him, the people who make up the Y are the best part.

“I like the people here,” he said. “The staff welcome you with open arms and they care about you. And there’s a lot of respect amongst the members. I appreciate that. It’s really nice.”