August 23, 2023
During the winter of 2023, Sean Straub completed Healthy Horizons, the 12-week donor-funded YMCA Pathway program for individuals in recovery and mental health rehabilitation. Coming into the program, Sean knew little about how important exercise and community connection were in maintaining his recovery and his mental health.
“I learned in Healthy Horizons that exercise is more important to my mental health than my physical appearance,” Sean shared at the annual YMCA Share the Impact event on July 26. “Being in Healthy Horizons has benefited me and my entire family,” he continued. “I use exercise to maintain sobriety, and feel connected to the other participants in the program. Not only am I there for my family, but I am now the role model for my children I want to be.”
Learning how transformative exercise had been in his Healthy Horizons journey, Sean sees he can help others through the pursuit of becoming a personal trainer. Sean is currently studying to certify as a personal trainer under the mentorship of Nicole Martorella, YMCA director of wellness services and Healthy Horizons Pathway program coordinator.