Danielle Seckfort

Three years ago, I tore my Achilles during a volleyball game, and that’s what first brought me to the Downtown YMCA. At the time, I just needed a place to recover but it quickly became so much more than that. Between swimming, water aerobics and relying on Kid Zone while caring for my one-and-a-half year old, I started rebuilding myself little by little.

About three months into my recovery, I found out I was pregnant with Riley. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed active all the way until I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant. And just six weeks after having her, I was back at the Y, ready to feel strong again.

Then came another surprise twins. It turned into a high-risk pregnancy with lots of appointments and unknowns. In December, I had a health scare that sent me to Houston for an emergency procedure to save my babies. After a long hospital stay and delivering them at 32 weeks, life became a whirlwind four little ones, NICU visits, and no time for myself.

For a while, fitness had to take a back seat.

But by August, I knew I needed to come back not just physically, but mentally too.

Now, most mornings start early in our house. My husband and I get all four kids fed, load up the van and head to the Y. It’s not easy getting four kids under 4 out the door, but it’s always worth it.

Those two hours at the Y mean everything to me. Whether I’m walking the track praying the rosary, getting a quiet shower or just having a moment to breathe I’m refilling my cup so I can be the best version of myself for my kids.

The Kid Zone staff and this community have truly become like family to me, and I’m so grateful for the support they’ve given me through every season.

It’s not just about losing baby weight or getting stronger. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and doing the best I can even in the busiest, hardest moments.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You can make it work. Even with four little ones in tow.