Dayna Hoock
When I started working at the Greater Wichita YMCA in September 2021, fitness wasn’t part of my life. It wasn’t even on my radar. My athletic peak was church league basketball in elementary school, back when I’d already reached my full height of 5 foot 2 inches. After that, I fully embraced my identity as a theater kid. No sports, no structured exercise, unless you count the occasional bike ride to a friend’s house.
That didn’t really change until a medical emergency in November 2022 that forced me to take a hard look at my health. I knew I needed make some changes. I needed to exercise, but I had no idea where to begin. I signed up for the Complete Training program at the Downtown YMCA. I was nervous about working with a personal trainer. Everything I thought I knew came from stereotypes and media — trainers who yell, criticize and push you past your limits in ways that feel more punishing than helpful.
Then I met my trainer, Daniella.
From the start, she met me exactly where I was. She didn’t just want me to get stronger, she wanted me to feel comfortable in my body, to enjoy movement and to build a healthy relationship with both fitness and food. I trained with her weekly for two years, and those sessions became a constant in my life, something I genuinely looked forward to. She cared about me as a whole person. She checked in on how I was doing physically and mentally. She encouraged me, supported me through tough days (and even tears) and celebrated every win, no matter how small it felt at the time.
Through the Y and the Complete Training program, I gained more than strength. I gained confidence, knowledge, and a sense of belonging. I’m no longer intimidated by the gym. Exercise is now part of my routine in a way that feels natural. I actually miss it when I go without it. My body feels stronger, my health has improved in ways I can see in my bloodwork and feel day to day, and mentally, I’m more resilient than I’ve ever been.
If It weren’t for the YMCA, I don’t think I would have taken that first step or given myself the chance to try something that once felt so intimidating. The Y didn’t just introduce me to fitness, it gave me the tools, support and relationships that helped me build habits that will stay with me for the rest of my life.