Cara Hartman enjoys riding horses, tending her garden, caring for their new family puppy, being involved at church, playing the piano, and raising her family. Nearly four years ago, Cara went looking for a place to work out and found something for everyone in her family at the YMCA.

As a stay-at-home mother, Cara needed somewhere she could go to work out and take her kids. She decided to try a membership at the Henry County YMCA. From there, Cara said, “It just took off. I put my son in the preschool and started becoming involved consistently through workout classes, swim lessons, and preschool.”

Now, the Hartman family is all in at the Y, and Cara is an instructor of the R.I.P.P.E.D. (Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance, Dynamic) class four days out of the week. While the name might sound intimidating, Cara encouraged, “It’s definitely a high-paced class, but that shouldn’t be intimating because we have people from all different levels of fitness. We do modifications. We are all very motivating to each other. Everyone has to start somewhere. Just keep moving.”

Beyond the classes and events, Cara finds the connections made through their involvement to be the biggest highlight. “I enjoy the friendships I have made through people I’ve met in my class, and I like being in a group of motivated people all working to achieve the same goal. It’s not just losing weight but building a healthier lifestyle and becoming stronger. All those good things that you get from working out,” she expressed.

Cara appreciates all that the YMCA has had to offer her young family over the years, and hopes other families are able to experience it. She shared, “There’s a lot of benefits. In the age where having young children, it’s nice to have an outlet. The Y offers so many things that are so helpful to young families. Everyone I have come across is friendly and genuine. Working together toward health and fitness.”

Cara’s R.I.P.P.E.D. class meets Monday through Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Court 3. Join her for a class soon!