Joshua Morris Y Story

In 2007, Joshua made an appointment with a dietitian to see if he could receive some advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, during that appointment, Joshua was asked to weigh in and found that he weighed 303 pounds. Joshua couldn’t believe the number the scale displayed, and it was at that moment he decided he was going to make a behavior change to better his health. Joshua began by walking short distances each day and eventually worked himself up to two miles without stopping. Three years later, Joshua was in a much better place with his health, weighing 170lbs, but then joined a deaf and blind camp that set back his training.

Although the camp was a great place for Joshua to meet friends and relate to others, he found that he wasn’t exercising nearly as much and started to gain back much of the weight he lost. As time went on, Joshua wanted to get back on his feet by losing weight and decided to join the Downtown Duluth Area Family YMCA. Joshua wanted to start training immediately to lose weight and improve his strength. This sparked the partnership that Phillip and Joshua share today. Joshua trained with Phillip for a whole year, losing 60 pounds and feeling much better in his mind and body. Joshua continued to come to the YMCA and train with Phillip for the next six years and started to see the YMCA as his second home. A place where he could relax in the pool or hot tub, meet new people or continue to better his wellbeing. He enjoys the staff and has made a few everlasting relationships. Joshua continues to train with Phillip and work on his fitness goals two times a week and has made it his routine to be here and support the YMCA.