Where Fitness and Friendships Unite: Mark Crecco’s Story
By Jen Schmaltz
When Mark Crecco moved to Beamsville in the summer of 2023, he knew only a handful of people. Though his family had been in the area for over a decade, Mark was starting from scratch as a newcomer from Montreal, looking for ways to connect with his new community. He didn’t expect the local YMCA to become a central part of his life—his “third place,” a space outside of work and home where he could invest in his well-being and sense of belonging.
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to meet people,” Mark recalls. “But I knew I wanted to find a gym where I could work on my fitness and connect with people on a local level. The YMCA felt like a place where I could foster those relationships.”
A Journey Back to Fitness
Mark’s fitness journey hasn’t been without its ups and downs. Before the pandemic, he was in great shape, but like many, he fell into unhealthy habits during lockdowns. Living in Quebec then, he even learned to make poutine at home, complete with double-fried fries. It wasn’t long before the results of his indulgences began to show.
But when Mark moved to Beamsville, he saw a chance to reset. He chose the YMCA over other local fitness options because it offered more than just a place to work out—it provided a community. In just one year, Mark completed an impressive 250 classes, primarily in CycleFit and MuscleFit, with some yoga thrown in for good measure.
“It was a mental and physical shift for me,” he says. “I started feeling stronger after a year of MuscleFit classes. I didn’t just get fitter—I got to the point where I felt comfortable taking my shirt off at the beach, something I hadn’t done in a long time.”
Mark’s physical transformation was noticeable, but what mattered most was how he felt inside—more confident, comfortable in his skin, and mentally clearer.
Building a Community at the YMCA
For Mark, the YMCA quickly became more than a gym—it became his “third place.” Between the structure of the fitness classes and the sense of camaraderie that developed among participants, he found himself looking forward to his evenings at the Y.
“I travel a lot for work, and in my professional world, there’s not a lot of room for socializing or making friends,” Mark explains. “But the Y gave me that outlet. I’ve met so many people here—some I see three or four times weekly. It’s a natural, unforced way to connect with others with similar goals.”
The YMCA’s sense of community stood out to Mark, especially compared to the other gyms he visited. Whether meeting new members or being invited to brunch with fellow gym-goers, his relationships have extended far beyond the workout room. He’s even found new opportunities to volunteer and give back, one of his passions, including a speaking engagement at Niagara College on leadership and running a small business.
A Mental and Physical Lifeline
As much as the YMCA has helped Mark improve his physical fitness, it’s also given him the clarity and balance needed to decompress from his high-stress job in management and leadership. His role often requires him to focus on critical, high-pressure situations, making it difficult to unwind. The YMCA became a place where he could leave work stress behind and focus on his well-being.
“My top goals were endurance, mental clarity, and feeling good physically,” Mark shares. “And the Y has helped me achieve all of them. I can push myself in classes, clear the mental fog, and feel energized when leaving. The structured programs keep me motivated, and the instructors are always there to provide encouragement and guidance.”
Mark highlights how instructors at the YMCA are actively involved in the classes, working out alongside members, which fosters a sense of mutual support. This, along with the welcoming community of other members, has kept him coming back week after week.
An Unbreakable Bond with the YMCA Community
Mark’s experience at the YMCA has been transformative, not only in terms of fitness but also in creating meaningful connections. He notes the contrast between his experiences at other gyms and his unique sense of belonging at the Y.
“There’s something about this place—it’s got a town vibe,” he says. “I’ve visited other YMCAs across Canada, but there’s something special here. The community feels real, and it doesn’t feel forced. Everyone is just here for the same reason, making it easy to connect with people.”
From attending fitness classes to volunteering and socializing outside the gym, Mark has made the YMCA his anchor in the Niagara West region. And for someone who started in a new town with few connections, the Y has given him more than just a fitness routine—it’s given him a second home.
Mark’s story is a testament to the YMCA’s role in creating healthier individuals and communities. For Mark, the YMCA is where fitness and friendships unite, creating a space where anyone can thrive physically and socially. Whether through the shared goals of a class or the conversations before and after, Mark has found a place where he belongs—and he’s not looking back.
