Wisconsin YMCA adds accessible gym equipment

From Chippewa Falls Herald:

As Sarah Schemenauer (pictured) makes her way through the Chippewa Valley Family YMCA in Chippewa Falls, many people stop and say hi or chat a minute with her. They’re familiar with the Chippewa Falls woman as she’s become a staple at the local gym.

A year ago, Schemenauer, who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, was sitting at home and out of shape. Now, thanks to efforts by the YMCA at 611 Jefferson Ave. and a donation from Rutledge Charities, she works out five days a week.

“Sarah, when I started working with her last year, she weighed 138 (pounds), now she weighs 120,” YMCA trainer Kari McCanna said.

The organization recently received a $30,000 donation from Rutledge Charities for five pieces of equipment to help Schemenauer; Kathryn Wolfe, another woman with cerebral palsy; the elderly; and anyone else with mobility problems.

Schemenauer and Wolfe began working out at the YMCA earlier this year. Schemenauer has her membership paid by Community Health Partnership, and Wolfe is covered by by the YMCA’s Strong Kids program.

But helping them get in shape was a struggle.

“What we realized was when they were back there (in the gym), there was only one piece of equipment for everyone,” YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Sherbinow said.

Schemenauer has limited use of her legs, so she needs a bike that has no barrier in the center. Wolfe has some movement in her legs, but she cannot walk, so she needs McCanna or another trainer to lift her onto the machines.

In hopes of having new opportunities at the gym, McCanna, Schemenauer and a physical therapist from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls wrote letters seeking funds from the Rutledge Charity.

“We thought, wouldn’t it be great if we could get more equipment for my girls,” McCanna said.

The charity sent the donation, and the YMCA was able to purchase another bike like the one Schemenauer had been using, two bikes with video machines and one hand bike machine. Another machine with a swivel seat was purchased, so users like Kathryn can be easily lifted on to it, and wheelchairs can be attached as well.

ITW Engineered Fasteners also donated a wheelchair accessible weightlifting machine.

The new machines are open to anyone who wants to use them. But for Schemenauer and Wolfe, the new pieces have been very beneficial.

“It’s amazing,” Schemenauer said. “It’s helped me in more ways then one. I’ve been able to bear weight and get in shape.”

Wolfe now has boots on the swivel seat machine that hold her legs in, and she’s increased her endurance.

“I think it’s fun, and it lets me use my leg muscles,” Wolfe said.

“When she first started, she could do maybe five minutes, and now we’re up to 30, 40 minutes,” McCanna said.

Schemenauer can now use most of the machines by herself because she can lift herself up and swing her legs onto the bike petals. That gives her an opportunity to workout five days a week even though she only has trainers available three of those days.

“When we can do it on our own, it’s amazing,” she said.

Other YMCA users have taken notice of Schemenauer’s effort

“We have so many members that say, ‘I have no excuse,’” after seeing Schemenauer workout, McCanna said. “She’s been an inspiration to everyone.”

More elderly people and those who may be recovering from injury are also using the machines. And the new video bikes are popular because two people can race against each other on virtual courses. They’re the first bikes at the YMCA with TVs.

“It’s accessible to anyone. We have plenty of people who don’t have health issues that use them,” Sherbinow said.