A Lifelong Journey at the Y: Ernie Loewenstein’s Story

When Ernie Loewenstein first walked into the West Suburban YMCA in 1971, he was 40 years old and simply looking for a way to improve his health. More than five decades later, he’s still here—and his journey is proof that starting later in life can lead to a lifetime of benefits, friendships, and unexpected opportunities. 

Finding a Healthy Path 

“In 1971, at the age of 40, I decided to do something to improve my health. Since everyone seemed to be taking up running, I thought I would do the same. Rather than just putting on sneakers and hitting the streets, I walked into the Y on Church Street and signed up for the 7 a.m. running and calisthenics class.” 

That one decision sparked a commitment that has lasted 53 years. Over the decades, Ernie has explored nearly every corner of Y programming: swimming, weight training, Tai Chi, spin, calisthenics, yoga, and today, the 7 a.m. Balance, Strength, and Flexibility class. Just a few weeks ago, he even added water aerobics to his routine. 

Throughout it all, one instructor has been especially influential. “Kathryn Howell has been the outstanding leader of all the classes I have attended starting with spin more than twenty years ago. Before that, I could just walk into any group activity and receive immediate acceptance and assistance. One example was a friendly lifeguard at the pool who advised me to add weight training along with the swimming I was doing.” 

Building Lifelong Friendships 

For Ernie, the Y is about more than just physical health—it’s also about community. “The Y has also been and continues to be a source of social contacts. Most of my friends today are directly or indirectly a result of contacts at the Y.” 

Some of those friendships have turned into regular traditions, like bi-monthly lunches and Shabbat dinners. Others have even influenced major life decisions. 

“When I changed professions from physics to optometry, I needed a place to set up a practice. One of my running companions informed me of a practice that was for sale, conveniently located directly across the turnpike from the Y! With his help, I purchased that practice and continued there until I retired just about a year ago.” 

The Y community has also shown up in surprising ways—like helping Ernie’s daughter track down a heavy-duty Hobart mixer for her bed-and-breakfast. “I was particularly glad of my weight training at the Y when I had to get that 200-pound monster out of the bakery basement,” he laughs. 

A Legacy of Connection 

Ernie may even hold the record for the longest continuous membership at the West Suburban YMCA—though he humbly admits he can’t confirm it. What he does know is that his membership now extends far beyond Newton. 

“It has been my privilege to be a part of the Y, and to extend some of these benefits to other members of my family. My daughter Sarah in Cleveland and my niece Miri in Tel Aviv, Israel, now both participate in Kathryn’s 7:00 AM Balance, Strength, and Flexibility Class via Zoom, giving my membership worldwide reach.” 

53 Years and Counting 

Looking back, Ernie credits an impulsive decision in 1971 for shaping his health, career, and friendships. “The impulsive decision I made in 1971 has had so many unexpected benefits that I cannot picture my life without the West Suburban Y.” 

From running laps to building lifelong friendships to influencing his family across continents, Ernie’s story is a powerful reminder of the Y’s impact across generations.

Be Part of the Y’s Impact 

Ernie’s story is just one example of how the Y changes lives. Our mission is to strengthen the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all. Learn more about our impact or consider making a gift to help ensure stories like Ernie’s continue for generations to come. 
👉 Learn More | 👉 Donate