Malta Membership Highlight: Meet Jane

Jane Renzi is a longtime Y member, employee and dear friend who has recently made a big move to South Carolina to live closer to family. Before departing, we sat down with Jane to talk about her time with the Y and how much it’s impacted her life.

Let’s start from the beginning—when did you first become involved with the Y?
It’s been a long time. My first go with the YMCA was at the Southern Saratoga Y in Clifton Park, maybe 20 or 25 years ago? I have a degree in Health Education with a concentration in Nutrition, so I worked as a Nutrition Counselor at Southern Saratoga and also taught Zumba lessons.

Once LiveSTRONG was implemented in that location, I got certified to coach for LiveSTRONG YMCA programs and absolutely loved it. It was intense, but also great. I also had an academic knowledge of disease and disease prevention so I was able to bring all my combined skills into being a LiveSTRONG coach.

You eventually moved to the Malta Branch under the Saratoga Regional YMCA, right?
Yes, I had left the Y temporarily while teaching at Shen and worked out occasionally at a local gym right near my house at exit 11 (Ballston Lake), but after that gym closed I wanted a change. I had put fitness on the backburner and was eager to make it a priority again. So, my husband and I rejoined the Y at the original Malta Branch in 2010. I also worked part time at that location too—I worked the membership floor, taught Spin and Personal Training, and even leant a hand at Kidzcare! I was kind of always around to help. I also rejoined coaching LiveSTRONG YMCA programs at that branch and Saratoga Springs.

I was excited for the new Malta location that got built off of exit 12, and continued my membership here from then on. Once my husband and I started preparing for our move down south, I couldn’t commit to teaching classes as much, especially the LiveSTRONG classes. I felt guilty not being available for the full 12-week sessions—like I was betraying the tight bonds we build in that program! —but luckily was able to continue being a part of the LiveSTRONG family by joining the LiveSTRONG, Live Fun Fundraiser Committee in 2021 and 2022.

What do you love about the Malta Branch?
I always say that this branch feels like the setting of the show Cheers—where everyone knows your name! Except no drinking!

Everybody here is so close, it’s such comfortable community. I’ve made lifelong friends through colleagues, classmates, and just working out on the fitness floor. Everyone is so supportive, constantly looking out for each other. It’s just warm here.

What have you enjoyed the most about your time with Malta YMCA?
So much. Too much. I’d have to say the best part of Malta is the social aspect, it helps you feel so much happier and healthier. I love all the benefits of the Malta branch—working out, the health and wellness team, group classes, I do it all! I actually used to Body Build so I’m all for staying fit, and I’m grateful that only could I workout here however I’d like to, but that I could also be a Personal Trainer and coach so I could help others find their ideal fitness routines.

What will you miss the most?
The people, 100%. Everyone here has become my friend, and I’m leaving all my friends! There are not any YMCA locations near where I’m moving, but I really hope I can find a gym that has even a semblance of the community the Malta Y has given me. The comradery I’ve built with instructors, members, and LiveSTRONG participants is a connection I’ll never forget.

I’ll also definitely miss LiveSTRONG. That program will always be near and dear to my heart. I hope that SRYMCA continues growing the program so it can thrive and stay helping new participants and past alumni. I got to work on the Committee this year for the their fall Golf & Dinner Fundraiser and help get some donations and spread the word on the event, but I’m not sure if I’ll be back in the area to help the day of the event. I know it’s in good hands though.

Is there anything specific to the Malta Y you’d like people to know, if they’re interested in joining?
Don’t be afraid. Gyms can be intimidating, but not this one. The Malta Y is a great hub for people of all ages. We get high schoolers, summer college kids, and active older adults of all fitness levels here every day ready to work their butts off to meet their fitness goals. And the staff here are always available to help. It’s not a gym; it’s a home. And I’m going to miss my home a lot.

Thank you Jane, for being a lifelong friend to the Saratoga Regional YMCA!