Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the New Rochelle YMCA. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

New Rochelle, NY – From the moment the music starts pulsating, Don Bunch leads his Abs & Tone class at the New Rochelle YMCA through a nonstop series of stretches, lifts, crunches,  pushups, and twists, counting down each set without losing a beat. Everything the class does, he does along with them, using such props as hand weights, big bouncy exercise balls, and weighted body bars. 

Don has been teaching both abs and spin classes at the Y for the past six years. During a recent session, he wore a black cap, black gym shorts, and neon yellow shirt, socks and athletic shoes.  A small gold hoop dangled from his left earlobe. Given his fit, youthful appearance, you wouldn’t know that he’s 87 years young. 

Don says there’s no doubt working at the Y gives him the motivation to get up and out the door on most days. Although he retired from his 43-year job at Columbia University’s physics  research facility in Irvington, NY in 2001, he teaches at the Y every day except Wednesday, and “I never get tired of it,” he says. 

“What do I love about the Y? The people,” he explains. “They inspire me. They’re so friendly and supportive, and they make things fun.” 

Among his devoted students, the feeling is mutual. “I came with some health issues, and I’ve never gotten hurt in his classes. He changes things up and makes it fun,” says Lisa Teddone, the Y’s Chief Financial Officer who exercises with Don “at least three times a week.” She says she feels lucky to have his classes at her disposal to pull her away from her desk. 

Don says his mother lived to 96, so longevity is in his genes. Hopefully, he’ll continue to lead fitness classes at the Y for many years to come. To see if you can keep up with Don, try his class  on Tuesdays and Thursdays or for more information go to nrymca.org to see what is new at the Y!