At the YMCA, we believe every body is worthy of celebration. Our family centers and programs are more than fitness spaces—they’re communities where people of all backgrounds and abilities come to move, grow and belong. As a personal trainer, I’ve learned that gratitude for our bodies—regardless of shape, size or function—is not just beneficial, it’s essential for our overall well-being.
By Morgan Gelinas
Personal Trainer at Downtown Orlando YMCA
Learning from Athletes with Disabilities
Through years of working with people with disabilities—whether in one-on-one sessions or volunteering with the Special Olympics—I’ve seen the transformative power of approaching fitness with gratitude. Clients with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and those on the autism spectrum have shown me what it means to show up with resilience, joy and purpose. These individuals teach me daily that movement is a gift—not something to be taken for granted.
At Special Olympics events, the energy is electric. The athletes aren’t focused on comparison or competition in the traditional sense. They celebrate movement, effort and teamwork. There is a sense of unity and joy that is often missing in conventional fitness spaces. It’s impossible to leave an event like that without being moved and inspired.
Redefining Success in Fitness
In my sessions with clients facing developmental and cognitive disabilities, I’ve witnessed milestones that redefine what success looks like in fitness. Whether it’s walking independently for the first time or finishing a workout with pride, these moments are deeply meaningful and inspiring.
That’s why I believe it’s so important to create inclusive, welcoming environments—especially in places like the YMCA. At the Y, we’re committed to ensuring everyone feels seen, supported and celebrated. You don’t have to be a professional trainer to make a difference—your presence, encouragement and openness can help build a culture of compassion and inclusion.
The Science and Spirit of Gratitude
Beyond inclusion, practicing gratitude can literally rewire the brain. Studies in neuroscience show it can boost mood, reduce stress and improve physical health. When we focus on what our bodies can do instead of what they can’t, we move into a space of empowerment. This mindset change can affect everything from our motivation, to how we nourish ourselves, to how we treat others.
For those of us guided by faith, gratitude is more than a good habit—it’s a spiritual discipline. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” That includes thanking God for our bodies, even when they face limitations or pain. Psalm 139:14 reminds us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Creating an Inclusive YMCA Culture
At the YMCA, our mission is to model what it means to truly include all people. That means making our programs, language and spaces accessible and welcoming. It means listening, learning and adjusting so everyone—regardless of their ability or background—feels valued.
Let’s choose to see our bodies as blessings, not burdens. Let’s celebrate movement in every form and continue building a Y community that reflects our core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.
How You Can Get Involved
You can be a part of this movement. Volunteer at a Special Olympics event, advocate for inclusive program design or simply offer a kind word to someone on a different fitness journey. I promise—you will walk away changed for the better. These small actions lead to big cultural shifts.
Together, we create a YMCA culture of gratitude and belonging—one where every person knows they matter and every movement is a moment of celebration.
Your body is worthy of gratitude!
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Meet Morgan:
Morgan Gelinas is a certified personal trainer at the Downtown Orlando YMCA dedicated to empowering women through every stage of life including pregnancy, menopause and beyond. After overcoming breast cancer in 2016, Morgan found strength and healing through fitness, transforming her life and inspiring others to do the same. She became a trainer in 2018 and has since earned advanced certifications in weight loss and nutrition. A proud UCF graduate with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Morgan blends compassion, expertise and a deep commitment to helping clients achieve their health goals. She’s currently welcoming new clients and encourages readers to email their health and fitness questions for her upcoming articles.