“Right now is the perfect time for L.E.A.N. Coaches to approach YMCA’s because they are currently launching a new nationwide campaign focusing on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.” states L.E.A.N. Coach Becky Clabaugh. Becky attended training in Nov. 2010 and is currently teaching three full L.E.A.N. Start workshops a week through her local YMCA in Marion, IA.

Becky’s advice to anyone wanting to get involved with a YMCA is to do a ten minute presentation during the weekly director meetings. “It’s key when you are approaching the YMCA that you don’t state you are there to teach nutrition. Instead, focus on presenting yourself as a wellness instructor who are focused on the four areas of health: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition.” These four qualities are what fit with the YMCA’s three new initiatives and are going to be very appealing to directors. The other thing to bring up is how L.E.A.N. workshops could increase memberships to the YMCA.

Getting started involved a lot of trial and error;  however, she has learned a lot and is looking forward to future classes and building relationships in her community. Becky believes “the Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. program should be in every YMCA in the country.”

She markets herself by talking to EVERYONE she meets and is a frequent presenter at mom’s groups, schools, hands out fliers and business cards. Becky has even built a relationship with her local grocery store dietician. “My website has been the most vital part of marketing myself,” says Becky. “It is a tremendous help to be able to direct them to the site where I keep upcoming workshop information current.”

Becky loves working at the YMCA and would love to help other L.E.A.N. Coaches get involved there.