In 1974, Janet Kurka moved from Ontario to Edmonton and went looking for fitness, friendship and community. She found all three at the Westmount YMCA.
“I loved volleyball, and I needed a place to stay active and meet people,” Janet said. “The YMCA became that place.”
At the time, the YMCA was running fitness programs based on the Canadian Armed Forces’ 10BX exercise routines. Then in 1976, something new was introduced: Fitness Fantasia. It was movement to music, and it sparked something in Janet.
“I had a musical background and thought, ‘I can do this. I can help people move to music,’” she said.
That decision launched a decades-long journey of instructing fitness classes across Alberta. From Edmonton to Calgary and beyond, Janet has inspired countless participants with her warm spirit and inclusive approach.
“The YMCA has always been easy to come back to,” she said. “I’ve always felt needed as much as I needed the Y. I’ve always felt welcome.”
Over the years, she has taught many styles of fitness, but today, she leads Gentlefit and Gentle Stretch classes at YMCA Calgary, designed for those starting their fitness journey, healing from injuries, or simply looking for low-impact movement in a supportive space.
“These classes are about improving mobility, maintaining health, gaining confidence and having fun,” Janet said. “As we age, we don’t have to stop moving. We just change how we move.”
She has seen the YMCA evolve over the decades, but the core values—belonging, community, and support—have remained constant.
“I’ve outlived many managers, supervisors and even CEOs,” she laughed. “But that spirit of family has never changed. The Y has always been a safe place to call home.”
As a volunteer and lifelong member, Janet reflects on her journey with gratitude.
“I’ve been fulfilled physically, mentally and emotionally—body, mind and spirit,” she said. “I’ve celebrated my participants’ successes, comforted them in tough times and embraced their friendships. I’m so proud of the life I’ve built here.”
Her advice? Stay active, stay connected, and keep laughing.
“You don’t stop laughing because you grow old,” Janet said. “You grow old because you stop laughing.”
