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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Whether working to lose a lot of weight or simply shed a few pounds, this member’s 175-pound weight loss will inspire you …
Dana Gardner used to be “deathly afraid of gyms.” They were places where she was laughed at and mocked for being overweight. However, her deteriorating health eventually outweighed that fear and pain.
Worsening Health
Dana’s diabetes was progressing. She soon would require the addition of insulin to her treatment regimen. Combined with high blood pressure, she worried she would succumb to an early death like her father. When only 12 years old, Dana lost him to diabetes complications and a heart attack. She did not want her children to suffer the tragic, untimely loss of a parent.
Making Change Happen
Dana joined the Center’s Bariatric Wellness Program in June 2018 at about 345 pounds and 5’11” tall. (She already lost approximately 60 pounds since her bariatric surgery in April 2018.) In the Program, she met Meghan who has been her personal trainer since then. In the first two months, Dana managed to lose another 30 pounds. Today, Dana weighs 255 pounds. She lost 175 total pounds from her 430-pound weight upon beginning this journey.
“Through the Program, I learned how to exercise and eat healthier. I also gained confidence, which motivated me to continue,” Dana shares. She credits her work with Personal Trainer Meghan as a big contribution to her success. “Meghan radiates positivity. She is encouraging, caring, and strong– with the kindest demeanor,” relates Dana.
The Bariatric Wellness Program teaches the fundamentals of exercise, concentrating on proper form and movement. The eight-week session includes baseline workouts tailored to individual ability. The patients’ physicians become part of the “team” in helping participants reach goals and maintain weight loss. Some doctors even participate in the fitness classes with the group.
Dana’s Experience
Along with working toward her goal weight of 200 pounds, Dana aspires to be as strong as her trainer someday. This will not be an easy feat, considering Meghan is a competitive powerlifter! However, with strength training as her new focus, Dana feels confident.
“Already, Dana is almost out-squatting me. She has traveled far in this journey,” Meghan emphasizes.
Dana’s tremendous weight loss has been life-changing for her and her family. Her husband, who had a similar fear of gyms, now trains with Meghan as well. Their children are super supportive. Dana, previously so intimidated at fitness facilities, is now working at the Center’s Reception Desk. There, she welcomes other members to achieve their healthiest lives, one visit at a time.
Meghan shares heartwarming insight. “One of my job’s greatest joys is witnessing the mental transformation of my clients. Physical strength yields mental strength.” She notes it has been amazing to watch Dana grow confident and feel better. “You just can tell she feels good. I’m happy to be part of her journey.”
Healthy Gains
As Dana advances her routine to include the Center’s free weight area, her health reflects progress as well. As of August 2018, her diabetes went into remission. She eliminated that looming need for insulin as well as all other diabetes medication. Her blood pressure medication also was reduced.
With well-deserved pride Dana states, “I want to be around a long time for my family. Before my weight loss, that was not going to happen. Today, I am a new person with an improved outlook on the world. I love who I am.”
Weight Loss Tips
Strategies for weight loss are as varied as the individuals who attempt it. The Center’s personal trainers and instructors can work with you to customize the fitness elements of your weight loss program. As you journey, you also will discover your own techniques for success. Here are the basics recommended by experts on how to achieve your goal weight.
- Know the reason for the loss. For Dana, it was to help increase her possibility of a long, healthy life with family. Keep a specific list of the reasons you want to lose weight. Place it on the fridge, by your bed, and in the pantry. Keep a copy in your gym bag. Read it often.
Focus on losing one or two pounds per week. This assures safe, manageable progress. It also prevents you from feeling overwhelmed if your goal is a large weight loss. “One pound at a time,” should be your mantra.- Increase exercise each week. Add small increments of time and intensity to your workouts. These small shifts have an impressive impact over time.
- Eat a sustainable diet. Although it is acceptable to jumpstart your journey with a stricter diet, gradually allow a more manageable approach. You don’t want to frustratedly abandon all efforts because you severely overdid it with kale.
Inspired
Setbacks happen in any fitness journey. We are beautifully flawed humans in a variety of shapes and sizes. Allow Dana’s impressive success to motivate yours. After her major weight loss, she strives to be more like Trainer Meghan. And, her own personal trainer comments, “Dana inspires me to be better, too.”
