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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Here are more stories to encourage an abundance of health and well-being …
Part 2 of a 2-part series
Fredrick (Ricky) Gant, Choosing a Life without Limits
Born with cerebral palsy, Ricky learned the value of exercise during his earliest memories. As a child, he spent three days a week in physical therapy, increasing his strength and mobility. By 13 years old, he was able to stop wearing multiple braces and abandon his wheelchair. At 60 years old, despite his disability, Ricky is known at the Center to “run circles around everyone.”
“Either I pay for Center membership or I pay for a doctor,” notes Ricky from experience. His physician agrees, assuring Ricky that daily exercise is helping his cause. Yes, daily. Ricky spends an average of five to six hours at the Center, most days of the week. “I can do this or go back to that,” he says, referencing the braces packed away in his storage closet. (He has two sets of braces, one for day and one for night wear.) Exercise is his protection from a limited lifestyle.
What does Ricky do during his lengthy daily Center visits? “Aside from annoy the staff,” he jokes, “I take Group Fitness classes, swim, spend a couple hours on the Fitness Floor, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy the sauna.” Ricky manages to accomplish it all and with only a slight limp to hint at his handicap.
A retired chef, Ricky uses his talents to help streamline and organize the Center’s annual sandwich-making donations for TASK, an area soup kitchen. Once a full-day project, about 600 sandwiches are now made each year in under two hours, including clean-up time! He is considered King of the TASK bagged lunch event. He also loves the Center’s annual Chili Cook-off.
Ricky uses his Center membership to the fullest extent to improve his health and overcome his disability. He takes advantage of all the Center’s features, capitalizing on the strongest positive impact of all: connecting with people.
Nicholas Giangregorio, An Athlete on the Rise
Nicholas attends the Center Sports Performance Program’s Middle School Training Program. At 12 years old, this young athlete wants to get serious about his game. His dad, Rocco, notes athleticism did not come naturally to his son. However, Nicholas’ hard work and dedication have more than compensated for that.
Basketball is Nicholas’ passion. He has played on the town traveling team for the past three years while preparing for the rigors of his school team. Rocco is proud of Nicholas’ steady progress. “He has come so far in his skills. The Sports Performance Program and its team of trainers are the extra support he needed,” Rocco enthuses.
“Sports Performance Program Director Scotty sets the bar high for his trainers—and they meet it. He is a great leader, with a consistently warm welcome that is shared by his staff.”
Aside from improved technique and increased speed, Rocco emphasizes the importance of another aspect of his son’s training in the Program. “The trainers coach to the individual. For example, Trainer Melinda focuses on my son’s personality to uniquely motivate his success.” Nicholas benefits from the positivity and encouragement demonstrated to him at every training session.
Nicholas can feel the difference in his strength and performance. He sees his progress, both on and off the basketball court. His parents also notice a difference in his attitude.
Rocco notes, “Nicholas is able to do more now, and he feels good about himself for it. He stands taller and with confidence.” The training looks good on Nicholas. Confidence can be its own challenge to achieve, especially for a middle-schooler. Nicholas nailed this, right along with his other accomplishments. Score!
Iris Roberts, Dancing On
At 75 years old, Iris is in excellent physical condition. Her goal: Never slow down. She always has lived an active lifestyle, with a passion for dance. In college, Iris was part of a dance troupe during which time she considered making it a career. Instead, she became an elementary school teacher and, later, a computer programmer/analyst.
After retirement, Iris tried basic gyms but got bored. At the Center, she discovered the environment and workouts she craved. She is a Group Fitness addict, drawn to classes and camaraderie reminiscent of her dance classes.
“I love the classes. The instructors keep me motivated. I wake up happy to know they are part of my day,” Iris comments. After 10 years of membership, she has tried almost all of them. Her usual favorites include: Ramping, Balletone, Fit 101, BoogieTone, Pilates, Hatha Yoga, and BODYPUMP™. As one would guess from that list, Iris is at the Center almost daily.
Aside from the exercises, music, and choreography of the fitness classes, Iris thrives on the social interaction. She has become very friendly with her instructors and classmates. The classes allow socializing on a regular basis, which otherwise would be difficult because of life obligations, she admits.
Iris’ goal is to stay in the best shape possible. She wants to be dancing into her 90s. At this pace, she certainly will!
Dance on, friends! Energize and discover the wealth that is your true abundance.
