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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Total upheaval is not needed to bring positive change. These members prove it …
Part 1 of a 2-part Series
The world can be intimidatingly immense. And each of us is only one single human being. As such, we often doubt our ability to improve our own lives, let alone the universe at large. However, greatness usually is accomplished from a single step.
These Center members take the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle and simply start living them. They do not revamp their lives. Their success is not the result of huge upheaval. Swearing off cookies, investing in expensive trends, or undergoing major surgeries were not part of their investment. These stories are the outcome of small but consistent accomplishments. The kind we can manage every day.
David Peterkin, Finished with Excuses
After spending three years trying to recover from a stroke, David realized he needed guidance. He abandoned the couch and took action to make his health a priority.
David finished physical therapy to improve balance issues caused by the stroke. Then, he became a Center member. He spent the next year finding excuses to avoid exercise. This led to weight gain, which was expedited when David’s neurologist prescribed new medication. In only six months, his weight went from 245 to 275 pounds.
The Moment of Change
David had enough of his own excuses. His wife’s trainer recommended he work with Personal Trainer Art. They began working together, and David never looked back. For David, it was about learning why an exercise was beneficial and how to properly execute it. With this specific knowledge, he was able to stay motivated. Instead of exhausting himself by finding excuses to avoid exercise, David happily anticipates it and the energy it brings.
“I am able to set reasonable and reachable goals now. Then, Art keeps me accountable and motivated with his fun positive attitude,” David attests. He surely is motivated! David is a goal crusher now. He improved his overall health—and lost 70 pounds.
At 69 years old, David insists he feels better than when he was only 59. With gratitude, he relates, “Art taught me how to transform my sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle to one focused on health and physical activity. My health is now a priority so I can be here for those I love.”
Russ Mich, The Taste of Retirement
A career of taste-testing food all day for 42 years caught up with member Russ when he retired. In addition to excess body weight, his overall health was suffering. His doctor recommended exercise and a better diet. Russ and his wife, Kathy, joined the Center.
One and a half years later, these two retirees are proof that lifestyle trumps age yet again. Twice weekly, they meet with their personal trainers. The other days, they work out independently. Russ managed to lower his glucose and A1C levels to (almost) normal range. In jovial response to this tremendous progress, Russ commented, “I think the new numbers will cause my doctor to faint.”
After training with Personal Trainer Ramoncito (Mon) for a few months, Russ learned a tremendous amount. This includes the ability to
exercise on his own several days a week. Russ admits to “feeling stronger and walking taller these days,” which gives him the confidence to proceed with bigger fitness goals. The Center nurse monitors his progress to reinforce his success. Along with improvements in his bloodwork, he lost 30 pounds and two inches from his waistline.
For the new year, Russ already set new goals: to lose 20 more pounds, increase endurance, and continue to improve his health. Specifically, he is training to increase leg strength. Russ and his wife enjoy hikes through nature where he photographs birds. Muscular legs will take him farther with less effort.
C’mon, You Can Do More!
“Russ shows change can happen at any age. You always can be better. He is living proof of it,” shares Mon on Russ’ continuous progress.
In addition to Mon’s welcome praise and support, Russ credits much of his success to his other workout buddy. “My wife is very supportive. We encourage each other at the Center and beyond.” Russ mentions how they often tease one another during workouts, with nudges to work harder.
Barb Knabb, Putting the Hop Back in Her Hip
Chronic hip pain caused member Barb to give up her running habit 20 years ago. She underwent physical therapy, which included Pilates exercises. Until recently, the pain had resolved. When it returned, Barb knew what needed to be done.
She joined the Center for the pool and Pilates. Long ago, Barb replaced running with swimming to help ease her pain. Among the other advantages, she jokes, “You don’t have to worry about traffic in the pool!” Barb enhanced her therapeutic swimming by taking private Pilates reformer sessions with Instructor Emily.
Focusing on the Individual (Muscles)
“Emily pursues the cause of my pain. She determines which muscles are working well and which are problematic,” Barb shares. Through this detective work, Barb can isolate muscles that need attention and work them specifically. Now, she is ready to take this knowledge and join a Pilates class.
According to Emily, Barb understands the value of awareness. “She concentrates on moving effectively. Barb recognizes how the movements and postures we practice in the studio can transfer to real-life scenarios,” Emily comments.
Barb works hard physically as well as mentally. She concentrates to connect her mind to the movements. Previously, grocery shopping, using the stairs, and simply standing in the kitchen were a challenge. Today, she goes through the motions of daily tasks without ongoing pain.
Barb notes, “Even though we focus on my hips in Pilates, it exercises my entire body. Other, smaller issues have improved as well. Things overall are working better now.”
Your Turn
Consistently invest in your life goals through small, well-directed steps. This commitment leads to greatness.
Take a small step in an outward direction as well. Your single contributions – a friendly smile, a shared kind word, a fist-bump—can benefit our world. You don’t need to be a celebrity, politician, or Nobel Prize winner. Ordinary, everyday you can be a catalyst for the extraordinary in your own life and beyond.
Next month in F&W News: More motivation to inspire your extraordinary life.
