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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Here is more motivation to inspire your extraordinary life …
Part 2 of a 2-part Series
Life can be exciting at any stage. Throughout, we are presented with big events as well as small but significant moments. Although approached differently, both can have an extraordinary impact on who we are and how we live. Recognize the value of your actions, notice the consequences, and allow it to encourage greatness.
Carlee Mooney, Committed to a New Life
A wedding is the outcome of much preparation. For member Carlee, that included losing 83 pounds. What began as a New Year resolution turned into a quest for a healthier wedding day for Carlee and her new husband, Daniel.
Fitness Begets Fitness
Carlee’s mom, Linda Glatstian, was already a Center member who managed her own impressive weight loss of 65 pounds. She encouraged Carlee to join the Center, where they now share sessions with Trainer Adam. After witnessing Carlee’s success, Daniel became a believer of this new lifestyle. He was motivated to become a member and succeeded with a 125-pound weight loss. Together, they shed 273 pounds!
“Training with Adam taught me how to exercise,” relates Carlee. “He also made it fun, which helped me stay committed.” Carlee and her mom train with Adam once a week. The other days, she works out on the Fitness Floor with her husband. She acknowledges sharing this lifestyle with him makes it easier.
“Daniel and I are totally different people now that we lost the weight,” Carlee says of their behavior. The newlyweds are always looking for opportunities to exercise. They love to cook. They taught themselves how to create their favorite dishes using healthier ingredients. “We used to crave foods like pizza. Now, we look forward to sautéed cauliflower,” she says with a chuckle.
(Linda with Carlee & Daniel)
Carlee’s new goal is to lose 20 pounds before their Caribbean cruise honeymoon at the end of January. Impressively, they already planned their workouts aboard the ship’s gym to keep momentum while away from the Center.
For those striving to lose weight, Carlee advises, “Don’t focus on your goal weight. Once you reach it, you will feel you can quit. Instead, think of this as a new lifestyle, one which you continuously evolve to remain committed.” Sort of like a successful marriage.
Congratulations, Carlee and Daniel!
Rigoberto Corujo & Sophia Lee, Applause-worthy Partners
It was summer of 2018 when these two members danced into each other’s lives. Sophia was observing a Ballroom class when Instructor Joelle encouraged her to join them. Rigoberto was a student in the class. He and Sophia partnered for that class and every one since.
Rigoberto, the Software Engineer
A sporadic ballroom dancer for the past 12 years, Rigoberto joined the Center two years ago. He loved the Center’s extensive offerings, which were not available at strictly dance studios. His membership reinforced his dedication to dance. Now, he consistently takes multiple dance classes at various Center locations (as well as other classes and soaks in the spa pool).
Aside from the exercise element, dance allows this software engineer time away from his home office to socialize, reduce stress, and perfect his dancing.
Sophia, the Accountant
At age 43 years old, Sophia proves it is never too late to try something new. “The dancers and Joelle welcomed me with open arms,” says Sophia who previously never danced. After only 1.5 years of Center dance classes, she and partner Rigoberto have become star pupils.
Sophia first joined the Ballroom class for the exercise. She admits it quickly became more. “I try to go to all the dance classes offered. It’s fun and a great workout, especially Latin dancing, which really elevates your heart rate,” informs Sophia.
She confidently advises, “Don’t underestimate yourself. You never know what you can do. I never know what I can do!”
It’s Not Over When It’s Over
Both dancers are thriving as a result of hard work and the Center’s sense of family. The dancers often meet outside of class times where they join community dance events and enjoy dance social scenes. On occasion, Joelle joins the outings. Often, she volunteers her time to choreograph dances for Rigoberto and Sophia to perform on these excursions.
The pair has performed at multiple Center-related events, including dance-offs, the annual ballroom showcase, and an anniversary show at the hospital. “The Center instructors are making professionals out of us,” Rigoberto jokes.
Sophia and Rigoberto have formed a dance partnership. They take Ballroom and other varieties of dance classes, and travel to multiple Centers.
“These two attend every partner dance class. They encourage and support each other and their classmates. They are the heart and soul of the Center’s dance family,” shares Joelle.
Rigoberto proudly attests, “At the end of the day, we can say, ‘Look what we did!’”
Enjoy for yourself what they did at a recent performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpEPyYVuE8I&feature=youtu.be
Laurie Austin, Living the Circle of Life
At 34 years old, Laurie’s life changed forever. She learned she had a rare autoimmune liver disease. Her four-year-old daughter, Alice, was raised by this brave yet sick woman. By age 54, Laurie lost a tremendous amount of weight. She was in end-stage liver disease. Alice just graduated from college and was a perfect match to be her mother’s living liver donor.
As a mother, Laurie was against anything that could potentially harm her daughter’s health. Alice reminded her of the harm losing her mother would cause. After much convincing, Laurie allowed Alice to return the gift of life. “You gave me life, now I’m giving life to you,” Alice sweetly persuaded her.
Seven years later, Laurie still struggled to overcome her near fatal illness. A very large incision weakened her entire core, which limited her ability to do basic functions like rise from a chair. She worked with an on-site physical therapist at the Center who later helped her advance to workouts on the Center’s Fitness Floor.
Laurie’s therapist shared prescription and background details with Trainer Michelle. Michelle created a fitness program specific to Laurie’s needs and requirements.
Feeling Amazingly Better
At the end of her training sessions, Laurie often cannot believe all she has accomplished. She loves feeling herself grow stronger. She even lost 20 pounds, despite taking extensive medications and transitioning through menopause.
Circuit and strength training have been essential to Laurie’s success. She also gives her trainer extensive credit.
“Michelle believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes. She motivates me to go farther—and not be so hard on myself,” notes Laurie on how she manages to show up on bad days.
Laurie loves the adrenaline rush every time she finishes her training sessions. Even more, she loves the increased stamina and reduced chronic pain. Her physician confirms her progress. “My doctor said these training packages are the best money I could ever spend,” Laurie attests.
Daughter Alice lives a healthy, happy life in California now. She is an avid hiker, recently made proud when her mom was able to join her on a hike. And, when Alice returns to Pennsylvania, mother and daughter exercise at the Center together.
