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New Year, New You By Ferne Hale
Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Was one to lose weight? If you need inspiration, turn to three Lakers whose weight-loss commitments last year made them trimmer, heart healthier, and more fit. Each used a different fitness program, but common to their success was:
1. Each made a conscious decision to lose weight.
2. Each combined some sort of diet with her fitness regimen.
3. Each stayed committed to her goal.
The Curves Approach
Penhook resident Paula Jones, 42, had lost weight on a low-carb diet, limiting bread, pasta, potatoes and sweets. Paula called the approach simply, “No sweets and no junk food.” But her weight loss came to a standstill well short of her goal. With just the diet, she couldn’t seem to lose any more, so she joined Curves at Westlake, where she became fit and lost more weight. She’s managed to keep the weight off for more than two years. Looking toned at 35 pounds below her starting weight, Paula said, “At Curves I got my metabolism rate up, and I feel great. I think it helps me be mentally sharper too.”
The Curves approach combines cardio exercise and strength training using hydraulic resistance rather than weights. A steady stream of music provides a quick pace, urging participants to exercise swiftly and vigorously. Members are encouraged to attend 30-minute workouts at least three times a week.
The Jazzercise Approach
In January of 2005, Lee Anne DeMonbreum, 44, got serious about losing weight and changed her portion control, eating less at each meal. She also got serious about regular workouts at Westlake Jazzercise. In six months, she lost 30 pounds and toned up her body.
“Sometimes I’d feel crummy and tired, not wanting to exercise, but I’d go anyway, and I’d get so energized! It’s as good for your mental health as it is for your physical well-being,” Lee Anne exclaimed. “Jill (Muccino, the primary Jazzercise instructor) is very supportive, providing plenty of positive reinforcement. Jazzercise girls are very welcoming and inclusive to new people. They encourage each other and are real caring friends.”
The Jazzercise warm-up, cardiovascular-building aerobic segment, muscle-toning segment and cool down are all choreographed to music. Simple dance steps and memorable music make exercising fun and interesting. Hand-held weights and leg weights are sometimes used but are optional. The routine lasts about one hour. The YMCA Approach Lois Klimsey, 58, found herself overweight after too many restaurant meals during relocation to Smith Mountain Lake. She adopted a healthier diet and joined the Westlake YMCA. By doing step aerobics, body sculpting, and strength training personally tailored to her, she lost 20 pounds, toned up her body, built up her cardiovascular strength, and improved the bone density of her hips, which had been at risk.
Lois, a breast cancer survivor who years ago recovered from a torn ACL in her knee, said, “I don’t always feel like going to the Y, but I go anyway, and I feel so rejuvenated! The benefits of exercise are so important. I can’t stress that enough. As we age, we must exercise to prevent injury to joints and bones.” She also likes the socialization that the classes provide.
The YMCA offers men and women various fitness classes, including high-impact and low-impact cardiovascular exercises, regular and advanced sculpting using weights and bands, 30-minute abdominal strengthening and toning, Pilates, yoga, and a 40-minute circuit training workout combining cardio, weights and abs. An exercise program is tailored to each individual, so the length of time spent exercising varies.
You’ve learned how three Lakers kept their New Year’s resolutions to shape up. Curves, Jazzercise, and the YMCA, all have participants of varied ages — young people to quite elderly exercisers. Best of all, these three facilities are all at Westlake, right in your backyard. So ... “Just Do It!”
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