Strides Toward Progress

The new Your Body, Your Life program has finished its first month with a slew of success stories from the first participants. In a matter of a couple weeks, the group lost more than 50 pounds, utilizing total-wellness techniques offered by the team who created the program.

In a circular pattern of success, more energy prompts more motivation, and the group has lost the weight and gained new tools on their way to a healthier lifestyle.

            Program creator and Wellness Coordinator, Jason Kennedy saw the importance in a program that would be about permanent results rather than a series of plateaus. “To achieve real and lasting success, it requires a team of people all working together to really help make the meaningful and lasting changes in a person’s life,” he said.

             “There are so many factors in play regarding becoming healthy that I realized that we needed a program here at the Club that could really make a significant difference in peoples everyday lives,” said Jason.

            Because every individual has a different body type and lifestyle, YBYL tailors its wellness plan to each participant. “Our program is successful because we adapt to the needs of our clients,” he said.

            But the battle of weight loss encompasses so much more than bodily changes. “I think what makes me the happiest is knowing that we are making significant changes in people’s lives and that they will be healthier, happier and have more energy for years to come as a result of our program.  We are improving the health of our members—one person at a time.”

Club Dietitian, Cindy Farricker’s Take  

When Jason told me about the concept of having a comprehensive weight-loss program at the Club, I was thrilled. Having nutritional counseling, stress-reducing massage and cardiovascular training rolled up together in a weight loss program is, in my opinion, the perfect approach.

Participants in the first group going through YBYL range from young professionals to seniors with a fairly even mix of men and women.  Everyone has been successful, and it is rewarding to see folks achieving diet and exercise goals that eluded them in the past. 

Having a wellness focus is key in YBYL. As a dietitian, I am able to help people make changes in their diet that improves their overall health and well being.  Comments many participants have made is how much better they feel. They have more energy on fewer calories and find that they are not as hungry. They’re feeling the benefits of good nutrition.

Since I provide new food ideas each week, many people have ventured outside their comfort zone only to happily find that they love the new choices. Families are eating the same food, which is a first for many who have tried various diet programs in the past. By helping people gradually adapt their typical foods into the overall meal plan, they see that this is something they can stick to for life.

Cardio Coach, Annelise Digiacomo’s Take

Working as a Cardio Coach has been very gratifying. Many going through the YBYL program have shared with me that this portion of the program is different from anything they have done before. Yes, they’ve done cardio training, but they haven’t really known if the work they are doing is providing the benefits they are seeking. A Cardio Coach provides guidance through the workouts, education on cardiovascular fitness and information about how the training zones work for them at different intensities. 

            It’s been exciting seeing the changes in thought perception about cardio just over a few weeks, teaching each participant how to utilize their time efficiently, working out in their individual training zones—set using results from their Active Metabolic Assessment. 

I have already seen many changes, with their starting heart rates lowering, which indicate a stronger and healthier heart. Recovery heart rates are dropping quicker, showing improved fitness levels as well as being able to increase the intensities at which each is working out. 

            The great thing about the YBYL program is that it is tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals—while some might be looking to lower their blood pressure, improve blood glucose and cholesterol or lose weight, others seek information on how to more effectively work out. 

We really are seeing a variety of members come through, and to 
know that you play just a small part in helping them make new lifestyle changes is very rewarding.