Finding Balance FOR Total Wellness New program yields significant results from any starting point
Finding Balance FOR Total Wellness New program yields significant results from any starting point
Looking for Lasting Success
I am not a fitness fanatic. I never enjoyed running, and I have a terrible sweet tooth and constant urge to snack. Over the years, I have gained weight and lost it— then gained it back— in some of the conventional diet programs. But until this winter, I had never been successful in achieving not just a healthier weight, but also a healthy level of overall fitness and the consistent desire to maintain that balance.
That all changed with a new Weinstein JCC offering. I had heard of High Intensity Interval Training( HIIT training) and wondered if it would be something I could do. I liked the idea of challenging exercises that had a short duration. Anyone, I figured, can do something difficult for just a minute, right? Alternating between segments of cardio, core, and strength exercises sounded appealing because long or repetitive exercises bore me. So when I learned that the Weinstein JCC would offer its own HIIT class, I decided to give it a try.
Right away, I learned that the class involved much more than a unique style of group training; it also focused on“ clean eating” to achieve good nutrition, stress reduction, motivation and realistic and long-lasting changes that participants could make in their daily lives. The first session led to another eight-week session, and by the end of 16 weeks I had changed. I had lost weight and inches, but beyond reaching those fitness goals I had gained even more. Through the focus on physical challenges in class accompanied by achievable and sustainable lifestyle adjustments outside of class, I became stronger and healthier than I had thought possible.
And I wasn ' t alone in achieving these results. The following success stories from two other class members show how we ' re all firmly on the path to balanced wellness.
Changes for New Mom
Just 8 weeks after having her first baby, Allison Krumpe recalls being ready to make positive changes to increase her fitness level, and found that many aspects of this Weinstein JCC program helped her make progress.“ The supportive environment, the excellent physical challenges, and the encouragement from( instructor) Allison and the group really fit the bill,” she states. Allison K. describes the experience as“ pivotal” not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
“ For me, the timing was perfect,” she notes.“ I could not have done it without the class at this point in my life – not as quickly
Allison Krumpe, " before " and " after "
and in such a fun way.” And to her delight, the results went beyond a return to her pre-pregnancy body.“ I actually weigh less now than I did when I got pregnant!”
Allison could have taken a wide variety of exercise classes or returned to running, but she realized that exercise alone wouldn’ t get her to where she wanted to be.“ Without a doubt,” she concludes,“ this was the most comprehensive approach I had ever taken. That’ s why it’ s been such a great experience.”
2 WEINSTEIN JCC MAGAZINE • weinsteinjcc. org