GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

Kelly’s Succes Story

I’ve been extremely overweight since the age of eight. You see, I grew up in the 80s—when processed foods were popular, cheap and more convenient. As years went by, I found myself fighting obesity.

Earlier this year, I weighed in at 332 pounds and found myself unable to be active with my children, who are two and three years old. During trips to the zoo, I’d be so limited. After working all day, I’d often find myself too tired to even play with them after dinner. I couldn’t even get down on the floor to play with them. These limitations made be depressed.

Things started to change in January when my husband and I joined the Y’s Get Fit Challenge. This is how we met Julie (our instructor) and 11 fellow members who were also looking for weight loss support. The Get Fit Challenge combines exercise and group support to make lifestyle changes. I can truly say that this class has changed my life.

As a family, we changed our eating habits completely. We stopped eating fast food and junk food. The first two weeks were challenging. We replaced junk food with healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits and vegetables. Going through sugar withdrawal was probably the hardest for me. We started making our dinners at home every night and planned for leftovers for lunches. The best part of our new plan is just keeping it simple. Just eat real food. Most of the foods I eat are either fresh produce or fresh meat.

After a few weeks into the program, I started to exercise regularly. At first, I really couldn’t do much. Walking on the treadmill was the only thing I had the energy and confidence to do. But by the end of the 12-week Get Fit Challenge, I lost a total of 24 pounds, 33 inches and 1.7% body fat. I even dropped from a pant size 28 to a 22! I felt so encouraged that even though the program was complete, I was not ready to stop. It was time for Phase 2.

At that time, the Y had a sale on personal training , so I decided to sign up. These personal training sessions not only taught me about free weights and form, but they also boosted my comfort level. My fitness level and confidence also continued to grow, and in mid-April, I started a kickboxing class. Although the class was high intensity, I got addicted fast. I also started doing Body Pump and Pound at a local country club. Looking back at where I started fitness-wise, I am truly amazed at my progress.

My second phase officially came to an end in July. I lost an additional 20 pounds, 15 inches and 2.4% body fat. I also went down to a pant size 20.

Many have asked, ‘what’s your secret?’ My answer is a combination of eating real, non-processed food, having support and finding exercise to truly enjoy. If you enjoy the exercise, you’re more likely to stick with it. For the last two and a half months, I’ve done kickboxing three times a week, body pump twice a week and Pound once a week. Some may say this is obsessive, but I say it is dedication. I honestly look forward to my planned exercise every day.

Now it’s time for Phase 3!

Knowing the risk factors for prediabetes, a condition that could lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke, could save your life. Of the 86 million people around the U.S. who are prediabetic, nine out of 10 don’t even know it. All it takes is 30 seconds to find out if you’re at risk.

Six months ago, it became clear to YMCA Member Lynn Pierceall that she was at risk. Her weight, after “boomeranging” for years, had plateaued and become a health issue. Poor eating habits and low levels of physical activity were to blame.

Her family history caused an even bigger concern. Two of Lynn’s siblings had already been diagnosed with diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, having a family history of diabetes places you at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Lynn took action by joining the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which provides those at risk with the skills and support they need to make a lasting lifestyle change.

Within a classroom setting, DPP participants learn tips and have group discussions about healthy eating, increasing physical activity and losing weight. Over the course of a year, their goal is to gradually lose seven percent of their body weight and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week.

Since starting the program in February, Lynn has lowered her Body Mass Index (BMI) considerably. She adopted healthier eating habits by checking labels for unhealthy ingredients and high fat content, eating smaller proportions and tracking meals with MyFitnessPal. She even became an active exerciser. Lynn and her peers would often arrive at meetings early and walk together.

Because of these efforts, Lynn has made significant strides in reducing her risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes. In fact, she is now healthy enough to take what she calls “the trip of a lifetime.” In October, she and her sister will embark on a “Viking River Cruise” across Europe. Starting in Switzerland, they’ll coast up the Rhine River, make pitstops in Germany and France and end in the Netherlands.

Lynn used to worry she wouldn’t have the strength to take part in the cruise’s extracurricular activities, hiking especially. But thanks to the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, she no longer worries. Instead, she eagerly awaits the challenge.

Enhance®Fitness—a free exercise program for seniors—entered Jane Ferguson’s life at the perfect time. Prior to enrolling in the class, Jane battled issues related to arthritis. But thanks to Enhance®Fitness, those problems are no longer a concern! In fact, at age 74, Jane’s health is flourishing! You can read Jane’s story in her own words below:

When I received an email from the Y announcing a new program for seniors called Enhance®Fitness, I was intrigued. The description said it would incorporate aerobics, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises. It seemed as though they had developed a program that fit my needs perfectly.

Before starting the class, I had been experiencing some balance issues that had resulted in me falling several times. The arthritis that had settled in my knees and ankles was making it increasingly difficult to get around. I looked forward to making a change in my routine and developing some strength in my legs to help keep me a little more stable.

The certified instructors for the classes are wonderful. They choose upbeat music, have smiles on their faces and encourage us as we progress. They are interested in each person in the class and strive to make relationships with everyone. They often offer additional tips that we can use outside of class. They even provide tours of the weight room and guidance as to which machines will help us continue building on our progress. Even though we are working, we are all having a lot of fun, too! We support each other and laugh a lot.

As the weeks passed, I noticed several changes. I had more energy, my balance was improving and I was becoming more flexible with increased range of motion. My arms and legs were getting stronger and everyday tasks were becoming easier. I feel truly blessed to have a place like the YMCA to go to have fun and stay active while being supported by a staff that cares, encourages us and motivates us to keep working hard and try new things!