Real People, Real Results

I have a dream to play college baseball at a division 1 school, and hopefully one day hit the big leagues. Back in July, I was 208 pounds and overweight. I am a catcher and it was putting a significant amount of pressure and stress on my knees every time I played. My dad kept pushing me to lose weight and I finally agreed to give it a try.  At the beginning of September, I started going to the WellnessCenterevery morning before school to do cardio. My dad also signed me up for twelve personal training sessions with Mrs. Michelle to improve my quickness, agility, speed, and to get me more flexible behind the plate. Mrs. Michelle worked me extremely hard, and I could tell a tremendous difference in just the first month.  I have lost 33 pounds putting me at 175 pounds.  I feel so much better and can tell a big difference with my mobility when catching.  Through this weight loss and conditioning program it has also made me more aware of my eating habits and has caused me to radically change what and how much I eat.  I am very thankful to Mrs. Michelle and her expertise in helping me achieve these goals and better preparing me to reach my lifelong dreams.  –Austin Matson

Well, to be honest my weight and health concerns started when I was 23 years old. After playing high school athletics and a little in college I found myself having major back surgery at the age of 23. As a result of that and having to lay on my back for 8 weeks with no activity and another 6-8 months with very little activity I found myself gaining a lot of unwanted weight. I have tried off and on over the past 15-20 years to lose and control my eating habits but never really stuck to any type of fitness schedule. In late 2009, I had knee surgery and was referred to Upson Regional for rehabilitation. When my therapy concluded, my physical therapist suggested I join theWellnessCenter. I felt then that it was a good time for me to get serious about my weight issues and get a better handle on lots of things related to my health. I joined theWellnessCenterin February 2010 and since then have lost 40 pounds from my highest weight just prior to my surgery in 2009. I am basically at my goal weight, give or take 5 pounds. My fat % is dead on where it should be for my age as well as my BMI. I have lost many inches for which I am extremely excited about. My cholesterol is at the lowest number it has been in 20 years, and it has been since college that I have been at the weight I am now. I am now seeing the results of very hard work and much sacrifice and learning new habits to get where I am now. IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY!  Lots of frustration, tears, and disappointments over the past 12 months but also many victories during that journey that has allowed me to celebrate and which has given me motivation and determination to keep plugging to maintain, firm up, and set the example for the rest of my family.  –Mark Matson

Heart disease runs in my family and I want to prevent it from happening to me!

I’ve been a regular exerciser for a long time.  I used to teach aerobics classes, but when I stopped, the weight started creeping up on me.  When I reached 198 pounds, I no longer wanted to go out in public because of the way I looked and felt about myself and I had lost the motivation to exercise. I lost my father to heart disease when he was the age I am now and that motivated me to get healthy again.  At the WellnessCenter, I do an hour of cardio daily and strength training & stretching a few days a week.  I wanted to get more variety, so I’ve added some of the group exercise classes like step and kickboxing.  I alternate what I do when I come in and that has helped me to get results.  I also changed my eating habits to include more healthy foods and portions.  Making these changes is hard work, but with determination and focus, I have been able to lose 16 pounds over the holidays. 

When I first joined the Wellness Center in March, I weighed 308 pounds and I felt terrible. I didn’t have any energy and felt sluggish. I became determined to lose weight and get in shape, so I joined the Wellness Center. I lost 58 pounds the first 4 months and was named “Member of the Month” which encouraged me to continue. I have now lost a total of 70 pounds and in the last 5 months I’ve dropped from a size 42 to a 34 pants.   Woodie Wilson

I’ve lost 95 pounds and 21% body fat!

Two years ago, my doctor told me that I would probably develop diabetes if I continued with my lifestyle of playing video and computer games and eating a diet high in sugars.  That’s when I joined the Wellness Centerand started making some changes.   It wasn’t easy and the hardest part was getting started.  The helpful staff did a fitness evaluation and developed an exercise program for me using the elliptical, treadmill, bike, and strength machines.  I was consistent with my exercise program but frustrated that I wasn’t seeing results right away.  Then, I made a conscious decision to change my eating habits and that’s when I started seeing results.  I also noticed that I wanted to be outside riding my mountain bike instead of playing video games and I no longer craved the sugars and sodas, but would rather eat healthy foods which helped me feel better.   I’ve changed my lifestyle and I am feeling better about my future. 

–Kevin Whitmore

~~Getting Active~~

Taking Baby Steps – The first few weeks will be both the most difficult and most critical time for
your long term success. The first 30 days are your adjustment period; requiring shedding some of
your old habits and replacing them with newer, healthier ones. This is a challenging but rewarding
process and the first 30 days is the time for maximum determination, clear vision and a strong
support system. Family members, friends and loved ones, along with your Wellness Center Team,
all become important allies in your quest to feel and look your best. Your future long term success
is dependent on creating a foundation built on solid rock.

Regular, FUN physical activity has almost magical qualities on your body and mind. Forget the long
term health benefits for a moment and just focus on the immediate changes that you will see.

Here is what FUN physical activity can do for you:

* Put you in a better mood
* Increase your circulation bringing more oxygen to your brain
* Build self esteem and confidence
* Allows you to socialize
* Reduces stress and revs-up your metabolism