Mary Fortner
I began going to the Wellness Center in January. My motivation to do this was neither because I needed to lose weight, nor was it because I wanted to gain muscle (even though I had plenty of weight to lose and gaining muscle is always nice). I decided to begin going to the gym because I really wanted to boost my energy levels. I was so tired! I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I actually had energy! A friend of mine offered to be my motivator and gym buddy and I happily accepted the offer. The second day we were at the gym together we signed up for Shark Fit. This was the best thing that I have done for myself in a very, very long time! Originally, I had thought that I would go to work out a few times a week, but I ended up in the gym 5 days a week and loved it! I had seen Shark Fit advertised around campus and thought that it was a program that was only for people that were already in pretty good shape. It had always seemed way too intense for someone like me that was really, really out of shape.
I was so incredibly wrong! It was perfect for me! The first day of the program I was given a workout regimen for each day of the week. It was easy to follow and everyone (especially Marla and Cookie) in the Wellness Center were extremely helpful if I had questions. They showed me how to perform each of the exercises and use the machines correctly to reduce the risk of injury. By the end of the Shark Fit program (8 weeks), I had lost 10 pounds, gained 11 pounds of lean body mass and lost 9% body fat! More importantly for me, I had energy! Besides Shark Fit, there are other wonderful programs like free group classes for members, as well as a wonderful lecture series that cover topics like nutrition and hormones. I am thrilled to say that The Wellness Center has become a regular part of my day. I look forward to going and seeing the friendly faces of the staff and spending some time that is just for me. “”
Associate Instructor Science, LIFE SCIENCES, HEALTH&WELLNESS