Each Month, we feature a staff person and YMCA Member who make a difference to the people around them or have accomplished something outstanding.  This month, we feature a great "success story from our Personal Fitness Program

 

        Shirley joined the Stevens Point Area YMCA on April 4, 2004 after her doctor told her that if she did not start exercising and lose weight, she was on the path to getting Type II Diabetes. 

While signing up for a YMCA membership, she also signed up for the free Personal Fitness Program.  The Personal Fitness Program was full for the following two weeks, so Shirley received a fitness orientation so she could begin exercising right away.  Once in the Personal Fitness Program her coach graduated her early because she was so far ahead of the program.

Since beginning at the YMCA and the Personal Fitness Program, Shirley has gone off her high blood pressure medication for a year, no longer feels knee pain, and has lost an amazing 75 pounds!  She comes to exercise 6 days per week with a huge smile on her face and a very contagious positive attitude.  When asked how she is doing she will always tell you, “Fantastic!”

On May 24^th, Shirley and her husband Gary celebrated their 25^th wedding anniversary.  They threw a party in which friends and relatives exclaimed, “You look great!  How did you do it?”  Shirley proudly tells them that she joined the YMCA and it was the best decision that she has ever made; she just wished she had done it sooner.

If you would like to meet Shirley and find out her secret to making exercise a life long habit, you can find her on one of her favorite machine, Stairmaster #3 or the Nordic Track Treadmill.   She is the one working hard but still has a smile on her face!

 

            Darren started working at the Stevens Point Area YMCA in January as a Fitness Center Attendant.  Only three months after beginning at the YMCA Darren was promoted to Fitness Coach in the Personal Fitness Center because of his understanding of exercise protocols as well as having the desire to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. 

            Darren enjoys working at the YMCA because of the diversity of people there are to work with.  “Some of the people who come in here have never exercised before, but they are so motivated to make a change.  They are fun to work with and almost seem like family after a while.”

Darren has helped several people in the Personal Fitness Center.  He has helped his clients by using what he has learned as an Athletic Training major at UW-Stevens Point.  Darren researches answers to questions he gets from his clients if he doesn’t know the answer.  He has even asked his college professors for advice when he doesn’t know the answer to a question.  

            Darren has worked with the volleyball, basketball, track, and hockey teams at the university.  He is a certified personal trainer through NETA.  In the future he hopes to one day own his own business working with younger athletes to use strength training for injury prevention.   

            If you are interested in working with Darren or any of our other Fitness Coaches in the Personal Fitness Center, sign up today at the front desk.