Fitness Club Member Testimonials

Marilyn, Baton Rouge:

In 2008, a free skin cancer screening was offered at the Woman's Center for Wellness. I was late signing up for the first session, but found out another would be held again soon. I have never had a screening before and signed up because it was free. The dermatologist found some suspicious spots and advised that I follow up. Because she didn't accept my insurance, she had her nurse call and recommended some dermatologists that did. Basal cell was found, biopsied (malignant) and removed. Thank you so much for offering screening.

Evie, 26, Baton Rouge:

In 2007, I suddenly started losing weight, was unusually thirsty, extremely fatigued and needed a daily nap. I went to the campus clinic where the nurse informed me that my blood sugar was over 600 and advised me to immediately go to the hospital. My world was rocked when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, which represents only 5-10% of the population with diabetes. Four months later, I was also diagnosed with an intolerance to gluten, known as Celiac Disease.

Although I initially began exercising to improve my appearance, exercise became a vital part of my health and wellness. Research indicates that regular physical activity can help control blood sugar and weight while preventing blood flow problems and reducing risk of heart disease and nerve damage, which are often problems for people with diabetes. I also focus on stress management and mental well-being.

Tina, Baton Rouge:

“Come on mom. It’ll be fun,” my daughter coaxed me to join the Fitness Club with her. I knew exercise was key to a healthier life. But fun? I wasn’t convinced. I learned how to exercise. This had never been part of my life and it was uncharted territory. With the encouragement of the Fitness Club staff, each experience and class has given me a new sense of confidence. There’s a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I’m doing what I can to live a healthier life since I’ve lost over 50 pounds. At the club, I see familiar faces and know we are all here for one common goal: to improve our health. My success hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been slow and steady but worth every sweaty afternoon and sore muscle. Anytime I feel tired or a little lazy, I hear my daughter’s words again in my head. “Come on mom! It’ll be fun!”

Donna, Baton Rouge:

I’ve fought a lifetime battle with my weight. I was obsessed with those numbers on the scale. Those three little digits defined me. They made me happy. They made me sad. Those numbers dictated what I could and couldn’t wear. No more. The only numbers I care about now are my heart rate, my blood pressure, how fast I can swim 50 meters and the results of my blood tests. Don’t get me wrong. I still watch my calories and try to eat unprocessed healthy food. I’m addicted to smoothies and keep a food & exercise diary. I do these things for my health, not my weight and it seems to be working.

When being treated for cancer, one of my physicians suggested that I check out the Fitness Club at the Woman’s Center for Wellness. Exercise couldn’t make me feel any worse than I did already. I was given a tour, signed up and arrived for my assessment. I gasped for breath and my heart pumped like crazy to make it 3 laps around the track.

It’s been almost three years and my progress has been slow, but steady. I’ve learned that being healthy is a long term commitment. I’ve had to re-start my exercise plan several times after breaks (radiation, surgeries, etc). Each time I start, I think about the day I took the tour of the facility and the hope and motivation I felt. The nurturing atmosphere still keeps me smiling and exercising.

Betty, Baton Rouge:

As I walked the 50 feet from my house to my mailbox, I knew I was in trouble one day when I gasped and could not catch my breath. Being an asthmatic and smoking up to 3 packs a day for the last 32 years had finally got the best of me. I had to make some changes- and quickly.

I decided to join the Fitness Club because of the comfortable, ladies-only environment. I loved the fact that I felt safe as I exercised and was impressed by the caring members and knowledgeable staff. I joined on February 29, 2008 and began exercising early in the morning after I got off work. As I struggled to do 15 minutes on the elliptical trainer, the other members would encourage me, chanting, “You can do it…keep going... it will get easier…you CAN do this!” each time they made a lap around the track.

Being discouraged with my lack of fitness, I got in my car and asked God to help me quit smoking. I knew I could never achieve my fitness goals if I continued making poor health choices. I quit cold turkey so I chewed a lot of gum that first week to help with the cravings. Now, I find food to be more flavorful and never knew that food could taste this good!

In this short amount of time, my health has greatly improved. I can exercise up to an hour on the elliptical machine and treadmill and lift weights on the alternate days. I am breathing so much better! I have energy to work all night and clean my house afterwards. I sleep better and feel less stressed at my job. I have even gone down one clothing size.

I want to encourage you to stay with it. I want to echo what the other members told me, “You can do it…keep going…it will get easier…you CAN do this!”

Gail, Baton Rouge:

Because I have a very stressful job and a family history of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure I was ready to join the Fitness Club at Woman’s Center for Wellness. Exercise is a key component to prevent my family history catching up with me.

I watched members in the pool and they seemed to be having such fun. I stood at the window looking, (like a little kid) and thinking to myself, “I can do that.” The only problem was I was terrified from an incident when I was very young.

I kept saying to myself, “I want to do this; I am going to learn to swim.” I joined a swimming class and received extra help from my inner strength and the swimming instructors. Every Friday for approximately six weeks I sat in the pool for an hour just getting accustomed to the water. During the next six weeks I just floated. I finally was able to submerge my head completely underwater. This was a major milestone for me because previously I was afraid to put my head under the water.

I later added low impact water classes for three months, and then I progressed to high impact water classes. At that point I was able to stay two hours in the pool each visit! This time commitment and program enabled me to control my blood pressure with little medication, then no medication. I enjoy the water and swimming is now a stress reliever for me.

My health has improved because of my swimming and exercise classes, with the added benefit of life-long friends.

Janice, Baton Rouge:

After a heart attack and going through three months of cardio rehab at a hospital, I needed to continue my exercise regime. I especially like that the Fitness Club at the Woman’s Center for Wellness is a part of a woman’s health care organization and not just a place to workout.

The assessment I had upon joining was very thorough and informative and helped me set specific and measurable goals. My primary goal was to increase my stamina after the heart attack.

When I started rehab I was on the treadmill five minutes, the bike another five minutes and a third machine for five minutes. At the time I joined the club, I could not vacuum one room in my home without stopping to rest.

Now my time on cardio equipment averages 50 minutes four or five times a week. Along with working on weight machines, I do exercises for my waistline, which take another 20 minutes a day. My total workout varies between 90 minutes to two hours.

As you can see, my stamina has greatly increased. In addition, I enjoy attending some of the Fit ‘n Fab Over Fifty classes. The instructor makes the class as enjoyable as possible and there are a lot of nice people to visit with and get acquainted in every class.

I urge you to make exercise a priority in your life - not only will you feel better, you will have a sense of accomplishment and pride in what you have done.

Ann, Baton Rouge:

After learning that I had high blood pressure mostly due to lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, and being overweight, I decided it was time to take control of my health once and for all. I joined the Fitness Club.

The assessment helped me understand where I was doing well and where I needed improvement. My first priority was to lower my blood pressure. My other goals included learning about good nutrition, increasing my stamina, building muscle and losing fat.

My plan includes classes three days a week and working out in the gym. I tried different classes including a Pilates class twice a week which increased my strength and flexibility.

After losing more than 50 pounds and gaining muscle, strength and flexibility, I actually feel and look better than I did 10 years ago! I have more energy to perform my job and meet all the other demands of everyday living. Oh…..and the best part is that my doctor has given me the “ok” to stop taking blood pressure medicine. As we all become more “chronologically enhanced,” we face many challenges. My challenge to you is to step out of your comfort zone and do something you think is impossible. You just might surprise yourself!