CHRISTUS Spohn - LiveWell

Pictured from left are Claudia Shelton, trainer Jorge Rodriguez, CPT, ACSM, and Melissa Elliott. Melissa has lost 150 pounds, Claudia 80 pounds, and they've kept the weight off through exercise. Fitness Friend YOU'VE GOT A A little friendly support can help you stay committed to a fitness routine. In fact, research has shown that people who work out with others exercise harder and feel less fatigue. Plus, they often report deepened friendships from sharing quality time together. Colston Family Wellness Center can be invaluable in getting an exercise program off on the right foot. Classes provide variety and structure. As you become friends with your classmates, you can hold each other accountable for showing up for each session. Scheduling regular workouts with a friend is ideal, but let's face it: Some friends are just less committed to being active than you. If you're having trouble finding an exercise buddy, or if you and your friends want expert guidance in your efforts, consider signing up for fitness classes or working with a trainer. SUPPORT FOR THOSE FIRST STEPS If you haven't laced up a pair of workout shoes since high school, a trainer can work with you to develop a plan that's not overwhelming. If you have a medical condition, professional fitness trainers can help you find out which exercise program is appropriate for your health needs. "We all know it helps to start with a partner or buddy when you take up exercising," says Penny Merriman, MSPT, manager of the Colston Family Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg. "Taking classes or working with a trainer lifts that partnership to the next level." "Our trainers can show you how to do exercises correctly, prevent injury and ensure you're meeting your goals," Penny says. "Passionate about their work, they will help you get past that initial point of intimidation and see that exercising can be a joy." A class such as SilverSneakers®, Zumba®, water exercise or others held at the Join the Colston Family Wellness Center by calling 361. 595.9409. summer 2013 Everything's easier with a buddy, and that includes exercise. Positive Influence If you need fresh inspiration to get into shape, let us introduce you to Claudia Shelton. You would never suspect the 36-year-old mother of two was once 80 pounds heavier. Claudia says her husband decided to lose some weight, and that was all the motivation she needed. "If he's going to do it, so am I," Claudia said. Claudia works out every day and teaches classes at the Colston Family Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. The center offers state-of-the-art resistance training with its exclusive Kinesis Wall and an interactive kiosk called a Technogym Wellness Expert that takes the guesswork out of your workout's weights and routines. Claudia admits fitness doesn't happen overnight. She's been making healthy lifestyle changes for the past 10 years. The payoff: She's kept the weight off through two pregnancies. She insists if she could do it, you can do it. "It's not a workout," she says. "It's a fun-out, and I enjoy every minute." 3

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