Member Spotlight | A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Member Spotlight | A Life-Changing Diagnosis

by | Nov 20, 2017 | All, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

Julie W., of Phoenix, AZ, shared that in her “former” life she was a juvenile detention officer, PE teacher, and trainer/fitness instructor. Self-described as “being stronger than the average ‘joe’-sephine”, an aggressive Breast Cancer diagnosis threw this typically tough power woman into a spiral of depression and despair. Julie’s diagnosis couldn’t have come at a worse time, as she was already struggling with the recent loss of her two sisters, and now she was struggling for her own life.

Thankfully, the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation worked. Unfortunately, it also resulted in a blood clot in Julie’s jugular, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Neuropathy. Separately, Julie was also struggling with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), arthritic joints, and anxiety and depression. Still, Julie was determined to not give up. In her words, “death is an obvious eventuality, but healthily growing older is a better prognosis.”

Before Julie’s diagnosis she was a heavy lifter who spent most of her spare time in the gym, staying active. Since then she has turned into a different type of gym-goer, knowing that movement and exercise are now mandatory for healthy living, and not just a fun pastime. Julie was almost forced into changing her fitness routine once she started undergoing treatments. While she was no longer able to focus on heavy weights, she turned her attention to enhanced cardio and increasing her flexibility.

LA Fitness group fitness classes became the perfect fit for what Julie needed. She shared that the classes offered her “cardio-vascular improvement, coordination and control, brain and muscle memory, musicality and performance artistry, emotional outlet, camaraderie and so much more.” She enjoys classes like Body Works classes and Yoga, but one class stood apart from the rest – Zumba®. Julie shared that Zumba® is one of the primary reasons why she’s made LA Fitness her second home.

In fact, Julie enjoys the classes so much that she travels to various LA Fitness clubs within the Phoenix area to follow some of her favorite instructors! She’s even enjoyed participating in LA Fitness Zumba® classes while on vacation in other states! Julie shared that trainers like Justin, Natalie, Briana and Treena, should be applauded for their personable demeanors, motivating attitudes and caring mindsets. Each of the Zumba® instructors she admires has their own unique flavor and talent that they bring to their classes.

“Come dance with me, what do you have to lose besides the weight?”

Justin R.

Group Fitness Instructor , LA Fitness

“Zumba® allows me to bring a little bit of joy into someone’s life, one dance step, one song, one class at a time.”

Treena B.

Group Fitness Instructor , LA Fitness

“Don’t work out to escape your life, work out to embrace your life.”

Brianna B.

Group Fitness Instructor , LA Fitness

“Music is the heartbeat to the soul.”

Natalie Q.

Group Fitness Instructor , LA Fitness

Julie found strength and fun in Zumba® group fitness classes. She found friends in some of the talented Zumba® instructors she’s met along the way, and she encourages everyone to try out a class near them. If Zumba® isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other group fitness options to keep you active and feeling motivated. It’s a great way to keep in shape, have fun, and be encouraged from group fitness instructors. Find a class near you by clicking here!

 

Group fitness class schedules and offerings vary by location.

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It’s LA Fitness’ 33rd Anniversary!

It’s LA Fitness’ 33rd Anniversary!

by | Nov 8, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, News

As LA Fitness celebrates its 33rd anniversary, we are sharing our top 33 articles for your enjoyment! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below, we would love to hear from you!

Below are some of our favorite fitness articles, which range from top sport and fitness trends from around the world, to an interactive LA Fitness quiz, and even the first episode of our recently launched Ask A Trainer series! Check out the posts below for some helpful fitness tips and advice to keep your fitness game strong and your knowledge of fitness even stronger.

Fitness –

  1. How Well Do You Know Your LA Fitness?
  2. Top Sports & Odd Fitness Trends from Around the World
  3. 11 Ways to Make Working Out More Fun
  4. Health Tip: Rest Days Are Crucial
  5. Is Stress Negatively Affecting Your Weight?
  6. Is Running Negatively Affecting Your Knees?
  7. Are You Weight Training? Here’s Why You Should Be!
  8. ASK A TRAINER: Ep. 5 – What’s the Best Way for Toning the Tummy Area?

Who doesn’t love food? It’s tasty, it’s necessary, and we need it to sustain healthy lives. However, most of us lack a deeper understanding of how food actually affects our body. Our registered dietitian, along with a staff of knowledgeable writers, work on providing nutrition articles to help bridge the gap between food fact and fiction. Check out some of our top nutrition articles below, and if you’re still left with nutrition questions of your own, don’t hesitate to ask your own here!

Nutrition –

  1. Carbs: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
  2. Treat Yourself – Healthy Indulgences
  3. Tips to Help Quit Unhealthy Snacking Habits
  4. How to Eat Healthy When Dining Out
  5. Natural Energy Foods to Help Replace Caffeine
  6. Should I Be Eating Breakfast in the Morning?
  7. Soups For Every Season
  8. Food Options to Drop Weight & Tone | Q+A

Health and wellness directly correlate with fitness and nutrition, so what can you do to help promote a healthy body? Check out our wellness articles below for helpful tips on keeping your body at its best, both inside and out.

Health & Wellness –

  1. Living Healthy – Tips to Manage Stress from Dr. Daneshmand, M.D.
  2. Namaste Healthy
  3. The Happiness Factor: How Happiness Affects Health
  4. Augie: A Film by James Keach | LA Fitness Recap
  5. This is Your Body on an Alcohol Binge
  6. The Benefits of Living an Active Lifestyle
  7. What Is World Health Day?
  8. What Exactly Is Diabetes?

We all have our days where it seems like heading to the gym and eating healthy seems harder than others. Use the inspirational member spotlight stories below to help keep you feeling motivated to hit your fitness goals – we believe in you!

Member Stories –

  1. Member Spotlight | Age Is Just A Number
  2. Member Spotlight | Face Your Fears
  3. Member Spotlight | Never Give Up
  4. Member Spotlight | When Life Throws a Curveball
  5. Member Spotlight | A Will to Live Longer
  6. Member Spotlight | Hoops and Heart
  7. Member Spotlight | The Man Who Learned to Stand Again
  8. Member Spotlight | Do What You Love
  9. Member Spotlight | Mini and Mighty

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Member Spotlight | Finding Your Inner Superhero

Member Spotlight | Finding Your Inner Superhero

by | Nov 6, 2017 | All, Fitness, Home, Member Stories

My story begins a year before I actually joined LA Fitness. In 2016, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. After consulting at length with my doctor about how I could have contracted diabetes, we settled on two things: I was probably already pre-diabetic, and most importantly, the stress of my mother’s death probably led me there.

In February of 2016, my mother’s doctors informed her and our family that she had only 6 weeks to live and subsequently set us up with a home hospice care provider. As time progressed, she deteriorated and so as predicted, she passed in her sleep at home on April 11th 2017. In large part, it was due to a bad heart but she had diabetes as well.

It took a while to process all of that and then a couple of months later I found out about my own diabetes. Working with my doctor, I started a regimen of prescription medication to get my diabetes under control. I went to special classes that talked about diabetes and special diets. One thing that was stressed in the classes was that losing weight would aid in my treatment. I tried doing things at home for several months but I wasn’t all that successful. I finally broke down and decided to visit my local LA Fitness in La Habra, CA.

I meet with one of their representatives, and we settled on a membership with the addition of a trainer as well. There must have been an angel looking out for me when I got assigned my trainer. Her name is Brianna H., or Bree as she likes to be called. I cannot tell you have happy I am to have Bree as my trainer. She is a huge reason that since I have started I have lost 10 lbs. as well as 3 inches from my waist. I have also gained muscle mass and have become toned – I love to flex my biceps now!

Bree is completely invested in my success. She’s my drill sergeant and cheerleader combined. She has me working hard and I like that because I know she wants me to succeed. I will work out at times by myself as well and I can see the difference. I’m just not as determined without her constant encouragement urging me on. She corrects my posture and reinforces my positive outlook and is always checking in to make I can handle the weight. She knows that I am sixty years old and that I hadn’t worked out literally for decades, so while she pushes me onward she’s also sensitive to where I’m at as I progress in my workouts. I consider her to be not just my personal trainer but also more like my personal superhero.

Through her strong suggestions, I have even begun to change my eating habits. I’ve added salads to my diet and I try to manage portion controls better. I still need to get better but with Bree’s input I hope to make more strides and improvements in my overall health. I will forever be grateful to Bree and LA Fitness for the help that I have received and will continue to receive as time goes on. If I were to offer anyone advice, I would say that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and it’s okay to ask for help. Get a trainer and trust that they really want to help you succeed. It’s hard at times but anything that’s worth it is. I know that I’m worth the effort that I put into my workouts and I know that my Mom is smiling down on me on my journey.

Disclaimer: Some slight adjustments have been made to the member’s story for grammatical reasons, length, and/or clarity.

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What Exactly Is Diabetes?

What Exactly Is Diabetes?

by | Nov 1, 2017 | All, Fitness, Home, Wellness

November 1st marks the start of American Diabetes Month, which draws nationwide attention to a disease that affects far too many. According to the Centers for Disease Control (the CDC), “more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes.”1 What may even be more alarming is the fact that “one in four people with diabetes [doesn’t even] know he or she has it.” 2 This opens the door to many questions: Why is this? What is diabetes? What can we do to help prevent it?

Diabetes: A Deeper Look

If you feel like diabetes isn’t a health issue you have to worry about, you may be incorrect. More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults are considered prediabetic.3 That equates to roughly 86 million American adults. When you consider the fact that 29 million have already been diagnosed, and 86 million are on the borderline, that’s about 115 million Americans that are struggling with blood sugar levels. However, the diabetes epidemic isn’t just confined to the U.S. About 11 million Canadians are living with the disease or are considered pre-diabetic.4

 

The American Diabetes Association shares some common diabetes symptoms5:

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

 

If you notice yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, or you have an increased risk of diabetes due to family history, consult your doctor or local physician. It never hurts to be proactive and get tested. In fact, the earlier you recognize the signs, the sooner you can begin making healthy changes, which may help save your life.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, typically affects children and young adults and continues into adulthood. This type of diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin, and insulin is necessary to help get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Insulin therapy can help with this.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. This is also known as hyperglycemia. This is the most common form of diabetes. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the body struggles with insulin resistance. While the pancreas attempts to make extra insulin to make up for it, over time it is unable to keep up, and the body’s insulin levels can’t keep the blood glucose at normal levels.

It’s Not Too Late

The good news is diabetes is not the end all – though that’s not to say it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Diabetes can be managed through a healthy change in diet, physical activity, and the use of medications that help regulate and lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic or were recently diagnosed with diabetes and want more information after consulting with your physician, check out the extremely helpful Food & Fitness tips shared by the American Diabetes Association. You may also want to look into investing into a CGM (continuous glucose monitor), FDA approved, which tracks your blood sugar levels both day and night. Readings are collected every 5 to 15 minutes and the device helps you stay up-to-date on your blood sugar levels. The data collected can better help its users manage their condition. Some monitors still require a finger stick to help the monitor stay accurate. The best way to find what’s right for you is to consult your doctor or physician.

How Physical Activity Helps

Exercise of any form helps reduce your risk for diabetes, and can help reduce symptoms in those who already have it. That’s right, exercise of any form! The key is movement. Keep your body moving. Staying active helps burn calories and keeps the body feeling good. No, you don’t have to run a marathon, or climb to the top of Mount Hood in Oregon (but hey, those could be future goals) — start with little exercises you enjoy. Do you not really enjoy the thought of exercising? Well, did you know that taking the dog for a walk counts? Walking through the mall counts, pushing your child on the swing counts, and even household chores like painting a room, or raking the leaves counts!

If you feel like stepping up your physical fitness game, try an aerobics class.* LA Fitness offers plenty of Group Fitness classes, all varying in exercises types, some of which cover cardio, while others work on strength training – some even cover both! Find a class that fits you and your personality here. A quick reminder you may find helpful is this: You’re not in this alone. Have friends and family join you at the gym. Establish a network that is going to help positively influence your life. Fitness starts with you, but can spread like wildfire among those you associate with.

You can take steps to take control of your health. Never forget that.

Feel like committing today to a new and healthy life? Share it with our community, here! Who knows, you could be the next LA Fitness Member Spotlight success story. We believe in you, now are you ready to believe in yourself?

*Class offerings vary by facility.

 

Sources:

  1. “Diabetes Latest.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 June 2014, www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesfactsheet/.
  2. Ibid
  3. Ibid
  4. “About Diabetes.” Canadian Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes.
  5. “Diabetes Symptoms.” American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/?loc=db-slabnav.

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Member Spotlight | The Story of a 2x USA Indoor Volleyball Champion

Member Spotlight | The Story of a 2x USA Indoor Volleyball Champion

by | Oct 23, 2017 | All, Home, Member Stories

Imagine – you step onto an Olympic court. Your eyes scan the stadium. Your heart pounds through your shirt. The roar of the crowd echoes through your body; it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for.

For Don S., a two-time USA Indoor Volleyball Olympian, this was his reality. Having grown up in Albania, Don and his family never dreamed of being in the U.S. He described his childhood as oppressed and closed off, but after the fall of communism in their home country, Don and his family moved to the U.S (an idea spawned by his grandmother’s request). He recalls speaking very poor English, and working many tough jobs as a young kid in Boston, but his hard work eventually paid off. Don was admitted to USC on a full-ride scholarship thanks to making the university’s volleyball team. He shared how much of a blessing it was to him, since his family had only $1,000 in savings. It was a dream come true; Don was a four-year starter for a nationally-ranked team and quickly became one of the top volleyball players in USC history.

Little did he know even greater opportunities awaited him…

Don was pronounced a two-time All-American athlete and awarded the NCAA Player of the Year award his senior of college. His incredible talent, passion and drive helped catapult him to Olympic glory. Don was at an all-time high.

The Change

In 2014, Don retired from the Olympic team due to knee injuries. Playing the sport for over 20 years had taken its toll on his body. He was tired of the grueling workouts, endless travel and the pressure of winning/losing. He needed a break. In the year following Don’s retirement, he stopped working out and going to the gym. He began noticing that he became increasingly tired, both mentally and physically. He gained more than 20 lbs., became slower, less toned, and no longer had that competitive edge. Then the unthinkable happened. Don woke up one morning and noticed he could not walk straight. His left leg and arm started to get numb, and so did his face. Scared, he jumped into the car and drove to the hospital where the diagnosis revealed that he had suffered a minor stroke.

He was shocked. He felt angry, because he knew he had let himself go. Don admitted that is was a rough wake-up call.  The doctor told Don that he needed to eat healthier and exercise more, which came as another shock because that was Don’s routine was for most of his life. However, the year of inactivity had taken its toll and increased his cholesterol, while lowering his athletic drive. Don chalks up the change in his lifestyle to multiple factors: transitioning into the business world, wanting to relax more, and no longer exercising. Don found that a lot of the networking events he was attending typically offered food and drink, which contributed to his weight gain.

The Realization

Laying in his hospital bed, Don realized that he had a lot to lose – three sons who looked up to him, a wife who was a volleyball athlete herself, and a life he had worked so hard to build. It was in that moment that Don made a promise to himself to get back to being healthy, fit, and ready to play sports with his boys again. In September 2016, Don joined LA Fitness. He knew it was an affordable option for prevention of further health issues, and he enjoyed the friendly staff and members he’d interacted with. Since joining LA Fitness, Don has lost 20 lbs., feels much better, and is back to playing volleyball on the weekends again.

Don hopes to be fit, stay strong, and maintain his weight. He goes to the gym as often as he can and alternates between cardio and weight routines. He also enjoys swimming in the club’s pool! When Don was asked what advice he would give to those who find themselves struggling through obstacles of their own, he shared, “Be active every day, no excuses. If you can’t go to the gym, do pushups, wall sits, walk. [There are] many ways to keep fit. [When] going to the gym […] gets tough, just go and do [an] exercise that you love, even [if it’s] for 30 minutes.”

Find Your Motivation

Don found his motivation due to a scary wake-up call, but it doesn’t have to get to this point to make a change. What motivates you? Share with us below and stay committed to building a better, healthier, and happier life for yourself. Everyone has the same opportunity to make a change. Embrace your inner warrior and conquer your goals one day at a time. LA Fitness and the Living Healthy community believe in you, so are you ready to believe in yourself?

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