Leading by exampLe - PRO Sports Club

Having a demanding job that was sedentary, it was easy for Sueto steadily gain weight over 10 years. However, after finding itdifficult to keep up with colleagues on a hike up Tiger Mountain,she decided to return to a healthier lifestyle.What prompted you to invest in your well-being?I experienced the unpleasant phenomenon of realizing that I didn’treally look like the image I imagined when I looked in the mirror.I wanted to reclaim the fitness level I had 10 years ago.What discoveries did you make along the way?I had to learn to swim for a sprint triathlon. When the triathlonwebsite said, “Only athletes are allowed in the transition area,” Ithought, “Then where do I go?” It was a big awakening for me torealize that they were talking about me. I was the athlete! Sincethen, I’ve run a half marathon, learned to play squash, becamea zealous yoga enthusiast, sampled Zumba, and recently addedPilates to my fitness routine.Barbara ParkOn her birthday, Barbara realized that she had a choice abouthow she aged from then on. She could choose to remain obese,sedentary, and unable to comfortably participate in many activitiesor she could choose to become active, healthy, and fit.What motivated you to invest in your health?I’d seen people who joined the 20/20 LifeStyles program changedramatically from having trouble getting around to running milesevery day. I wanted that too, maybe not running miles every day,but the ability and fitness to do so.What adjustments have you had to make as you age?From yoga I learned an important principle: don’t compareyourself to others. Rather, seek to improve from your own personalbaseline. Another adjustment has been acceptance (like agreeing tobe part of this article about aging!)Any advice you’d like to share?Set goals and don’t be afraid to try something new. Make yourhealth a priority since that will positively impact all facets of yourlife.Sue BohnHow did you change?I’d never worked out in a gym before, so I hired a trainer. Shewas great at shaping the program to meet my preferences, myfitness level, and any physical limitations. Plus, it was fun to havesomeone to talk with while working out.Greatest challenges you’ve had to face?Staying motivated in spite of slow weight loss. However, I stuckwith it and have lost 35 pounds. I thought that having to walk somuch would be a challenge but I found a coworker who’s delightedto have a walking partner and neighbors who like to walk afterwork. Also, all I have to say is, “Walk?” to my dog and any furtherchoice is out of my hands.What helps you to stay motivated?I want to keep what I’ve achieved. I’m wearing size 6 now, feel 10-15 years younger, have more energy, and have made new friends.What adjustments have you had to make as you age?I stopped thinking about the shortest route and started thinkingabout adding steps instead. I also think having a young dog is ahuge motivator to staying active and playful.proclub.com 33