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SJCC PROFILES
Member Profile: Susan Lohnas
Sue Lohnas arrived at the Schenectady JCC, purely
by accident.
Six years later, she credits part of her life-changing
experience to that winter day, when she stumbled through the
front doors.
“It has really changed my life,” said Lohnas, who
turned 60 in July, and is in the best shape of her life. “Because
I never was athletic and now I find out that I really enjoy this.”
The this Sue is referring to, is working out at the Dr.
Edwin & Judy Brown Fitness Center, something she couldn’t
see herself not doing currently.
“I show up here a lot,” Lohnas said.
A resident of Niskayuna, Lohnas had driven past the
JCC every day, on her way to work for General Electric.
What she didn’t know, though, was that the JCC was
the place for her, despite the fact that she is not Jewish.
Lohnas had been exercising by walking on the local
bike path. She had lost 65 pounds and was feeling great. When
the seasons changed and winter arrived, she was looking for a
place indoors, since the bike paths aren’t plowed.
After running into a co-worker, Lohnas was informed
that the JCC was a great place to workout.
She began using the fitness center during her lunch
time and appreciated the low-key, no pressure atmosphere.
“You get to know everybody,” Lohnas said. “It’s very
low-pressure. Everyone is in it together.”
One day, she entered a contest for a free personal
training session. That was when the breakthrough occurred.
After winning the raffle, Lohnas started working with trainer
Bill Laznovsky.
“That’s what really hooked me,” Lohnas said.
Lohnas continues to work out twice a week with
Laznovsky and she has lost 15 additional pounds.
“I’m doing stuff that I never dreamed I would do,”
Lohnas said. “I just turned 60. I’m in the best shape of my life.
Every year it gets better and it’s because I’m a member here
and I come and do the personal training, with Bill.”
Even after her job was relocated to Latham, she continues
to make the gym a priority, especially working with
Laznovsky for the past 4 1/2 years.
Adam Chaskin
Program Director
adamc@schenectadyjcc.org
518-377-8803
Mark Weintraub
Executive Director
markw@schenectadyjcc.org
518-377-8803
“He and I have clicked,” Lohnas said. “He understands
my goals and it’s perfect.”
Lohnas has even began running 5K’s. She’s participated
in a number of them, including winning her age group
at the Malta Business and Professional Association 5K. She’s
also run with G.E., at the Workforce Challenge and also ran
a race in Connecticut, with friends from work. Running was
never something she enjoyed, but she’s found a new appreciation
for it.
“I discovered I love it,” Lohnas said.
Not only that, she’s started participating in Spin class
with trainer Cameron Varano, on Thursdays.
“It’s terrific,” Lohnas said. “I love it. I never liked biking.
I never liked any of that stuff, but it’s actually fun.”
Lohnas knows that all of these great things she has
accomplished were jump-started by becoming a member at
the JCC.
“I never would have done all this,” she said.
Lohnas has written
to Executive Director Mark
Weintraub the past three
years, on her birthday, expressing
her gratitude for the
JCC’s role in changing her
life.
“Every year, I’m doing
better,” she said. “I’m stronger.
I’m faster. I’ve got
more energy. It’s like
‘Wow’. How else would
this had happened
if I hadn’t stumbled
into this place on my
lunch hour? It really
would not have happened
otherwise.”