The Works 10-for-$10 Donates $5330 to End 68 Hours of Hunger is a Success!

End 68 Hours of Hunger Receives Donation from The Works

Pictured are Cathy Brown, Somersworth Program Coordinator, Doug Eason, Member Services Manager and Claire Bloom, Executive Director of End 68 Hours of Hunger 

The Works Family Health & Fitness Center, the seacoast’s leading family-oriented health club, partnered with Somersworth End 68 Hours of Hunger to help raise money to support the organization’s effort to fight childhood hunger and food insecurity. Through the month of December, The Works sold gift certificates for guest visits to the club, and they sold out very quickly, raising $5330.

End 68 Hours of Hunger was established in New Hampshire in 2011 as a private, not-for-profit program that focuses on putting nourishing food in the hands of local children to carry them through the weekend. The name of the program refers to the approximately 68 hours of hunger that some school children experience between the free lunch they receive in school on Friday and the free breakfast they receive on Monday.

Volunteers purchase the food, pack the bags and deliver them to the offices of local schools. From there a school employee delivers the bag to the participating child. The students take the food home to eat on the weekend, and the cycle starts again, every week. Each bag of food costs $10 per week per child, and provides two breakfasts, two lunches and three diners with some left over to share.

“The Works found a way to encourage people to be healtier, have fun and to help our community,” said Claire Bloom, Executive Director of the program. “Their donation ensures that our own Somersworth children will continue to have food on the weekends, and be more successful in school.” Cathy Brown, the Somersworth Program Coordinator, said: “With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we are feeding more than 100 children here in Somersworth each weekend, and financial support like this allows me to focus on the job of feeding children.”

Doug Eason from The Works was very pleased with the success of the event, and has even higher hopes for next year. “It was a really great event! The staff had a great time supporting End 68 Hours of Hunger, and most importantly, money was raised for an excellent cause. We are looking forward to making this an even bigger and better event next year.”

End 68 Hours of Hunger can be found on the web at end68hoursofhunger.org, and The Works can be found at TheWorksHealthClub.com. 

Cyndi: This Last Week and a Little Spoiler Alert!

Week 12

This is the last week and I am carb depleting. All of a sudden, everything I was eating during the challenge is now suddenly bad. It took away my oatmealL. While this is very doable for a short period of time, I can’t imagine doing this for a long period of time. I don’t usually eat a lot of meat. I had just gotten used to the chicken, turkey, and fish. But…it’s just for a week and totally worth it.

I was told that I would feel weaker and a little drained. At first I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right because I didn’t really feel too tired. Then I tried to lift what I usually lift and that didn’t work so well. I ended up having to cut my weight down and my reps. Ironically I felt good about it because it meant that it was working.

My final reading was really good too. That always keeps me motivated. I lost a total of 17 lbs. of fat and gained some 7 to 8lbs of muscle. My body fat index dropped 8%. Not only did I reach my goal, I exceeded it. I’m ecstatic.

I hope everyone gets the opportunity to come out and see what everyone in the competition has accomplished. Maybe you’ll decide to do the next one. If you see me around and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to approach me. 

Spoiler alert – I’m going to say DO IT!

Cyndi: The Road to Body-in-the-Works

Week 9

One of my favorite fall comfort foods is mashed potatoes. I could do red potatoes on my cheat day, but I figured it would be a good time to try mashed cauliflower. It takes less time than potatoes and requires no peeling. The recipe I wanted to try called for almond milk and mozzarella. I was out of almond milk so I used a suggestion from another recipe, which called for Greek yogurt. Not a great idea. The flavor of the Greek yogurt was not what I expected. Now that I think about it I am not sure I like the idea of the almond milk either. It’s a work in progress I guess….

I am still struggling with cardio, but am keeping up with the weights. Some workouts last longer than others. My back work outs seem to be over faster while arms, chest, and biceps take the longest. The introduction of negatives has also had some effects. My abs hurt for days after the pull ups with negatives. No joke – I sneezed and cringed. Guess that’s why they say, “No Pain No Gain”.

Week 10

This past week and a half has been extremely stressful. I was the maid of honor for my friend’s wedding, which has left no time for work outs. On top of that, I am also in the final stretch of a class for my masters and then there’s still chores so my house doesn’t fall apart. 

The wedding came first this week and even though I didn’t make it to the gym, I got a little lifting in with the 30 pumpkins we hauled, moving stuff from car to car, decorating, and general running around. I danced at the wedding and kept my diet up for the most part. I probably could have paid more attention to my macros, but I feel like I did a fairly decent job. My only regret is not making it to the gym, but I had a blast and looked pretty good too. ;-)

I will say, when I finally returned to the gym I felt behind. It’s like my muscles had lost some of their memory. It definitely took a few days to get back on track. 

Catching Up With Cyndi on the Road to Saturday's Physique Challenge Show

Thanks Cyndi for a view into the time leading up to the Physique Challenge on Saturday, November 15th!  

Week 7

It’s starting to be fall and this is my favorite time of year for food. Good timing; I know. Apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple pie, stews, and all the other good comfort foods. Thankfully I also enjoy apple picking and being outside this time of year. So far I have stuck to the picking and eating of just the apples. I did cave and buy the donuts and pies, but I didn’t eat them. Promise. My husband and friends have been helpful enough to take care of the temptations. 

Luckily I also like squash and have added spaghetti squash to my diet. It’s a great way to have some comfort food without too much “comfort”. I haven’t found a substitute for the pie and donuts, but it’s all for a good cause.

My sacrifices are paying off, which makes it easier to say no. Before this challenge, I wasn’t seeing results and it made it harder to say no. I’m quickly beginning to see all the faults of my previous “diet”. When I reach my goal I will eat a slice of pie now and then, but now I will know how to maintain and indulge now and then.

Week 8

Phase 3 workouts are pretty intense but I like the way they are structured. They are challenging and I can see how each phase has built on each other. I probably couldn’t have done this at the beginning. The leg exercises are my favorite because I know I am working big muscles. Big muscles burn more calories.

I am having hard time getting my cardio in. I know that is one thing that I am really having trouble with. In general I don’t like cardio, I have just always done it because it was necessary. It was always hard and the results were very slow. Since gaining more muscle, cardio has become so much easier. I have improved 100% on my run time and overall endurance with intervals. Before I dreaded cardio and now…it’s not so bad. Still wouldn’t say I love it. It’s a work in progress.

From the Training Studio, a Word from Jasmin: Two Exercises You are Not Doing but Should

Two exercises you are not doing but should

(Not all exercises are appropriate for all.  See a trainer for a specified plan that is appropriate to your needs)

Turkish Get Up is a compound exercise which works your entire body in all three planes of motion. Turkish Get Up re-introduces developmental movement patterns (rolling, bridging, kneeling, squatting, standing) which some of us have lost due to today’s lifestyle (too much sitting and spinal flexion).

It promotes:

a) Lower body stability (knee) and mobility (ankle and hip),

b) Lumbar (lower back) spine stability

c) Thoracic spine rotation and extension,

d) Shoulder closed (“unloaded” arm) and open chain (“loaded” arm) stability;

e) Shoulder stability

f) Balance and Proprioception

g) And yes it does make you Super Strong

h) And yes it does burn a lot of calories

Kettlebell Swing is a ballistic type of exercise which purpose is maximal force production. In addition to maximal force production it develops entire posterior chain musculature (hamstrings, glutes, lower and upper back) and abdominal wall. Kettlebell swing can be also used as a conditioning exercise. If you perform it for high reps (20 or more) it will increase your heart rate and burn about 20 calories per minute, which is equivalent to running at a pace of 6:00 min/mile (10mph)

To learn how to do these 2 powerful exercises sign up for our KB class on Mon-Fri at 7am

#flashbackfridayvideo 

Small Group Training!

Cyndi: Physique Challenge Week 5, Food is Fuel!

Week 5

DIET and Exercise. I learned a valuable lesson about routine and diet this week. I have been very good about eating enough protein before and after my workouts. This week I ran out of the Almond Breeze Coconut milk (about 35 calories per cup) and so I skipped a protein shake as well as worked out late Friday night and then went back to the gym Saturday morning. The combination really threw me off and messed me up for the rest of the week. Talk about discouraging. I couldn’t understand why my weights were basically being cut in half. I keep hearing that food is fuel and diet is 80% of reaching your goal. This week’s experience really drove that home. NO MORE SKIPPING PROTEIN! 

This was also week one of phase 2 and I LOVE IT! This kind of routine is definitely something I could keep up when it’s all over. What I like about phase 1 was working the muscles in pairs, but phase 2 really focuses on the muscle group. I can really feel it and am starting to notice the buildup of muscle, and that is definitely good motivation.

Sandy: Lunchtime Fitness

Hi all, it's been a while, and I’ve missed you!  

I have had some incredible opportunities to meet some of you in person, slipping into classes here and there, and all I can say is that you are ALL crushing it! 

After speaking with many people, I would have to say that the general consensus is that there just isn’t enough time in the day to squeeze a workout in, then day after day goes by of having no time, then before you know it’s been weeks since you’ve seen the gym.

Well, did you know that you could get a very effective workout during your lunch break!  It’s true!  Even if you can squeeze in 15 minutes of time, it will help keep you on track.

If you only have time to stop in at the Works for a quick workout, check out the Expresso Bikes located in the "Keiser" room at the top of the stairs from the main entrance.  They have some short, yet challenging programs you can choose from that will really get your heart pumping as you climb hills and race the other riders on the screen. 

Are you more familiar with the treadmill or the elliptical?  Do some interval training.  Warm up at a moderate pace for 5 minutes, then do 5 – 8 minutes of intervals, increasing your speed or workload for 15-20 second intervals, and for those 15-20 seconds you give it your all, then rest for the remainder of the minute before you bring it up again, at the end be sure to cool down for 2 to 5 minutes.  All in all you are just doing 5 to 8 challenging, calorie burning intervals that will keep your body burning fuel long after you are done.

Want a full body challenge?  Try rowing on the Concept Ergometer, doing the same interval load I mentioned above.  Rowing utilizes all of the muscles in your body if you pay attention to form.

Time is no excuse for falling off the exercise wagon.  You don’t need hours to get the job done!   Give yourself 15 minutes  if you’re in a crunch for time. 

Rock on my friends!

Cyndi: Week 1, Physique Challenge

Week 1:

So I have just finished week one…well almost. I didn’t get to do my delt exercises or my DB or BB thrusts because I ran out of time. So far every day has taken me about 2 hrs. Hopefully once I start to understand the exercises more it won’t take me as long. I had a hard time with the front squats. I ended up doing a few extra sets once I felt like I had it down. Jason helped me…he also felt comfortable enough to call me out on it, because I was whining about my shoulders. It definitely worked. I pushed through and did my 4 sets of 8 with 75 pounds (including bar).

Other than that, the hardest part about this week was lunges and trying to control my protein. I eat healthy, now it’s about eating the right healthy stuff at the right time. Usually I would just have a bowl of cereal if I came home late, but now I have to make sure I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. So far I haven’t been that tempted. I did have to make a red velvet cheesecake for my friend’s birthday and I had to have a friend over to help supervise me…lol. She also licked the spoons for me like I would usually do.

I’m very excited about this program because of how much I’m learning, the support I am getting from other participants and the entire works staff. Also, the weight room “usuals” are also very nice and helpful. I haven’t met one person that wasn’t happy to help.

Let’s go week 2!!!!

Introducing Cyndi! Physique Challenge Participant's Journey Through Body-in-the-Works!

Hello,

I’m Cyndi and I struggled with the decision to start the physique fitness challenge. Mainly I was angry with myself because I felt like I shouldn’t need a program and I should be able to educate myself. Turns out - I can’t, but that’s ok. If I really think about it, the concept is ridiculous. Fitness is such a complicated concept between the food and exercise - it is a science after all. The first thing I noticed was the amazing support group. Not just the other challenge participators, but from the others in the weight room in general. I’ve only been made fun of once for my bench press weight…oh and once for my front squats…but it was all in good fun. Overall, all of them are super nice and willing to help.

My overall goal is to lose weight and tone up. Those may seem simple, but I have struggled with losing weigh for a while. I have tried for a while, but always fell off the wagon because I saw no results. I hoping that this program will turn it all around for me.

I hope that my success can be an inspiration for future challenge participants and that I can help motivate the current ones as they motivate me.

Cyndi

Jesse: Sometimes you Just Need to Stop and Climb a Mountain!

Wake up, gym, study, work, sleep, wake up, gym, study, work, sleep. That was pretty much the essence of my summer. I barely got a hike in. The to-do list kept growing, work that needed to be done at home was being put aside and work that needed to be done on my car had all but been forgotten. I needed to spend time with my family, I needed to spend time with my friends, but those needs kept getting pushed back as the size of my plate and the things being put on it grew.

                  To top it off, I had gotten a reality check when I did a body composition test at UNH. I was not as far along in my quest for fat loss as I had thought. The thought of all the hard work that I had done didn’t amount to as much as I thought. Now, I’m not discounting my achievements I just didn’t come as far along as I hoped. This little fact added to the stress of all the things that were going on in my life. I needed to press a reset button.

                  So I decided to take a challenge from my fellow blogger Sandy which was to do something spontaneous. So this morning (Monday August 18^th) I did just that. Instead of waking up and doing my regular routine I decided to go hit my reset button. I did my favorite hike up Mt. Major and hung out for a little while. I forgot about the whole world for just a little while and enjoyed the views and being out in nature. It was just long enough for me to regroup my thoughts, clear my head of nonsense, and be reminded of why I am doing all this in the first place.

                  So now I can continue my journey with full steam and even step it up a couple notches. Be prepared for some videos. Why? Because I’m a nerd.

I’ll see you in the gym.

(P.S. You didn’t think I’d hike all the way up and not grab some good pictures, did you?)

Sandy: Life Goals, Success- The Elusive Element

Success – the elusive element.

I know we need to measure success in small increments, less we get frustrated by the overall picture.  However, there are times when you reflect back and realize that you really haven’t traveled that far from the starting line.

I was looking through an old journal from about 6 years ago, and much to my dismay I am still running around in circles with the same life goals AND the same issues. 

The two major issues in my life?  My weight and my career.  You see, 6-8 years ago was the dreaded time that my weight bumped up over the 200 pound marker. And it has been stuck there, fluctuating up and down between 17 pounds, and yet never back under 200 hundred pounds.  I don’t know about you, but 200 pounds seriously messes with my brain, being a woman who stands at only 5’7”.

My career issue, well, let’s just say that over the years I have begun many stories and even a series of novels all of which remain unfinished and unseen by anyone.  Ultimately I would like to publish my books and become a writer, officially.

On both aspects of my life, I realize that FEAR is what is holding me back.  The fear of change and, ridiculously, the fear of success. 

I was doing great with FitWorks, getting into the gym 3 days a week consistently and working on my diet.  It was a structured commitment, and I wasn’t doing it alone, so “success” was easier to obtain because I always had someone challenging me.  It was fun.  Then, as it always does, life has gotten in the way.  My children have dominated my schedule, I got a couple of odd jobs to juggle around, and once again there is no time for me.  No time for me to work out, and no time for me to write, so I get frustrated and angry at my life.  My world starts to lose its flow and I fall into that negative space.

So I pulled out some of my old self help books and decided to start working on the exercises available to me.  I’ve started with figuring out my Life Plan.  The purpose of a life plan is to figure out your ultimate, long term, reaching for the stars goals. I first began with writing my long term goals, and for me, I have a lot of very large, yet in my mind, very doable long term goals.  Then I proceeded to break down my list.  What can I do within the next year to work toward my ultimate goals? Then I broke it down further to see what I can accomplish over the next month, the next week, and finally, what can I do today to take me one step further toward accomplishment.  Sounds simple, right? 

Well, I find it rather interesting that I could break it all the way down to what I can do over the next month, but when it came to breaking it down further to a week and then to a day I hit a road block.  

There was that fear again, rearing its ugly head.  You see the issue is, when you break it down that far, you reveal the real meat of the issue, and you can see the changes that need to be made. All of a sudden, I have to commit to change. I have to actually do it! 

What does that mean?  I have to make myself the priority and to get MY things done first before I cater to anyone else.  Herein lies the problem.  I’m a mom, a giver, and a healer.  It’s so much easier to solve everyone else’s problems and to put mine aside. 

I’ve been doing this for years and because of it, I never make that ultimate commitment to change or to take that pertinent step forward.  I hide behind my excuses allowing myself to never have to go through the pain and challenges of creating new lasting habits, breaking old deep set ones that have become such a normal part of my life. It is easy and predictable to stay in my comfort zone (although, how comfortable am I really when I am embarrassed to be seen in public?) because I know what to expect.  I know that outcome of my actions of over eating, and not working out.

I am sharing this, because I know that I am not alone.  Also, it makes me realize just how much I NEED accountability in my life, so I can’t wait for the next FitWorks trial to begin.  I feel very lucky and privileged to have so many trainers and programs here at the Works, just waiting for me to take advantage of them (I just need to take that step to schedule the time in).

I am also very lucky to have such a following of readers. People have approached me to thank me for “putting it out there” and sharing my real life experiences. I feel like a celebrity now when people ask me if I am “The Blogger.” It’s so good to know that I’m reaching some of you who may be suffering from the same issues, or perhaps who may need a little insight as to what your loved ones might be going through.   

I’d like to suggest that you also write up a life plan, then, more importantly, schedule in your time to make those important changes in your life.  Don’t let fear trap you, and if you need accountability to reach your goals, find a mentor.  Be it a success coach, a trainer at the gym, or a friend who has already succeeded in what you wish to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because fear will only leave you trapped, and there are so many super friendly people out there just waiting to help.   

Who knows, perhaps creating a life plan will get you excited about pursuing something amazing that you never thought you could accomplish before.  Dream big my friends, and as always, thank you for reading.  Wishing you all the best!

Nutrition Corner: August is "Kids Eat Right" Month!

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring a healthy future for our children. Kids eat right month focuses on the importance of healthy nutrition and active lifestyles for children and families.

Shop Smart: To encourage a healthy lifestyle, get your children involved in selected in selecting the food that will appear at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table. 

Cook Healthy: involve a  child in the cutting, mixing and preparation of all meals. Even a snack can be healthy. They will learn about food and may be even enticed to try new foods.

Eat Right: sit down together as a family to enjoy a wonderful meal and the opportunity to share the day’s experience with one another. Research shows families that eat together have a stronger bond and kids do better in school and have more self-confidence.

Healthy Habits: Set a good example to help kids have great and healthy habits. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose lower sodium options, and make at least half the grains your family eats whole grains. For beverages, choose water over sugary drinks, and opt for fat-free and low fat milk.

Get Moving: regular physical activity is vital for strengthening muscle and bones, promote a healthy body weight, support learning, develop social skills, and build self-esteem. Kids are encouraged to be active 60 minutes a day.  Physical activity is also a great way to spend time together.

For more healthful tips, recipes, ideas, or tips on how to reevaluate your family's eating and exercise habits, visit your Registered Dietitians at The Works Health and Family Fitness Center, or log on to www.kidseatright.org.

Penny Glanville Matel, RDN, LDN, ACSM-CPT, ACE- AHFS, ACE-CPT

Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Sandy: Moments of Awesomeness

Moments of Awesomeness.  

We’ve all had them, those moments that stir us up and completely change our state.  They are the moments that take you by surprise, throw you off guard, or just amp you up.  I call them Moments of Awesomeness.  I had one of those moments Saturday morning.  Mind you this was the first time I have come to the gym to work out since my run in with the triathlon last Sunday.  

I didn’t plan to take the week off, however my heel was barking at me, and I was just downright mentally exhausted.  So I allowed myself the time to rest it, and with each passing day I grew more tired, more stressed and ultimately more depressed.  Here are the facts, I have to work out… let me say that again, I HAVE to work out, every day, even if that just means going for a walk or an easy bike ride.  If I don’t do something every day I quickly fall into the pit of sadness and self loathing.   SelfLoathing might be a little too strong an expression, but I think you get the idea.

So I rolled out of bed and dragged myself to the gym Saturday morning to take a yoga class which was excellent by the way. I came out feeling energized and excited for more.  So I decided to go to the fitness room to do some cardio intervals on the Concept II Rowing Machine.  I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this piece of machinery, but if done correctly you can get a superb full body workout, both muscular and cardiovascular.  

I was rowing away and hit my fifteen minute marker when my body started up the debate with my brain, trying to convince it that I was done with my workout for the day.  My heart was beating fast, and my muscles were starting to get to that point of being out of the comfort zone.  So there I sat, looking at my phone, thinking of all the chores I needed to get done that day when I made the decision to be done.  Then in walks a beautiful lady, one of my friends from the FitWorks program.  I was thrilled to see her! I couldn’t participate in the August round ofFitWorks, and I felt as though I had abandoned her. Though here she was mutually excited to see me too!  

After I made a quick phone call home to make sure the world wasn’t crumbling without me, only to find that, not surprisingly,my incredible husband had it all under control and was somehow able to manage to get by without me.  So the decision to stay and work out was made and it was “Game On” for Susan and I.  The Moment of Awesomeness began.

Let me start by saying that I was done both mentally and physically before Susan walked in.  When I saw her though, my mood and mind set completely changed.  We amped each other up! We were encouraging and challenging each other to go faster and push harder throughout our workout.  We started with speed intervals on the treadmill, and we were both “woo-hooing” our excitement after each 15 to 20 second interval.Intervals that got faster with each round, and both of us reaching sprints that were faster than either of us had ever gone before!  

We then hit the weights and did a full body workout; three sets each, hitting every major muscle group.  It wasn’t till I looked up at the clock and realized that I had been at the gym for three whole hours that I had to make the sad decision to get home to my chores.  

I haven’t lost that high yet from our Moment of Awesomenessso many hours ago.  It was spontaneous, and wonderful to have an unexpected workout partner this morning.  I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful I am to have the opportunity to forge new friendships so quickly at the gym, surrounded by like minded, fantastic people. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces every time I go in.  Thank you all for being a part of my journey.  

And thank you Susan, for bringing me your smile, your friendship, and your motivation.  

 

 

 

 

Day 2... "Volume" eater! Are you one too?

Keep reading about Barbara's journey with her trainer and her experience at The Works!   Catch up on past blog posts and feel free to support and follow her! 

10/12/13 – I have been tracking my diet like crazy. Yes it is a pain to track everything that goes into my mouth but it is definitely doing some good. It is so interesting to see what a portion size is. I for sure can’t trust my lying eyes. Even though I’ve tracked before I forget just what equals a tablespoon or how much a cup really is. I am a “volume” (Lisa’s word I LOVE it) eater so measuring my food is a must.  Lisa follows me on my fitness pal (the app I use to log all my foods) and I follow her. I am totally accountable to her. Good and bad. I love looking at what she enters and have even found a new love. Quest bars. I kept seeing her logging. Part of my inner monologue was “protein bars are NOT great for you and have as much sugar as a candy bar. Maybe Lisa isn’t so perfect after all.” Not the case. I got one and WOW! I love them. They are so yummy tons of different flavors, 1 to 2 grams of sugar and a great alternative to a protein shake.

This morning Lisa and I met for time 2! She went gentle on my back and we did lots of TRX stuff. It is so wonderful to have someone who is just focused on you! I have never had one-on-one training before and it’s amazing. Lisa’s attention is all on me and my body. She notices little tweaks and changes I can make to improve so I can lift better, cleaner and stronger. Having the spotlight makes me responsible for doing the exercises to best of my ability, every timeJ Lisa makes sure of it.

Do you track your eating?  If not, check out  myfitpal and sign up to use it!   Here's their blog with the latest myFitpal news:  

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/category/myfitnesspal/myfitnesspal-news/

Why bother? Hmmm....

The PRO fitness program: A Works employee and I were talking at length one day about my lack of motivation. “I do like to run, I can’t play sports and I don’t want to do another physique challenge. I am goal orientated and without one I feel lost.” After talking more we parted ways. A month later she approached me. “I think I may have a solution to your motivation problem.” She told me about PRO and offered a trade. For being one of the first people to try PRO I would get 2 sessions a week for 12 weeks in exchange blog about my experience. Let’s do this!

A Little About Me: I played Rugby in College and football while getting my masters. I have a stroke at the age of 25. I completed a marathon and have done 3 physique challenges, only walking in one. For most of my life I have been fairly active. More at some times and less at other times. I have struggled with body issues my whole life. I am seeking peace. Not a magic number. I will not have a six pack. I will always be a curvy girl because that is how I am built. More than that I would not want to forgo all the little pleasures in life to make that happen. I would be miserable with no coffee, flour or sugar. That is not what I am seeking. I am seeking to change my mind set. To silence my inner judge. To embrace health. To feel good.

A Little More About My Stroke: In 2002 I had a severe stroke. In some ways it feels like just yesterday and in other ways it feels like it was forever ago. At 25, I had graduated in May with a Masters in Social Work. Matthew Wentworth, my boyfriend since the age of 19, and I had wed. I was working full time in Portland, Maine counseling teenagers at a high school for trouble adolescents. Matthew and I were working holidays and some weekends saving to buy a home. I was also playing professional woman’s football as a defensive end. This had become my biggest passion, a great outlet for the many emotions I would gather within me throughout my day at work. I was in the best of health, working out every day. Life was definitely good and seemed to hold a kind of guarantee - a future of wonderful possibilities.

The day after Christmas, I became ill very suddenly. My doctor assumed it was the flu. The next day, it was obvious I was suffering from more than dehydration, and I was taken to the emergency room. The admitting nurse decided it was most likely drug use and would not even supply a wheelchair. My parents helped me into the emergency room. After hours of running tests, numerous misdiagnoses, they realized I had had a very severe stroke. Surgery would have to be performed, and quickly. My life was, at best, questionable.

I was rushed to Maine Medical Center to have an emergency craniotomy. I had a clot in my brain and half my cerebellum had died. The swelling in my brain was pushing against my skull and beginning to cause frontal lobe damage. I had an amazing surgeon who promised my family he would do his best to save me. For a couple of weeks my survival was unknown. I had to pass many benchmarks over the next few weeks. I am happy to say that I emerged triumpt.

During 3 months of inpatient rehabilitation and 7 months of outpatient rehabilitation, I began to become the person I am today. I had to relearn how to talk, walk, tie my shoes, write, and, finally, how to drive again after 10 months. I was right handed and now I am left-handed.

I survived my surgery, but lost so much. I lost the ability to walk, talk, tie my shoes, drive, I was right handed and my right side was dramatically affected. After three month of inpatient care I began to regain my abilities on a basic level. Persistence on my part and the part of my therapists were vital to how far I recovered. 

I slurred my words. My word recall and internal dictionary was almost nonexistent. I was recorded reading articles and then played them back to pick out the mistakes. Over time my speech began to clear. I am a spokesperson for the American Heart and Stroke Association. I would not have the voice I do today, the word retrieval, or the ability to communicate so effectively and hopefully change people lives with my story, without so much work.

I was given a journal to write in each day. I was right handed and had become left handed. As you flip the pages through my journal you can see my writing improving. Going from cat scratches to what is now a legible handwriting. You also see less and less red marks from my therapist correcting my journal. Slowly I began to learn from the mistakes I had made in my writing.

At times there were three people helping me to walk; one to swing my arms, one to move my feet, and one to make sure I was upright and talk me through it. I went from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane, to freedom. December 2005, 3 years after my stroke, I ran the Train to End Stroke Marathon in Honolulu Hawaii. 26.2 miles of blood, sweat, and tears that I never would have, or could have, done without training.

I have gained so much. I would NEVER be where I am today with being in top physical shape. So many people say they can’t believe I had a stroke so young and in such great shape. That’s not how I look at it. I was in such great shape which is why I can’t write this today. Why I can pick up my daughter. Why I can lift at the gym. I can do everything of every moment in my day because I was in such great shape. They say to be healthy so that you don’t have illness or disease strike you. I would add to that. Be healthy so that if illness or disease strike you can FIGHT it with all you have. 

 (Are you still reading?!  We at The Works as super excited to have Barbara chronicle her time in the Pro Fitness Program!   We'll be posting every few days!  Feel free to comment and let us know what other topics you'd like to hear about!  :)  -Millissa, Membership Department)