|
MEMBER SUCCESS STORY: WHO KNEW?
By Jill Pongracz Murrell
I keep asking myself that question over and over again because I still can’t believe that in ten months, I have lost almost 100 pounds! It is an amazing feeling to be free of all that weight that was “holding me down”—literally and figuratively! And so the question has become somewhat of a mantra as in:
·
Who knew that eating your fruit and veggies like the doctor told you time and time again would help you to lose weight?
·
Who knew that if you exercise, you will not only look better but feel better?
·
Who knew that you are never too old to adopt new habits?
·
Who knew that it is never too late to make a positive lifestyle change?
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am not lazy and I am not stupid; but those are typical stereotypes associated with people who are obese! I am a retired teacher with a couple degrees and lots of education, a single mom who sent her children to college, too! I could be called a “professional volunteer” as well. So if I was busy all of the time and was smart enough to know better, why was I so obese?
You may already know the answer to this because it is common-women who do too much forget to make time for the most important person in their lives- themselves! So that is the first step- realizing that you need to schedule time in your day to exercise as part of your daily routine. Second, you have to ask for help if you need it- which is hard for people to do because they are in denial that they have a problem. Next is to make better food choices instead of easy food choices; this takes a little bit of effort, but it is worth it when you see the results!
I wish I could tell you that I decided on my own to make these changes in my life, but I didn’t. When I went to my endocrinologist on September 30, 2010, he told me I was pre-diabetic and if I didn’t change my lifestyle ( i.e., lose weight and exercise), I would become a diabetic. It runs on both sides of my family as does hypertension and high cholesterol. So that day, I joined the French Creek YMCA and Weight Watchers. The combination has brought me results that I never believed would be possible at the age 55 with a thyroid disorder! So, no excuses!
I was intimidated by going to any type of gym because it was never part of my lifestyle-ever! But once I was there, the staff was extremely helpful and encouraging! The members are also very upbeat and positive and I can actually say that I enjoy the time I spend there six days a week! There is so much to do to make this healthy lifestyle change a fun and positive experience with all of the classes that are offered. It also helped that I had an exercise buddy who went with me everyday- not because he needed to lose weight, but because he was there to support me on this fantastic journey!
My journey is no complete; I still have more weight to lose and more classes to explore! Who knew that at age 55 I am in the best physical shape of my life? Who knew?
Hoping to be fit for life,
Jill Pongracz Murrell | 
French Creek Y Licensed Day Camp and Sports Camp ended the summer with a Minute to Win It competition that involved Noodle Races, Soccer Drills, Art Contests, Pick the Apple and more. Winners of each activity won the opportunity to pie a counselor of their choice in the face with a whip cream pie.
