Lisa McNeil
Dear Health Club for Women:
As the New Year begins, I wanted to tell you how much The Health Club for Women has meant to me. You may recall why I joined last May; my daughter wanted to change her life for the better by getting in shape. We shopped for the perfect gym. After visiting several, we walked into The Health Club for Women, met Heather, and knew we found the right place. From the friendly, always smiling staff to the amenities, (including luxurious restrooms and free Christmas gift-wrapping!) we feel more at home with each visit.
To me the best thing about The Health Club for Women is the offering of Les Mills classes. Every class is a complete workout. Even though RPM/Cycling seems to be mostly cardio, I believe it is also strength training at the same time as I feel my arms and legs becoming stronger with each pedal. On the other hand, in BodyPump which is mostly strength training, I feel the cardio portion of the class kick-in as I push through each squat, lunge and overhead press. Research has taught us the benefits of both strength training and cardio in our quest to grow older healthier, so I am glad I can find both in one class. That is, if I stay for just one class. I find the sessions addicting and sometimes can’t leave, having to stay for 2 classes before returning home.
Even though I love how I feel, body and soul, after each Les Mills class, there is something I like about it even more – Maura – one of the instructors. Maura inspires you to push yourself farther than you normally would. Maura teaches about posture, breathing, and how to get the most out of your workout. Maura coaches you on how to get the most calorie burn and tips to keep with you when you are not working out - all while leading the class and making each of us feel that she is in tune with our fitness goals and particular needs. My most often used “Maura tip” is to press belly to the back, “zip it up” as Maura says, “shoulders down, chest out, belly in.” I do these when I walk my dog, stand in line at the grocery store – whenever I find myself carrying over gym life into everyday activities – yet another benefit from the Health Club for Women.
I signed up to help my daughter achieve her goals, but surprisingly I found a new me in the process. The changes in my body have led to changes in my spirit and sense of self. I am happier, stronger and I have a new friend –the person I see when I look in the mirror.
Thank you to The Health Club for Women, especially to Heather, Cathy, Maura and the other staff members who have shown dedication to me and other members every time we walk in the door.
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