GoodLife Fitness supports member in weight loss journey to better health
Pattie Wheeler
Taking Control of Her Health to Prevent Stroke and Stay Active
It was the fear of stroke that motivated Berlin resident Pattie Wheeler to get fit. Stroke has impacted both sides of her family and she was afraid that if she continued her sedentary lifestyle that she could be next, placing the burden of her care on her husband and other family members.
Photo by Rusty Kimball
Pattie Wheeler works out at the GoodLife Fitness Center at Jerome Home.
With coaching from the exercise professional, she has realized her fitness goals.
Because she was overweight and out of shape, Wheeler, who just turned 70, wanted to start an exercise program, but not join a traditional gym. “Because of the difference in age, I would feel very uncomfortable with 20-year-olds,” she recalled. “I had gone to gyms before but never stayed with it. I needed someone to help and guide me. Doing exercises incorrectly can cause serious injury and can be worse than not exercising at all.”
Friends who work at the Jerome Home in New Britain told Wheeler about the GoodLife Fitness program which focuses on guided, individualized exercise. There, her exercise physiologist developed an exercise plan concentrating on building her core strength, stability and range of motion. During the past two years, she has worked out twice weekly at the GoodLife Fitness, a Hartford HealthCare program.
Wheeler knew that she needed a total lifestyle change which included eating a more Mediterranean diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and limiting processed foods. She also began walking regularly. “My physician was all for it. She’s very happy that my blood pressure has gone down,” she said, adding that her physician receives regular updates from her exercise physiologist.
Since joining GoodLife Fitness, Wheeler has also lost more than 35 pounds. Her better health has made it easier for her to pursue the social activities she enjoys and stave off depression, a problem that she knows can challenge many inactive seniors.
Wheeler has realized great success by supplementing GoodLife Fitness with proper eating and increased activity. Her personal exercise physiologist has given her the confidence in knowing that she’s exercising correctly to lead to optimum results. “I’m very comfortable here,” she said, adding that she has encouraged a friend to join.