By: NM Kishwaukee Wellness Staff
Mary Richarmé McGinn wanted to strengthen the muscles around her knees, and learn a few exercises to do at home. She joined the MyFitRx® medical fitness program and made an 8-week commitment to her health and fitness.
“I wanted to include daily exercise into my life, but felt really intimidated by gyms. I also have problems with my knees and with balance, and was afraid of creating additional problems by doing something wrong. Initially, as part of the My Rx program, the commitment was only 8 weeks. Now, I’ve become more comfortable in the wellness center, and changed my membership from temporary to continuous,” said Mary.
A large part of the reason Mary continues to come to the Wellness Center was the introduction to the warm water therapy pool classes led by Sharon Smith. She had limited success with land exercises in the first few weeks of the MyFitRx® program, and was introduced to the aqua arthritis class.
“This is a deep water class, and I don’t swim well, but the pool belts and the instructor’s training made me feel safe. Sharon’s joy in teaching water classes was infectious! I was amazed at the amount of strength and aerobic training that could be accomplished in the water – with absolutely no stress on my knees! This class also involved more core work than I would have thought possible.”
After a few months in the water, Sharon suggested the Mary work with a personal trainer Tyler Gut to help her learn some safe land exercises.
“Tyler Gut, has been a blessing. Tyler has been working with me on strength and balance and has been very accommodating with my limitations. He’s also taught me stretches to do at home. In the past few months, I have become stronger and more confident. This, I expected. What I didn’t expect was that I would meet so many people at the gym, both old friends and new ones! The social aspect of working out at the Wellness Center makes it enjoyable.”
Another unexpected surprise for Mary was the stress reduction that comes with exercise.
“I lost my job unexpectedly in December, and working out has helped me keep my emotions on a more even level than I would have thought possible. I’m working on new goals now: moving towards greater independence with the machines and trying a new class. I see daily exercise as a part of my life now, whether it’s water or land exercises, or simply stretching at home.”
Interested in membership at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health & Wellness Center? Please call 815.754.1098 or visit the Member Service Desk.
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