I got hooked on running when I was in graduate school.
While I was at Bowling Green State University, I started going to a running clinic. I told myself I was going to do a 5K before I turned 40 and, much to my satisfaction, I did.
My husband and I began running 5Ks and 10Ks together. Eventually, though, we realized the exercise was taking a toll on our bodies. One of my husband’s knees needed to be replaced. Six months ago, he got the other one replaced as well. At 72, I realized I probably needed to focus more on walking than running.
Once I joined the New Albany Walking Club, I learned about the plans for the Philip Heit
Photos courtesy of Diane Preston
Center for Healthy New Albany from the man himself. The thing about it that impressed me the most was the center’s holistic approach to health. I had been trying for some time then to figure out a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition, but I felt overwhelmed by the wealth of information available on the Internet. It was difficult to sort through it all and know what information I could trust.
I loved the idea of having a team of experts who could work with me on my own health plan, for nutrition as well as fitness. About a year and a half before the center opened, I fell and ended up with a compound fracture of L-1 (first vertebra of the lumbar spine). I was in a rehab facility for about three weeks. Regaining strength for even simple walking, bathing and dressing myself required a lot of effort.
I had also been diagnosed with mild osteoporosis in 2010 and, thanks to race walking and weight lifting, I had a statistically significant increase in bone mineral density in my lumbar spine and got off medication. I was eager to keep that momentum going by finding a fitness regimen that would challenge me safely.
After talking with John Paro–general manager of Integrated Wellness Partners, which manages the center’s fitness area–I knew I wanted to participate in the wellness coaching program. People always used to tell me that I was in great shape, but I wanted to continue creating a fuller, richer and long life for myself.
I did the comprehensive wellness review, and the outcomes showed I was in much better shape than I thought. The fitness coaches told me that I was in better shape than some 45-year-olds. That was a huge shocker to me.
Photo courtesy of Diane Preston
From the body composition portion of the review, I learned I needed to lose 15 pounds. With a plan focusing on nutrition and exercise, I was able to shed the weight in three months and keep it off. I worked with Nutritionist Lauren Blake on a nutrition plan. I lost the first five pounds pretty quickly, but then I found myself at a standstill. After Lauren suggested I use the phone application MyFitnessPal, I started counting calories. That really made a difference and helped me drop the 10 pounds quickly.
I worked with Health Coach Allan Sommer on interval training. I do the half marathon at the
Photo courtesy of Diane Preston
New Albany Walking Classic, and I wanted to improve my speed. Even though I placed first in my age division in 2013 and 2014, I still wanted to remain competitive. To make sure I was being mindful of my back, I worked on physical therapy with Certified Orthopaedic Specialist Lori Deshetler, who I knew from a previous TRX class I took. Another fitness specialist at the center, Caroline Hillman, was instrumental in designing a weight program for me. I have been able to accomplish all of this while being free of back pain for over two years.
Everyone at the Heit Center was so supportive, especially when I sustained a couple of injuries over course of the year. I ended up with an inflamed sciatic nerve, and my sacroiliac joint went out of place a couple of times. Lori put the joint back in place for me and gave me exercises to strengthen the area. I haven’t had any problems with it since.
Because of my age, I could have felt isolated at the center, but I found my wellness coaches and exercise classmates to be wonderful. When I’m at Barre Burn, Body Pump and Pop Pilates, many of the people around me are in their 30s, 40s and early 50s, but I find myself fitting right in. I love visiting the center and look forward to going each day.
Diane Preston is a Johnstown resident. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
