Linda Hall-Martin for Personal Training
When the Annex opened in 1998, I decided it was time to do something about my weight. My husband has been a Cal Court member for over 20 years while I always said I hated exercise. And it showed. I had put on a great deal of weight and crash dieting hadn't help much either. So, I decided I would try Cal Courts, get a trainer and get in shape before I hit the big 50.
My husband suggested a particular trainer that he thought I would work well with and I signed up. For the first 3 months all I ever said was "I can't do that". But she never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself. Slowly but steadily, I gained strength, confidence and stopped believing that I couldn't do it. I learned to use the machines and equipment effectively, changed my eating habits and came to love exercise.
Today, I down almost 50 lbs. 4 dress sizes and work out at Cal Courts 5-6 days a week. I swim, take classes, do weights and cardio, and continue to work with my trainer weekly to keep me motivated and challenged. I even ran a race for the first time in my life (something I swore I could never do). I now know that I can do anything I put my mind to and there are no limits except those we place on ourselves when it comes to getting and staying fit. When I get stressed out, rather than turning to food, I hit the gym, and it's made such a difference in my life.
Without my trainer and Cal Courts, I simply would not be where I am today, facing my 50's healthier and happier than I ever imagined. If you need to take off a substantial amount of weight, I urge you to consider a Personal Trainer to help you get started and stay motivated. It really made the difference for me!
Wallie Fitzpatrick for REVV
Having been a Cal Courts member for decades, and having recently achieved some very satisfying results from my hours spent in their REVV classes, I was asked to talk about my experience with REVV a little bit.
I'm a charter member who joined before the club was even built. Admittedly, I joined because of my love for racquet sports, and that was a huge part of what the club was about in those days. While I've always carried varying amounts of extra weight, I was athletic enough that I could "get away" with it and perform fairly well on the courts. I knew that if I ever decided to lose that extra weight, I could venture into the "other" parts of the club, the "less fun" parts.
Of course, I never "got around to it" and I know I'm not alone! A weight loss frame of mind is not something I can likely explain, but I've known for a long time that working out needed to be something that I made a part of my daily thinking, just like showering and brushing my teeth, it wasn't "optional".
I won't explain how I found the REVV classes, but life's events converged to get me there at the time that I was ready to make that change in my thinking. I've never had a specific goal, but I know I'm not there yet. What I did know was that my first priority was to burn off as much excess fat as I possibly could, and worry about the strength portion later, and that meant getting my heart rate up and keeping it up for an extended time.
REVV was the answer for me. I used to peek into the class and think I could never possibly do that for an hour, but when I finally ventured in, I found out…I was right!! It was intense, but each person controls their own tension on the bike, and you don't have to be standing up on the bike as much as the instructors do. Start light and just try to make it through the whole hour.
With REVV, the level of intensity is totally up to you. I couldn't even stand on the bike for the first couple of months, but it was obvious that no one else in there cared or stared. Now I've been in the classes at least four times per week for about a year and a half and I'm down 60 lbs. This hasn't been all REVV, I've cut my calories significantly too, but this is part of my "new thinking" that is not a diet, this is a change in how I'm living my life, and that's the only way this can work for me. REVV had been a HUGE PART of this.
If you're looking to lose some pounds, I highly recommend you come on in! The music is good, the instructors are friendly and fantastic, and everyone's there for the same reason and are very supportive, they become like family when you're there regularly. REVV has gotten my heart, lungs, and "lower half" in great shape, and that has really improved my racquetball game, "my frosting on the cake". Come in and see what it can improve for you!
Betsy Davison for BOOT CAMP / BOSU
I had originally signed up at Cal Courts years ago, but my motivation and follow through always ended in failure.
I return to Cal Courts in July of 2010. During that time I was dealing with several medical issues including high blood pressure, unbalanced hormone and insulin, also suffering from anxiety and depression. I went to see an Endocrinologist for the insulin and hormone issues and was mortified to find out the report described me as clinically obese.
I knew I had to make a lifestyle change. I began using the treadmill twice a day for three months. By October of 2010, I dropped my weight from 210 lbs. to 180 lbs.
My sister instructs at Cal Courts and became a great support, encouraging me to participate in classes. It took me a few months but I began to take the boot camp and bosu classes. It wasn't easy at first, but my sister kept pushing me to continue, texting me in the morning, and accepting no excuses! Since then, I've been recruiting new participants to the classes.
Cal Courts is like a second home to me. Just recently employed, I love working here. The members, staff, instructors and management are great!
I'm happy to say my blood pressure is perfect, my insulin level and hormone are near perfect. When I feel the onset of stress or anxiety sneaking up on me, off to the gym I go for a little cardio or strength conditioning. I'm currently down to 137 lbs. I've lost 73 lbs total! Thank you, Cal Courts and all the motivators in the Club. It is "A Lifestyle for a Lifetime"
Nicole Frenzl to Management "A Great Experience"
I joined your fine organization at the end of March. I'd never joined a health club before, always did my exercises at home with various DVD's, or walking, hiking and bicycling. I am 66 years old. But since I was new to Eureka, wanted to meet people, and get/stay in shape, I joined up. I walked to the Annex, since it is only about 4 blocks away.
I just want to tell you that your employees are all so personable, yet professional, very helpful and just down-to-earth nice people. I like how they remember my name and greet me when I walk in & leave. The trainer I had (when I signed up for your great special "Introduction to Personal Training") she was great, very knowledgeable and helpful. I tried just about every class at the Annex, as well as working through the program that my trainer designed for me. I found the classes I liked best were Yoga, Pilates and Fun & Fit. My Yoga teacher was the best I've ever had. The instructor for Fun & Fit was very good, I loved her classes, and she was very nice and lots of fun. I also loved going to my Pilates classes, my instructor "what a sweetheart she is", and very patient, knowledgeable and excellent at giving instructions on how to do Pilates properly.
Today is the last day of my membership, because my husband and I are moving to Florence, Oregon next week. I've already found a fine looking fitness center to join up there. I only hope they are all as nice and professional as your people and that it is as good of an experience as I have had at Cal Courts.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my membership. Thank You!!
Warm regards,
Nicole Frenzl
Testimonials
Deborah Martinez for FUN N' FIT
"Fun n' Fit" is a great compliment to my treadmill and elliptical workout. I've been a member since 2000, having moved over to Cal Courts from 5 years of CR adaptive pool activities, looking to add low impact walking to strengthen my legs. I never thought I be able to participate in "gym" classes because of range of motion limitations related to severe Osteoarthritis in my hips and back. But on the suggestion of a friend, I started dropping in for the second half of the class which is directed more to strength and stretching. I've been taking the class for over a year and it's definitely my favorite thing to do. I occasionally participate in the "step" portion of this class (first half hour), adapting my participation to the limitations of my body. Last winter, my trainer helped me to understand how I could switch out alternative moves to get the most out of my work out safely.
I'm 60 years old and I feel more fit and stronger than I have felt in many years. I've lost 65 lbs. in 5 years, 15 lbs. in the last 6 months. "Fun n' Fit" is a great class for any age person wanting to start exercising or anyone returning to working out. I've even added "strength" classes to my routine thanks to my improving fitness level.
Pam Lundblade for WATER AEROBICS/ZUMBA
I have been a member of Cal Courts since 1994. My reason for joining was to lose weight and get myself into better condition. Water Aerobics was my first choice due to my bad knees. Working out in the water has helped me to strengthen my legs, which helped my knees. I have also been able to lose weight in this program too. I've also added ZUMBA to my work out and enjoy it very much because it involves dancing.
I have met many good friends and instructors that I enjoy, and I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to meet all of these people. It is like a "family" here at Cal Courts, which makes it truly a great experience.
Cal Courts has been a exceptional choice for me, and I would recommend it to any person willing to put their time and effort into this program.
Tracey Sczepanski for PILATES
I have been a member since 2004. I joined Cal Courts after my doctor suggested that I get more exercise. Actually, I joined after pulling on my husband's jeans, thinking they were mine, and discovered that they fit! I can jokingly tell this story now that I wear a size 4. It didn't happen overnight and it took some perseverance. I would say what helped me the most were friends. After realizing I couldn't even swim a lap, I was encouraged by one friend to get a kickboard and just keep swimming. I've been swimming ever since, and it's one of my favorite pastimes.
Along came another friend, who suggested that I take Pilates. I started almost two years ago and found that I loved it! The exercise is meant to build core strength and endurance and is suitable for all ages. What was most important for me was to add exercise that was considered to be "weight-bearing." After having the dreaded bone density test, I was diagnosed with beginning stages of Osteoporosis. I asked my doctor if she would let me try exercise first before going on medication although I did take calcium supplements. She gave me a year to see if exercise would help. When I re-took the test, I discovered that some results had actually gone from Osteoporosis to Osteopenia, a reduced bone mass of lesser severity. I didn't know it was possible to change the effects of bone loss. This has inspired me to continue with this class. I'm definitely stronger, my posture has improved, and I feel GREAT!
One last note to add, I would not have made it without all the wonderful instructors I have had. I was so clumsy and awkward when I started. Yet, I had so much encouragement and help from my first instructor, who was happy as I was at all my gradual improvements. I would strongly urge those who find themselves with some of my circumstance to try PILATES. You'll love it!
Eric Smith for CrossFit
My name Eric Smith and I have been doing CrossFit for about three months now. I was 290 lbs. at my heaviest and I'm 5'11". My LDL was 444 and to put this into perspective should be under 200. I lost weight and actually won the 2010's contest "Slimmer Winner". I dropped down to 220 lbs. at that time. I had financial problems and stopped coming to the gym, and started eating junk again. I got back up to 260 lbs. and was miserable again. That's when I started coming back to the gym regularly, and started to attend CrossFit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I also attend Kickboxing on Mondays and Wednesday and Circuit on Fridays. I have a work out partner that comes to these classes with me diligently and wanted to note it's important to have that kind of support, so "big ups" to Ian McClelland, all the other work out partner and trainers who keep us all motivated.
Kickboxing is a great class, and good work out, but CrossFit is where I've seen amazing results. The level of intensity, the fact that we work out our whole bodies in fun ways, plus the friendly competition are all factors of what makes CrossFit work for me. So, three months ago I weighed 260 lbs. and am happy to report that I've lost 50 lbs. I walk around at about 210 lbs. I've been off my Cholesterol medicine since I changed my diet, and just had it tested last week to find out it was at 125, well under 200.
My suggestion for diet is this "Eat as much raw foods as you can". Shoot for at least half of every meal to be raw. Not only will you lose weight, but you'll also strengthen your immune system, and enjoy many other health benefits. Whole grains are important too. My body fat percentage is still high at 24.5%, and my goal is to get down to 10% body fat. What this translates to in terms of weight, is I weigh 210 lbs. now and I need to get down to 185 lbs. CrossFit has changed my life for the better by helping me get off medicine that I would have otherwise taken for the rest of my life, and by making me feel better about myself. For the first time in my life I feel confident that I can reach my fitness goals, and with the high intensity CrossFit brings, I feel no danger of "plateau". So Thank You Cal Courts, Instructors and all the CrossFitters out there, "Keep it CrossFit"
Ralph Martinelli for STRENGTH TRAINING/REVV
I've be a member of Cal Courts since August 2004. Initially my focus was on strength training. Since I live in Cutten I worked out at the Annex. I did a few aerobic activities and was not concerned about my caloric intake. I was strong but grossly overweight.
I had multiple medical issues associated with obesity. A sleep study indicated I had severe sleep apnea. I was also an insulin dependent type 2 diabetic.
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. In January 2007, I joined Weight Watchers. I modified my workouts to include the treadmills. As the weight came off, I progressed to the elliptical. I worked out five days a week at the Annex before going to work.
In November 2007, I added my first exercise class at the Cal Courts Broadway facility. I chose the Friday 4:30pm REVV class. I had not been on a bicycle of any type in more than 30 years. Beginning in January 2008 I began taking the early morning REVV classes, three days a week. I find this class challenging and satisfying.
By March 2008, I reached my Weight Watchers goal. I lost 153 lbs. Because of the weight loss, I no longer need medication to control my blood sugars. A second sleep study indicated my sleep apnea is greatly improved.
In April 2008, I purchased a road bike. I rode the 50-mile in the Tour of the Unknown Coast in May. Since then I have done numerous bike rides with friends I have met in the REVV classes. Now I also commute to work on my bike most days. I've become a member of the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association.
My next goal is to improve my balance and flexibility. I am interested in the various Yoga classes offered at Cal Courts.
I also want to share how inspired I am by other members who work through their challenges and by those dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle.
My membership at Cal Courts is an important component in managing my health.
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