Gain Knowledge, Get Support for Your Health Journey

By: Jamie Kaun

For many, the holidays include indulging in lots of yummy food and possibly exercising less because of busy schedules. It’s also the time of year that many begin thinking about changes they would like to incorporate to get healthier. 

The Dayton YMCA has a program that can help you begin and maintain a lifetime of healthy habits – from the foods you eat to the exercise your body needs. This program, Move to Lose (M2L), provides you with valuable nutrition information, workouts that you can do at home and at the Y, group exercise classes and the opportunity to build friendships. 

Participants in the Move to Lose program receive: 

· 12-week program with 2x a week group exercise classes with a certified personal trainer 

· Exercises catered to your specific needs and abilities 

· Nutrition education (5 sessions) 

· Small group support 

· 5K celebration at the conclusion 

· T-shirt 

· Valuable prizes awarded to the team with the highest percentage of weight loss across the association 

Losing weight was Linda’s primary goal when she first began the M2L program 2 ½ years ago. Her husband, Tom, was a healthy weight but joined the program to support her. She recently completed her third session of M2L. Although she didn’t lose additional weight this session, she gained strength and toned. 

“I lost 40lbs the first time I did the program,” says Linda. “What I learned has stuck with me, particularly the nutrition aspect. Tom and I learned so much about food and how it affects our bodies physically and makes us feel emotionally as well.” 

Both Linda and Tom say besides the nutrition and exercise components of the program, the small group support is critical. “We’ve made so many friends through the program,” says Linda. “If you miss a week, everyone is concerned about you and wants to ensure you’re OK.” Tom agrees, “The friendships we’ve made are invaluable.” 

Dave is one of the friends that Linda and Tom have gained through the program. He just completed his first M2L session to learn more about healthy eating habits and most importantly, to get his mind and body more prepared for a partial knee replacement surgery. “Move to Lose has taught me that this is a learning process. While I’ve learned things that help me right now, there’s more for me to learn,” Dave says. 

Linda and Tom have completed the program multiple times for that reason. “While you learn good habits, it’s important to reinforce them. It’s a continual process to improve your well-being,” says Linda. 

Jennifer Johnson, a certified personal trainer, has been leading a M2L program for seven years. “It’s my favorite thing to be involved with,” she says. “I get an opportunity to get to know and work with people consistently for 12 weeks. I watch them gain knowledge about healthy eating and learn to enjoy exercise while becoming aware of their physical capabilities and bodies and make new friends, all while getting stronger physically and mentally.” 

You too can become one of the Y’s M2L success stories! Since the program’s inception 11 years ago, participants have lost more than 14 tons! Visit the Move2Lose page to register for the next session that begins February 2020.