Move 2 Lose

By Susan Hickey

As you know, the YMCA offers a variety of ways to improve one’s emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.  One of these opportunities is the popular Move to Lose Program.  Move to Lose is a ten week program offered twice a year at all the Dayton YMCA facilities to meet and support the needs of persons working to improve their overall fitness.  Jeni Noga, personal trainer and experienced Move to Lose facilitator, states that the appeal of the Move to Lose program is an overwhelming sense of community and “family” which unites the participants through struggles and successes. 

Jeni describes the program as a comprehensive, individualized program that meets people at their personal fitness level and helps them build confidence as well as strength.  The program is structured in small groups of 10-14 people who meet twice a week at a designated time for an hour.  Each session has a fitness theme and a brief educational presentation, and then it’s time to get to work.  At West Carrollton YMCA, where Jeni is an instructor, the workouts are fairly consistent among instructors to ensure the basic exercise principles are met.  Most workouts involve equipment like medicine balls, weights, and kettlebells that can be accomplished in different places.  When weather is nice, participants can complete their workouts outside.  Otherwise, they typically exercise together in the gym.

Nutrition is also an important part of the series, and participants are encouraged to make modifications to their current diets that are sustainable and realistic. The goal of Move to Lose is lifestyle changes for the long term, not just for the ten weeks.  To help accomplish this objective, the YMCA employs a certified nutritionist who teaches five additional classes during the ten week session focusing on healthy eating habits.

Seeing progress is essential to success.  Participants weigh in weekly, but also have measurements taken periodically to see their progress in inches format.  The entire assessment portions are completed in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.  Tangible incentives are offered for completing the program, which vary from year to year.  Many participants return anyway and complete the program multiple times because they see the benefits of the supportive community and enjoy the structure.