“The eye-opener for me was nutrition – I realized I don’t think I was eating any protein, and now I’m eating protein and my energy level has improved – I feel like I could wash all the windows on the Empire State Building now!” — Marcia Apperson
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AC exercise physiologist Glenn Johnson was fed up. After 14 years of seeing people struggle to keep their weight off, he decided there must be a better way. “I wanted to create a program that steered people away from the weight-loss mentality, and instead offered a more holistic approach to weight management where people are making lasting behavioral changes,” he says. Teaming up with personal trainer Molly Sparkman, together they created MAC Fit, a 12-week program designed to cover all facets of behavioral lifestyle changes, in a supportive and collaborative environment. As the program kicks off its fifth year on Wednesday, Sept. 25, we spoke with past participants about why the program works – and what it can do for you.
Break out of your rut It’s so easy to do. You come in to the club and head straight for your favorite piece of equipment. Sound familiar? MAC Fit can help you break out of fitness ruts by introducing you to the weight room, signing you up with a personal training session, and encouraging you to expand your club horizons. “I used to head straight for the elliptical every time I’d come into the gym, but I realized I wasn’t getting the results by doing the same thing over and over,” says Robert Jester, 62. MAC Fit helped him get over the weight-room intimidation factor, and showed him how to design a more dynamic program for himself, including running, stairs, medicine ball work, and balance and core strength. “I used to look at all this state-of-the art equipment and pass them by because I didn’t know how to use them, so that was huge to have someone show me the ropes, now I don’t think there’s a piece of equipment I haven’t tried!”
Pinpoint your food weaknesses Exercise is just half the battle, and the program equally addresses nutrition too. Keeping a detailed food log helps participants see what they’re really eating, and how much. “One of the most useful parts of the program to me was food journaling, because it gave me insight into how unbalanced I really was, and if you don’t write it down, you don’t know what you’re really eating,” says Eneida Nemecek, 41. For Gery Schirado, 68, food-journaling was eye-opening. “One of the good things/bad things is that I like almonds, which are good for you, but when keeping my food log I realized there was nothing moderate about my consumption of almonds, so I’ve learned to get into the habit of consuming them correctly,” he says. “Also, my breakfast has changed; for one thing, I’m actually eating it now!” Continued on page 32
“You’re never too old for this. I’m 78, and I want to encourage other older people that what they are now isn’t necessarily where they will always be.”
September 2013
— Olivia Froebe
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