Three Kids Later and “I’m in the Best Shape of My Life!” Success Story
The process of losing weight and becoming more fit may be a complicated and time-consuming one, but the science behind it is fairly simple: calories expended must be greater than calories taken in. To a scientist, this approach makes perfect sense…and for scientist Dr. Kelly Wright, the equation added up to SUCCESS!
Kelly and her husband Neill are the parents of three daughters, ranging in age from six to two years old. After giving birth to her second daughter, and having gained 65 pounds, she felt that her muscles and cardiovascular system had become weakened, due in large part to forced bed rest. She sought out the help of then J trainer Kristina Gardner in 2009, and was able to lose much of the baby weight. However, Kelly became pregnant with her third child, and another 60 pounds found its way onto her frame.
It was not until 2012 that Kelly once again sought out a personal trainer, this time Cathleen Kronemer. Her goals included losing baby weight, to become physical fit, and to regain her pre-baby body. Kelly initially worked out twice a week, doing 30 minutes of cardio before a training session with Cathleen. She gradually worked up to 45-60 minutes of cardio. Currently, Kelly trains with Cathleen twice weekly and has added one-two days of additional cardio, depending on her schedule.
Slowly at first, Kelly began noticing physical changes. As she incorporated a new approach to nutrition, her progress really picked up. Her goal to lose 40 lbs. was reached in 14 months, with a total loss of 42 lbs., and a clothing size reduction from size 12-14 to a size 4-6. Kelly also had another major goal in mind: she wanted to get in good enough shape to run a 5K. She has proudly registered to run her first 5K this fall! As Kelly puts it, “I accomplished a lot more than I thought I would. I love the way my body looks, especially my arms and legs. I feel that I am in the best shape of my life so far. I feel strong, energized and I look forward to working out now. I feel that I have made a true lifestyle change and can be a good role model for my family.”
To create your own success story, contact the fitness center today. For the Staenberg Family Complex (Creve Coeur), 314-442-3159 or the Marilyn Fox Building (Chesterfield), 314-442-3439.
Nutrition played a large role in Kelly’s success. She now eats a bare minimum of processed foods, a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean protein. She stays well hydrated, and is mindful of portion control. Kelly reports, “During my weight loss period, I would eat reasonable breakfasts and lunches and then have a more filling dinner.” To maintain her weight now, Kelly includes healthy snacks in between meals, due to her revved up metabolism. However, she does find ways to incorporate a “cheat day” occasionally, just to satisfy those sweet cravings!
The weight-loss process for Kelly has evolved into a fresh new lifestyle. She has embraced her training with passion and positive energy. “Cathleen has far exceeded my expectations in many, many ways! Not only has she helped me achieve my weight loss goal of 40 lbs., but she has also toned and shaped my body such that my husband commented that I look better now than I did before having three children… and I had three caesarian sections! She is extremely knowledgeable about training, physical fitness, nutrition, and life. I like how Cathleen challenges me with workouts four weeks and during session by increasing
Kelly in December, 2011, with daughter Alayna, two months before she began training with Cathleen.
Kelly (left) today with J Personal Trainer, Cathleen!
Creative Art Program Promotes Successful Aging
Coming Soon to the Adult Day Center
The Adult Day Center at the J is excited to announce it will offer soon be able to offer specialized, weekly art projects for participants. An art specialist will design the program and be on hand to lead and assist the new endeavor. Weekly art projects can improve mood through the promotion of creative selfexpression, autonomy and socialization. Art produced will be displayed for family members and the public to enjoy and appreciate. This program is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the JCA Charitable Foundation.
Whether one is a seasoned artist or a novice, making art is fun for people of all ages! The creative process has special benefits for individuals with dementia. Those with dementia or other brain-related diseases often have fewer opportunities to participate in activities they used to enjoy because of changes in their thinking and memory abilities.
verbal communication is also often impaired as a part of the disease process. The practice of making and sharing art with others provides an alternative form of communication that is meaningful to the artists and those who view their work. Furthermore, activities that elicit positive emotions among people with Alzheimer’s and related diseases have a long-lasting positive impact on the individual’s well-being and affect; the effects last regardless of whether the individual remembers what activity brought on these feelings.
…activities that elicit positive emotions among people with Alzheimer’s and related diseases have a long-lasting positive impact on the individual’s well-being…
Individuals engaged in the Adult Day Center’s new creative art program will enjoy participating in fun art projects and take pride in sharing their work with others. Keep an eye out for more announcements about this exciting new program!
For more information about the Adult Day Center and its Creative Art Program, contact Sarah Levinson, Caseworker, at 314-442-3261 or slevinson@jccstl.org
Wednesday, June 19
Cocktails & Dinner – 6:30pm Program – 7:30 pm RSVP by June 10 Jewish Community Center
Professional advice to look your everyday fabulous! featuring Dr. Larry Samuels Cosmetic Dermatologist, Medical Director, The Center for Advanced Skincare & Dr. Brock Ridenour Facial Plastic Surgeon, Medical Director, Ridenour Plastic Surgery and Professional Skin Care
Dinner & Drinks catered by Proceeds support the Senior Meals Program
The JCC provides 180,000 healthy meals annually to children and seniors. This includes Shabbat dinners and meal delivery to the homebound elderly.
Order your tickets today! Contact Rose Lackey at 314-442-3130 or rlackey@jccstl.org
Tripping the Light Fantastic Dancing in the Lou Raises Thousands
On March 2, 2013 at The Pageant, seven St. Louis favorites took to the stage. Paired with professionals from Simply Ballroom, dancers performed a variety of ballroom dances for judges. The third incarnation, formerly Dancing in the Loop, of the J Associates annual fundraiser drew nearly 450 people and raised over $82,500 for programs, services and scholarships for the J.
Lauren Levinson took home first place, followed by Cindy Lander Wallach in second place and Rob Bertman in third. Other dancers this year included Bob Denlow, Tim Stern, Ed Chod and J Development Director Ericka Zoll. Judges included 2011 winner Dan Gray, David Hoffman, (winner in 2010) and Kathy Huss, the owner of Merle Scheff School of Dance. The evening was emceed by Leisa Zigman.
Dancing in Lou was presented by Cooperative Home Care, with more than 25 years of experience helping people of all ages stay at home as safely and independently as possible. The event was also made possible by The Chod Family Foundation and The Staenberg Family Foundation as well as many other generous donors.
Presented by
Third place finisher Rob Bertman with partner Loraine Ebel.
Lauren Levinson with partner David Scherer receive the winner’s trophy.
Jim Guller (left) and Mitch Waks of sponsoring partner Cooperative Home Care.
Lauren Levinson with dancing partner David Scherer.
Jimmy and Lisa Deutsch attending Dancing in the Lou.
J Development Director Ericka Zoll with dancing partner Joseph Schere.
Alan and Elanor Wolff at Dancing in the Lou.
at the 20th Hole
Delmar-garitas – Courtesy of Delmar Gardens
Sliders – Courtesy of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Putting Contest
