A note from our awesome member, Vicki Velasco: "I started my journey at the Tucson JCC last May. I was 62, weighed almost 300 pounds and knew I had to do something to get healthy. I started small – mostly at the pool with my granddaughter! Last September I decided to work with a trainer, checked out the information sheets for three trainers and was fortunate to start working with Rhina Gerhauser.
"Rhina talked with me about my goals and helped me get going with twice-weekly 30 minute workouts. My second small step! I started feeling better, but was still only working out when I saw Rhina. In May of this year I went to the doctor and had a bit of a “wake-up call.” I was told if I didn’t make some changes, my only recourse for losing weight would be weight-loss surgery.
"The 100 Day Challenge at the JCC started the next week and I was all-in! I asked Rhina to measure me at the beginning and I committed to getting into the J each work day. Rhina measured me at the end of the challenge and I had lost 12.5”!
"Because I was coming regularly to the J, I started getting to know people and was amazed at the community I was discovering. So many people were encouraging and commented on my progress. I also started taking classes in addition to doing cardio and personal training. While I have a long journey ahead to reach my health and weight loss goals, I am well on my way, thanks to being at the J!
"I am excited to explore new opportunities like cooking and dance classes and the film festival as part of the new Passport program. Joining the JCC was just a beginning – being a part of the JCC community keeps me going!"
