The Up Side of an Empty Nest

After battling thyroid cancer with radiation eight years ago, Lucy Kirby began experiencing body pain. The radiation was successful but the side effects were awful. Her muscles became dehydrated which led to cramps with excruciating cramping in her feet; dry mouth syndrome, weight gain, and feeling sluggish all of the time. "I never weighed myself, but I just felt too big," said Lucy.

"I joined Pearce a couple of years ago because my mom was a member. The last of my three children moved to Connecticut, and I wanted to start spending more time with her." But what she thought was just a way to see more of her mom became a prescription for a better life.

"I didn't realize how big I was until I started shopping for spandex to wear to class," said Lucy. "I knew I didn't feel good and that I wasn't eating right." Because she no longer needed to cook for her family, she was doing what many people do: grabbing quick fast food, and eating portion sizes that made her feel miserably full.

Lucy started attending Hip Hop group exercise class with her mom. Because the class is so much fun, she didn't really realize she was exercising. But she was, and it started to show. She lost a little weight, began to feel a little more toned, and gained the desire to eat healthier.

Over the course of six months and steady participation in Hip Hop, yoga, walking on the tread mill in the Women Only exercise room, and walking with a friend at work, Lucy lost 20 percent of her body weight. She also changed her diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking tons of water, cutting back on coffee, and eating a smaller dinner earlier in the evening.

Lucy credits Hip Hop instructor James Haywood's motivation as the key to her success. "He makes a point to get in front of every person in class and let you know he's there to help you," says Lucy. "He makes it fun, and he's a wonderful dancer. He's very good at making you smile, laugh, and get into it. I have so much more energy now, even right after class!"

Lucy's advice? "Don't sit down when you get home from work! Change to gym clothes and go directory to Pearce. If you sit down, it's over."

Lucy's job at Caterpillar requires her to present to audiences of various types and sizes. "I used to spend hours trying to decide what to wear to hide my size. I don't have to do that anymore. I feel comfortable and confident, and it show. I've gotten a lot of compliments, not just in the weight loss, but because people sense my increased confidence."

In addition to improved health and feeling great, Lucy got to buy lots of new clothes. "The funnest thing was buying jeans!" says Lucy. "I never used to wear jeans, but now I love them!" With her weight loss, she is buying clothes six sizes smaller. "I'm finally out of plus sizes!" Her pain is significantly decreased, her back is stronger, and she can actually see muscles now.

"Two of my three children live away, so they haven't seen me in person yet," says Lucy. "They'll be home for Christmas, and I can't wait to see their expressions!"

Lucy also has three grandchildren nearby. "We pulled weeds in the garden for two or three hours a couple of weeks ago and played airplane. I could have never done that before."

FREE Fall Fitness Frenzy

Pearce will host Fall Fitness Frenzy Thursday, September 8 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, September 9 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. This special event is free and open to the public and includes nine 30-minute group exercise classes, food, and prizes.

On Thursday, the public is invited to participate in Les Mills BODYPUMP at 4:30 p.m., Les Mills BODYFLOW at 5:00 p.m., Beginner Hip Hop at 5:30 p.m., Kick Strength at 6:00 p.m., and Yoga at 6:30 p.m. All classes will be held in the group exercise room on the second floor.

On Friday, the public is invited to participate in Power Core at 8:30 a.m., Zumba at 9:00 a.m., Step ‘N Tone at 9:30 a.m., Pilates at 10:00 a.m., and Yoga at 10:30 a.m.

It Pays to Attend Beginner Hip Hop Group Exercise Class

Beginner Hip Hop Instructor James Haywood offered a reward to his students in June: $100 CASH to the student who brought the most guests to his Throwback Thursday class on June 16.

The Throwback Thursday theme featured fitness music and outfits from the 80's, and prizes. Tiffany Rosetto brought the most guests and shared her $100 prize with her guests. 

James is always searching for new ways to make his class even more fun than it usually is. Look for more prizes from James coming in the fall.

25th Anniversary Fall Fitness Frenzy at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host Fall Fitness Frenzy Monday, September 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This special event includes six 30-minute group exercise classes, the re-opening of the renovated Pearce Strong cross training room, the introduction of Kids Zumba class, drawings, prizes, and discounts.

Free access to the public to six of the most popular group exercise classes will be available. Try the TRX Suspension Training from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the front gym; Beginner Hip Hop from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the back gym; Spinning® from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Spinning® room; and Kick Fit from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.; RIP from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.; and Yoga from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. all in the Aerobics Studio. During each class, the instructor will give all participants a ticket to enter into a drawing for three months of free membership at Pearce.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Pearce Strong room will take place at 4:00 p.m. After the ceremony, Pearce Strong instructor Gavin Sullivan will offer free cross training and personal consultation until 7:00 p.m. Registration will also be accepted for the program at the new reduced price of $60 per month for Pearce Foundation members; $75 per month for Pearce members; and $100 per month for non-members. Register for unlimited months by October 14 and receive 20 percent off. In addition, Pearce Strong registrations during the Fall Fitness Frenzy will receive a free $10 voucher to apply to any Pearce Strong purchase.

The new Kids Zumba class will be introduced during the Fall Fitness Frenzy as well. Class demonstration and registration will be available from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. on the stage. Children age six to 12 are invited to participate in the demonstration. Parents must sign a release form. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a free birthday party package at Pearce. Registration will be accepted for the fall Kids Zumba class each Monday from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. September 21 through November 9. Kids Zumba is open to children ages six to 12. The cost of the eight-week session is $18 for Pearce Foundation members; $20 for Pearce members; and $24 for non-members. Space is limited to 15 children. 

James' Beginner Hip Hop class demonstration at Mr. Chillicothe Contest June 12, 2015