|
Testimonials
Doug Sanders | John Wade| Johnny Saylor | Melissa Dowell
Doug Sanders
MSgt
113th ASOS
 Let me introduce myself. I am MSgt. Doug Sanders of the 113th ASOS. I know many of the newer members may not know me and I’ve got admit, every month of UTA I seem to recognize fewer faces. I guess this could be called the “Changing of the 181st Guard” and it is wonderful to see young people stepping up to the plate to be a part of this unit to serve this great country of ours.
I would like to share just a few words with you, a testimonial if you will, and hopefully some of you (younger or older members) will grasp a little wisdom from this. My 181st Air Guard career at age 21 when I enlisted in March of 1980. I became an Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician and I have loved every minute of it. I have always been proud to be a member of this unit not only during the good times but also through the rough times.
Read More
As time passed, I began making poor health related choices like not watching my diet, and not being involved in a regular exercise program. Every year I notice a few pounds being added and my activity pace slowing down with each passing year. These were subtle changes and the only thing I really noticed was that it was getting a little harder each year to pass the Air Force weight standards and PT testing.
Then in April of 2007, I started to notice an ever so slight, butterfly flutter feeling in the center of my chest just a few times a day, hardly even worth acknowledging. This first occurred during the time of BRAC and I wrote it off as anxiety. I did however, go ahead and make an appointment with my family doctor. The doctor checked me over and didn’t find anything significant but she still wanted me to go to the hospital to have several tests ran. The last test I had was a heart cath and the results showed I had one major artery that was 70% blocked.
This was reason for the fluttering feeling I was feeling as the blood flow was being squeezed through the blocked artery. The doctor said this was a guaranteed future heart attack had I let it go. The doctor cleared the blockage and inserted a stint into my artery. I am doing great now, but I am on a wavier reviewable by Headquarters in order to maintain my membership in the guard and I must pass the AF fitness and ASOS standards to remain in the guard.
Some good things did result from this situation in my life. My Commander; Lt Col. Renwick, talked with me and encouraged me to get with the Fitness Experts team here on base to help improve my lifestyle.. I met with them and they were/are very willing to work with me and encourage me! I am amazed how wonderful it’s been working with them! They have made some real positive changes to my life style, diet, and overall physical condition. The “main point” I want to pass on to all our members is that if you are a younger unit member, not eating right and not working out with the Fitness Experts, you need to talk to them right away. Have them set you up on a personalized program ASAP. Keep in mind that my story could be yours in the future! For those of you who are halfway to retirement, or even those who are closer to retirement, “IT’S NEVER TO LATE TO START!!! I am almost 50 and feel like 35 again!
A Final Note: I would like to thank our Base Commander; Col. Hauser and our Vice Commander; Col Colbert for making it possible for us to have access to the Fitness Experts and the base fitness equipment. Thanks also to the Fitness Experts for all their time, dedication, expertise and hard work!
I also would like to thank my Commander; Lt Col Renwick and my Supervisor; MSgt Dave Miller for their encouragement and support of the fitness program here on base!
John Wade
MSgt
181IW/ISS
 Don’t waste your time trying to follow the latest “FAD” diet, or make wholesale New Year’s resolutions.
Enough is enough! Now is the time to visit the 181 IW fitness center and make an appointment with one of the Fitness Experts. The initial visit is painless. The trainers will start by doing a basic assessment of your physical condition (i.e. height, weight, electronic BMI, and some general measurements). Next the trainers will ask a couple of questions to determine what areas YOU want to focus on (cardio, PT, back strengthening, etc). The trainers will take all of the information and determine what workout regime will be better for YOU to utilize and accomplish YOUR goal. As I mentioned earlier the initial visit is painless. The initial visit will be YOUR last painless visit. The days, weeks, and months ahead will truly be the worst days of your life, but in a good way. Quickly (generally by day 2) YOU will realize how out of shape YOU really are. After a few sessions YOU will be begin to ask YOURSELF a series of questions:
Read More
- Why did I allow myself to get this out of shape?
- How did I get in the condition I am in?
- Will I ever be able to accomplish MY goal?
You may never answer the first two questions, but YOU will be able to answer the third question and YOU will actually see the results. No joke! This is not a gimmick! The classes actually work and in a short time YOU will start feeling better about yourself both physically and mentally.
Johnny Saylor
181st Intelligence Wing
Family Program Coordinator
 Hi. My name is Johnny Saylor and I am a 60-year old male who retired from the military. I have been retired for over 10 years and unlike when I was in, I have done very little to exercise or watch my weight. In the last two years I have gone through a knee operation and quit smoking. During that time I gained over 30 pounds. My employer has started a new Fitness Program with the Fitness Experts. They give us the opportunity to work out for one hour, three times per week. The Fitness Expert Trainers have set up individual programs, as well as group classes, to help us work on our health and fitness.
Read More
I have had a lot of trouble loosing weight and getting my knee back into shape. Since I started working with the Fitness Experts 2 months ago, I have seen a lot of improvement. “LT” developed an individual program for me to focus on strengthening my knee and increasing my cardio. This work out has already helped increase my flexibility and stamina. I have also lost over 13 lbs and 7 inches. The weight loss alone has made it easier on my knee. I have followed my trainer’s instruction and work with him on different strength exercise. I have not been on a strict diet, I just eat things that are healthier, smaller portions, and more fruits. Their nutrition booklet was a great help in seeing what I have been eating and what I needed to do to have a healthier meal.
My goal is to keep doing the things I have learned through our program and get back to a more reasonable weight. I don’t dream of a body of a young man but one of a healthier 60 year old. The good thing is I know what I’m doing will stay with me. It’s not some diet pill or starvation plan but a good eating and exercise program that will enable me to keep the weight off and build a strong heart and body.
Melissa Dowell
 Hello, my name is Melissa Dowell! I am a Financial Analyst in the City Controller’s Office. I have been taking advantage of our City, Fitness Experts membership since July 2008. I began with Yoga and Butts N’ Guts. At that point, I realized what poor shape I was in. I thought that I would never get into shape after having two children and one of them being born via C-Section. But, with the help of the personal trainers and classes, I have so much more energy and self confidence. Another great aspect of my workouts, are the lunch workouts at City Hall. Whether it is Yoga, Pilates or toning, I have always come back to work more energized then I was before.
Read More
I have also noticed a change in my total cholesterol since starting at Fitness Experts and the Biggest Loser Challenge. My total cholesterol went from 232 to 198 in a 9 month period of time. 34 points!!!! No medication, just diet and exercise.
I never dread coming to Fitness Experts. It is nice to go in there and have a little “ME” time. Their staff is always there and willing to help you. The trainers are always finding new and fun ways of working out. I definitely feel that I am a better mother, wife and employee, now that my energy and self-confidence have increased since joining Fitness Experts. All City Employees and their spouses need to take advantage of this great opportunity. |
