Greetings! My name is Suzinn Weiss and I’ve been a member of this wonderful gym since 1992. I was 32 when I joined and I’ll be 58 in April. It’s been great to have such a nice facility to work out my body and to work off the stress of life. My favorite things about the gym are that it’s small and women only. I love the people here and the sauna. I previously belonged to a mega gym and hated the vibe, the crowds, the smell and would end up never going. Since being a member here I try to come at least twice a week and recently much more often.
Back in October 2016 I had a routine blood panel which showed all my numbers to be higher than usual despite the fact that I had an active lifestyle. I decided to get serious about my diet even though I was consistently eating whole foods and hadn’t had meat since 1996. I created my own meal plan, kicked sugar and started doing more cardio. Within 4 months I dropped 10 pounds and within a year I was down 15 pounds. That might not sound like a lot but it was mostly fat from around my middle and it was nice to see my midlife muffin top disappear. My test results are better and I’ve been able to keep the weight off. I feel great but aging is full of surprises. This past November I had a bone density test that showed I had gone from having great bone health to a 30% loss in 10 years. I was given a diagnosis of osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis). I was shocked because I’m very active, however it turns out that my activities of choice were not helping keep my bones strong. It was then that I decided to enlist the help of two personal trainers.
Sam created a personalized weight room routine that has helped me build strength and bone health. The exercises she gives me are easy to follow so that I can work out several times a week on my own. She also encouraged me to start using the treadmill, first walking and now running. I never thought I would like running but now I’m doing 40-45 minutes on the treadmill at least 3 times a week. I recently started jogging outside as well.
I am also working with Tessa on the Pilates Reformer to address posture issues due to scoliosis. Within a short time I saw a big improvement and because of Tessa’s guidance I’m able to self-adjust my back and shoulders to keep my spine straighter. I’m enjoying this work so much I started taking Tessa’s mat Pilates class.
My other classes of choice are MELT with Sara and various yoga classes during the week. When I’m not at the gym I like to garden, walk, ride my bike and dance.
This combination of activities and classes along with working in the weight room and on the treadmill have had a great effect on my mood and my body. I’m probably in better shape than I was 10 years ago because I’m being guided by trainers and instructors. I would encourage women who have recently gone through menopause to have a physical, blood work and a bone density test. Hormones play a huge part in our overall well-being and having a clear understanding of your health is important. I would encourage younger women to start addressing bone health before you start losing bone density. If I’d done so 5 or 6 years ago I might never have had to deal with the threat of osteoporosis.
-Suzinn Weiss