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by Carrie Swearingen
Pioneer Press Newspapers,
Chicago North Suburban editions (1996)
Glenview resident Sara Fox strolled
into the McGaw YMCA over three years ago in search of health. "I
was worried," remembers the 39-year-old athlete who had viewed
herself as health-conscious with the exception of a 20-year smoking
habit. "I quit smoking, and I needed to. Then the weight crept
up. My job changed and I found myself sitting at a desk all day.
Suddenly my petite frame was carrying 178 pounds. I was not happy."
Fox, who works for the American Massage therapy Association in Evanston,
soon learned of her employer’s enrollment in the McGaw YMCA
Corporate Membership program that offers area companies a significant
discount on Y membership. "I liked the Y’s mission. I
felt motivated to join because I knew my dollars were going to kids
and others who can’t otherwise afford a place to rejuvenate.
I went on a tour of the facility, was impressed with the amenities
hiding within the deceiving building, and decided to give it a shot."
Fox began her fitness routine by flying solo. "I thought I
knew what I was doing, but I was discouraged about seeing few results,"
she admits. "Then I met Mary –– and fitness salvation."
Fox refers to her decision to incorporate personal training into
her routine, under the direction of Mary Nimrod, McGaw YMCA Health
& Fitness Director. "I never realized how essential the
weight training was to my weight loss and overall health. Mary helped
me to maximize my workout with better technique. I began to see
results instantly. I walked through these doors feeling old ––
even my joints were hurting. Now I’m at the same weight I was
in college, but I’m far healthier. I can’t believe that
my once-flabby body now flaunts a bunch of lean muscles.
Fox admits to burying herself in all the latest articles about nutrition.
"Mary helped me out there, too." We talked a lot about
ways to ensure proper nutrition while my body was slimming down.
I took a variety of classes at the Y, mostly Total Body Workout,
and I was impressed with the way the instructors were monitoring
health reports and magazines. I learned what to eat before and after
a workout. I never thought that kind of information could actually
have an impact, but I learned."
Fox worked health into every aspect of her life, eventually finding
a great love for massage therapy and overall wellness. "The
Y inspired me. Educated at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy,
I joined the ranks of the McGaw Y Massage Therapy Staff in 1996.
I take a variety of clients here at the Y and up at Women’s
Wellness Camp at the Y’s Michigan-based residential camp, Camp
Echo. Mary knew that I would be committed. I truly believe in the
Y and that’s what makes this a good fit."
Fox is encouraged by her full-time employer’s awareness of
the importance of total fitness, and hopes that more companies will
begin to realize the rewards. "This gesture makes the staff
happy both physically and mentally. Stress reduction is crucial,"
admits Fox, whose comments only echo national studies that reveal
a decline in sick days and increase in workplace motivation by employees
who participate in such programs.
YMCA staff members admittedly enjoyed watching Fox burn-off over
40 pounds, as she now weighs in at a trim 135. But Sara Fox wanted
to be sure we knew this wasn’t about her dress size. "If
I fell away and they didn’t see me at class, I knew the fitness
staff would start calling my house. It has nothing to do with dollars
and everything to do with their commitment to seeing that I reach
my goals. I lot of clubs just go through the motions. Often you
don’t even find the same person leading class and hardly anyone
knows your name. The McGaw YMCA has impressed me. It’s more
about community than having the latest toys. The equipment here
is state-of-the-art, but the friendships are a world above anything
I’ve found at other clubs. You just feel so good about being
here. And that’s what it’s all about, right? Health starts
from within."
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