Fitness Forum Encourages Improved Health With Program
Florence Morning News - April 25, 2008
By Jamie Durant
The Fitness Forum in Florence is holding a 16-Week Weight Loss program to encourage Pee Dee residents to get healthy.
Certified personal trainer Latisha Pierce, who also holds a degree in exercise science, is hosting the classes.
She said she thinks the program is a great way for people who are new to exercise to get off to a great beginning.
“I think it is a good program for people who are having a hard time with their weight,” she said. “They know they’ve got to be responsible because I’m going to be checking up on them.”
Pierce said the classes consist of mostly women, but there is one man taking the classes and she said he is doing quite well.
“I had everybody introduce each other Monday night,” she said. “They laughed and talked, but still did their workout.”
People still can sign up for classes, even though the classes started Monday. Pierce said she gives the new people a little extra time in the beginning to get them situated and on the same level as the others in the class.
Margaret Gary, a newcomer to the program, said she already can see certain changes in her body.
“My arms feel a little bit stronger,” she said. “And I can lift a little bit more and I don’t get as winded as I used to. Also, my clothes are starting to get a little bit big.”
Gary said Pierce has been a great help to her in teaching her the right way to exercise, and she plans to recommend the program to others.
“It’ll give you that motivation,” she said. “She won’t make you feel fat. She takes her time and works with us individually.”
Gary said the program is a good way for people to take that first step toward better health.
“It’s great for people who are just beginning (to work out) or scared of doing physical activity,” she said.
The program is free with a 12-month membership to the Fitness Forum. Existing members need only renew their membership to be eligible.
Fitness director Robin Parker said the program’s main focus is to give people that added push to develop a routine for better health.
“At this time of year, most of the willpower is long gone from New Year’s resolutions, which seem to always include weight loss or getting in better shape,” she said. “The 16-week program is designed to get the participant to look at all aspects of their daily lives and find a place for fitness as a regular part of it.”
If You’re Going
What: Fitness Forum 16-Week Weight Loss program
When: Classes have started, but there’s still time to sign up
Where: Fitness Forum, 120 Elm St., Florence
Info: Call the Fitness Forum at (843) 661-3800