Losing Weight in White Plains: An APOGEE Success Story
We know that APOGEE members are making wellness a daily habit and improving their health. And while we’re busy planning festivities for APOGEE’s one-year anniversary in Westchester this month, what we’re really celebrating is our members and what you have accomplished. White Plains member Carolyn Gomez is one shining example of how dedication to wellness for one year can transform you. Congratulations to Carolyn for making healthful changes that count! Here’s her story:
When a friend told Carolyn about a new place to work out that was just a few blocks from the courthouse where they work in White Plains, Carolyn didn’t think much of it. After all, she’d had a gym membership before and it hadn’t made a difference in her life. Still, she was intrigued. “It’s fun,” Meredith Byrne told her.
That conversation was a year ago and now, stronger, straighter and 40 pounds lighter, Carolyn knows that the right place can make a huge difference. “APOGEE isn’t just a gym,” Carolyn says. “It’s a whole wellness center. I was never successful with a straight-on gym.”
With Meredith, Carolyn became an APOGEE member—one of the first at the White Plains location, which opened in March 2009. She started taking a beginner’s Pilates mat class, added more mat classes, then expanded to the MVE Chair and Tower. “There are new classes on the schedule all the time and that makes it fun,” Carolyn says. She recently added a yoga class. With her membership, Carolyn received a free consultation with APOGEE dietitian Jennifer Vagios, who advised Carolyn on calorie counts and incorporating more fruits and vegetables. Carolyn often stops at the APOGEE Café for a healthy meal. “It’s easy because the food is there, already prepared,” Carolyn says. “I can grab it and take it back to work.” Jennifer also recommended that Carolyn add more cardio to her schedule—now she does 30 minutes on the bicycle and treadmills after her evening Pilates or yoga classes.
Everyone at APOGEE contributed to Carolyn’s transformation, she says. “Even in a group class the instructors give individual attention,” she says. “They are very motivating and make the classes fun.” When Carolyn mentioned to her Tower class instructor Dorothy that she wants to tone her arms for her July wedding, “Dorothy gave me five exercises that I can do right away,” Carolyn says. Just as important are the wellness concierges who know her name and check her in quickly. “That’s so important when I’m coming to class during my lunch hour and don’t have much time,” she says. “And they create a friendly environment.”
Carolyn experiences the change in her body every day, at work and at the wellness center during class. “My core in stronger and my posture is straighter,” Carolyn says. Now she knows how to achieve true wellness. “I feel a lot stronger and healthier all the time,” Carolyn says, “even just walking down the street!”
Tags: Carolyn Gomez, weight loss
