Email from Alice--a Happy BALANCE Person!

Hi, Bridget! I just wanted to let you know that things are going well with my BALANCE USA program in the Chantilly Fitness First. It got off to a rocky start because they weren’t aware of the program at all when I stopped into activate my membership with them and make an appointment with a trainer—but I must compliment the staff on their willingness to help. Kudos to Chris, the MOD and Kelly, the young lady at the desk that day. They bent over backwards to meet my needs!

The Chantilly site is very well kept and a pleasant place to go to. I especially enjoy the “virtual reality” bike—Expresso, I think? I was working out on it at the end of my session on Tuesday and was determined to either keep up or beat the “pacer”—and I did!!!

Currently I’m training with John, a delightful young man, and he’s dealing very well with this old lady!!!

I want to thank you and any of the other parties from Fitness First who joined with Dr. Ashry to help us in this BALANCE USA program. This year, Fox News. Next year—all of us success stories on Oprah!!

Alice M.

Cheering Up Mia!

Juan is helping Mia M. with her exercise routine. Mia showed me band aids on two fingers from pricking and measuring her blood sugar. She said, "You are cheering me up this morning, because I sure don't like pricking my fingers!" A good reason to stick with the BALANCE program!

GO Sharon!

Sharon W. working out this morning with personal trainer, Juan.

Sharon tells us that her blood sugar in the morning typically reads 125. Today, it was 113!
She attributes the change from eliminating sugary root vegetables from her diet, like carrots and potatoes, and substituting quinoa grains and green vegetables, instead.

Congratulations, Sharon! =)

My First Personal Training Session

I had my first personal training session for the program on 11/5/08 at 7 AM at the Silver Spring-Layhill center. My trainer was Xavier. He was patient and respectful. As we moved through the equipment he demonstrated the proper use of the machine and explained the muscles that would be used. He counted my reps and chatted with me. I survived!

Start of a New Day!

I am starting my Balance this week. I am nervous about how this will work for me. I want this to work so that I have a better, heathler life. But I am extremely nervous that I will fail. I know I can lose the weight. I have before. I just feel with the Diabetes it is just a way larger climb than I have ever done. Will I be able to succeed? It is frustrating when my levels are off day to day, work out to work out. Sometimes I can't peg why my numbers are so off. Other days I have no idea why I am in the 400's or the 30's. I hate the constant flux. I hate the constant pricking of my fingers and needles. How many thousands of needles will I use in my life time? My son says that his dream in life is to find a cure for Diabetes. Only if all our dreams could come true. I want to live a healthy life so that my kids don't worry about me. I CAN DO THIS!