Anna joins WMU

My name is Anna Nowak and I am a new member of the CFWLS Weight Management University program. I have spent the last few months watching the success stories unfolding at Dr. Clark’s Center and during that time I began to believe that I could be successful at weight loss too.

The day I signed up I had no idea what my weight or BMI was because I have spent years avoiding the scale and the truth is that I am very overweight. It has been easy to ignore weight gain when I can find pants with elastic waist bands and large shirts that cover my belly. However, it has been much harder to ignore the constant fatigue and back pain that accompanies too much weight and too little physical activity. It is way past time for a change!

So, the first day on the scale was a real eye opener. The scale read 194 pounds with a BMI of 32 (that is a body fat count of 39 %)….good heavens!

Now, I have not always been a ‘big’ girl. My younger years were slimmer although the weight has progressively crept up over the years. I have tried many diets to try to regain control, but as soon asI stopped the program, the weight returned or even increased! I also cannot even count how many times I bought a gym membership with the best intentions, only to stop going after the first few weeks.  So with a track record of failure it was pretty easy to justify not even trying.

In any event, I decided to face my fears and overcome my excuses and join the program. My first visit with Dawn was awesome. She gave me great information and listened, really listened to my issues, concerns, and questions. She encouraged me to join in the Lifestyle Education and Group Fitness classes and I am glad she did. The educational classes offered a lot of detailed information and answered questions that I didn’t even know I had. The fitness classes are challenging because of my poor level of fitness but everyone is so supportive and encouraging and the instructors help you modify exercise to suit your abilities. I am already doing activities that I thought I might never be able to do again. My energy levels are increasing and in the last 3 weeks I have managed to lose 8 pounds!

Although things are a challenge, so far nothing in the WMU program has been beyond my ability to do, and best of all is the support and encouragement I receive from both the CFWLS staff and the other members. I feel that has probably been the missing ingredient in every other program I have ever been in before- folks cheering me on.

I am looking forward to the weeks to come as I get lighter and stronger. I understand that it will take time, but every little bit adds up. I am also setting mini goals as well as big goals and the great goal setting tips given to me by the Center have really helped me keep my focus. My next immediate goal is increasing my fitness by walking at least 5000 steps a day and working out at least 3 times a week. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. Thank you, CFWLS, for making this journey possible!