Health & Weight Loss Program Results - Around the Hook Today - December 2009
And the Biggest Loser Is.... 
The Results Are In from Eastpointe Health & Fitness’s Latest All-Inclusive Health & Fitness Program
Begun five years ago as part of the nationwide “I Lost It at the Club” program through the IHRSA International Health & Racketball Association, Eastpointe Health & Fitness (EPH&F) has expanded the program renaming it “Real Results” and recently finished up their fifth year . “The eight week program is run three times throughout the year and focuses not only on weight loss but on improving overall health through balanced nutrition and exercise,” said Kim Garrity, Facility Nutritionist and Real Results Administrator. “As a result of this approach, participants see a reduction in other health indicators such as body measurements and body fat.”
This most recent program consisted of 16 participants with a variety of health and fitness goals. “Several people wanted to improve their current eating habits and make slight changes to their weight while others had significant weight loss goals,” said Garrity. The program begins with a comprehensive health assessment and customized eating plan. Trainers worked with the participants throughout the 8-weeks in several teams where they received the benefits of customized personal training, nutritional counseling, weekly motivational meetings and lectures all designed to help each individual achieve personal goals and lifestyle changes.
Participants completed their final weigh-ins, measurements, and body composition tests by November 24th. A total of 16 people successfully completed the program losing a combined 93 pounds and 47 inches over the eight weeks. Christine Ghilino won for most pounds lost, Nancy DeScenza won for most inches lost and Mara Samuels won for the biggest reduction in body fat. “Congratulations to all the participants for their efforts in doing an outstanding job,” said Garrity.
Betsy Reidy of West Keansburg Surpassed Her Goals While Helping A Friend
“I had participated in the program two years ago and had successfully kept the weight off which had been an initial goal,” said Reidy. “Weight has been a constant battle for me especially coming from a family who didn’t practice good eating habits when I was growing up.” A fitness instructor at EPH&F, Reidy decided to participate in Real Results for a second time to encourage a friend to join the program. “I really joined to help my friend, Christine,” continued Reidy. 
“My goals were minimal . . . to decrease my body fat and increase my muscle tone more than losing weight.” During the eight week program, Reidy not only toned up and lost body fat but she greatly exceeded her minimal weight loss goal.
“I feel great! I am happy with the way I look. I am wearing different styles of clothing – instead of covering up. I am so happy I did it!” said Reidy. “While teaching a recent body pump class one of the participants asked “how do I get my arms to look like yours?” That made me feel great.” Asked what she liked about the program she responded, “ I loved the online nutrition report card and the way it keeps you on track with your goals. It helps you ensure you are getting all the nutrients and vitamins you need. I found that when I started getting these, I felt remarkably better!”
Encouragement Helped Christine Ghilino of the Highlands Join the Program and Then She Won For Most Pounds Lost
“I have always been active,” said Ghilino. “I started working out with my older sister when I was a child. Although I’ve stayed active over the years, being from an Italian family where food is a constant focus my eating habits haven’t always been the best.” Ghilino joined the Real Results program because her kick boxing instructor, Betsy Reidy encouraged her to attend the information session about the program. “I am a dancer and a singer and I need to be in shape,” said Ghilino. “Real Results looked interesting but Betsy’s support really helped me to take the plunge.” After the final weigh in at the end of eight weeks, Ghilino won the Real Results program for losing the most weight.
“Even though it was a lot of work, I really liked the online system,” said Ghilino. “It was very enlightening and educational when you get to see all the vitamins, nutrients and calories that you are consuming. Things like sodium content that I never really paid attention to are tracked in the system. I learned to eat so much better.” Even though Ghilino accomplished her goal for the program she plans to continue on her own. “I accomplished what I set out to do, but I am still working to continue to lose my remaining weight,” said Ghilino. “I can’t wait to get to my goal weight so that I can get onto my maintenance plan. Everyone at EPH&F has been so supportive. I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their encouragement.”
The Flexibility of the Program Helped Breast Cancer Survivor Nancy DeScenza of Sea Bright Win For Most Inches Lost
“I was always thin and even after having four children the weight would come off fairly easily,” said Nancy DeScenza. “Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am a five year cancer survivor but the maintenance drugs caused
me to gain weight.” A former EPH&F member and chiropractic patient of Dr. Jay Mazzella’s, DeScenza wanted to come back and saw an advertisement for the Real Results program. “I thought it was a perfect opportunity to work on losing weight, toning up and get back into regular exercising,” said DeScenza. “I was always comfortable at EPH&F because it’s a family business and everyone is very supportive.”
DeScenza did lose weight but where she saw the most improvement was in the number of inches she lost. In fact she was the winner of the “most inches lost” category of the Real Results program. Asked what worked for her in the program she answered, “I liked the flexibility in scheduling with the program. Because I have older children, I was free during the day but needed to be home after school and in the evening for my children’s activities. I was able to schedule morning nutrition appointments and attend the afternoon group training sessions. It was perfect for my lifestyle!” DeScenza continued, “I have met some great people through the club and this program. This is the longest I have EVER remained motivated. The staff at EPH&F is great at keeping you on course and motivated!”
Make 2010 the Year That You Achieve Your Fitness Goals! Join the Next Real Results, All-Inclusive Health Program Scheduled to Begin on January 11th
The next “Real Results” session begins on January 11th and finishes on March 5th. “We provide all participants with an integrated health and fitness approach that focuses on the entire person,” said Garrity. “The program includes everything you need to be successful including:
• A Full Fitness & Health Assessment
• Weekly Meetings
• A Personal Nutrition Plan & Ongoing Support
• Personal Training & A Customized Workout Program
• Goal Setting
• On-Line Tracking Tools