Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/234009
// Juli Farris meets regularly with WAC Nutritionist Shana Hopkins, above left; Leanne Andrepont, above right, found weight-loss success with the Fit 4 Life program. The soon-to-be 68-year-old started working with personal trainer Darrick Kung. "The impetus was the function of age," Bill says, later mentioning the on-mountain collision. "The older you get, the more you have to work to maintain the shape that you're in." For Bill and many others, it's as much about avoiding The Next 10 as it is about losing The Last 10. Think of it this way: Would you happily take your weight of 20 years ago? In 20 more years, what do you want to weigh? "People's needs are all over the board when it comes to weight loss," Tamela says. "One person may need to focus their attention on diet and lifestyle, while another might find an exercise program to be the solution. And then there is the person who needs to exercise smarter. That can mean building muscle mass with a trainer, or it can mean undergoing a metabolic exercise test to understand how many and what kind of calories your body is burning at different workout levels." Before working out with Darrick, Bill's primary exercise came through 45 days a year on the slopes. Since meeting up with Darrick, he's trimmed his hips and added muscle mass. Now he's starting to think about his waistline, as well. "To me, weight is but a mathematical calculation of calories in, calories out," Bill says. Fortunately for Bill and many others, the math behind weight loss is no longer a guessing game. CHANGING YOUR LIFE Leanne Andrepont joined the Wellness Center's Fit 4 Life program to help prepare for the New York City Marathon. The program includes a resting metabolic rate assessment that scientifically determines exactly how many calories a person needs to remain weight neutral. After you know that, you can accurately adjust your diet and exercise to target your goal weight. Through Fit 4 Life, Leanne began working with Shana, exercising smarter, and shedding weight. She lost 20 pounds and this past November completed the marathon in the Big Apple in just over five hours. "I really wanted to lose 30 pounds," she said before leaving for the race. "When I get back I will be focusing on losing the last 10." While some members focus on nutrition or exercise, Leanne goes all-in, working with personal trainer Laura Heydrich, running coach Wade Praeger, and Tri/Cycle Club coach Julie Vieselmeyer, and attending yoga classes. "Fit 4 Life was perfect for me," she says. "I came into the program knowing very little about fitness or nutrition. With the metabolic tests you know exactly what to put in and what to take out. I'm so happy. This has been a part of a large lifestyle change." Understanding and implementing such change—and sticking with it—makes all the difference … no matter how much weight you want to lose. —Editorial Assistant Naomi Thalenberg contributed to the reporting of this story. // Bill King is starting to target weight loss after adding muscle mass. WHY LOSE WEIGHT? The benefits of losing 10 or more pounds have been proven extensively. Beyond obvious physical advantages, you may also lower your cholesterol and blood pressure; reduce your risk of heart attack, diabetes, and certain types of cancer; and improve your sleep, overall energy levels, and personal intimacy. The Wellness Center can help. Contact 206.839.4780 or wellness@wac.net. JANUARY 2014 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 35