Issue link: https://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1547391
Fall Fitness Challenge | History of the Main Event | Meet the Athlete | Instructor Insights 24 WAC Magazine | wac.net Fall Fitness Challenge History of The Main Event Meet the Athlete Instructor Insights Q U I N N T O O M E Y ( 3 ) For most of his life, WAC member Hahns Burg has embraced exercise and healthy living. He's climbed mountains, participated in several multiday cycling events, and pounded the pavement as a distance runner. But when he hit his 60s, his metabolism slowed and he devel- oped a heart condition that threatened to sideline him. Hahns fought back. He enlisted the help of a WAC personal trainer, doubled down on his workouts, focused on building muscle mass—and found himself stronger at age 63 than he was in high school. Chris Jaramillo had always been a runner and a walker, but a major life shi—followed by the encouragement of a friend—motivated her to join the WAC and start meeting with a trainer. Initially daunted by the weight room, Chris soon started seeing small gains. Her balance improved, her clothes start- ed fitting better, and she increased her strength on assisted pull-ups by so much that it raised the eyebrows of others in the weight room. Hahns' and Chris' success stories are why WAC Men's Fitness Manager and experienced personal trainer John Leslie created the Fall Fitness Challenge. is free two-month program empowers, motivates, and creates healthy habits that serve members not only in the gym but also in life. e inaugural challenge kicks off November 16 and runs through January 15, 2027. Self-guided "One of the biggest benefits of working out consistently is that it gives you more energy to be better in aspects of your life beyond just the physical," John says. "You're a better parent, partner, team member—because your body and your brain are functioning better." e Fall Fitness Challenge is largely self-guided. ink swimming, pickleball, and weight training with the WAC's progress-tracking EGYM machines, or outdoor runs, walks, and bike rides on your own. It includes three compli- mentary InBody scans throughout the challenge. InBody scans assess muscle mass, body fat, and basal metabolic rate to help gauge progress. John will also send out videos and emails through- out the challenge to keep participants motivated. Members can work out as little or as much as they want, and the top male and female participant with the great- Living Fit Game on The Fall Fitness Challenge blends fun, friendly competition, and real results By Sheila Cain