Member Testimonials Archives - Best Gym, Fitness Center & Aquatics | Active Wellness Center

Activate Member Spotlight: Vieda Baker

Amelia Simek — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:56:13 +0000

Activate Member Spotlight: Vieda Baker

After COVID, Vieda realized her body, soul, and mind had taken more of a beating than she had thought. To build herself back up, she joined Active and the Activate program and it turned out to be just what she needed to jumpstart her healthy habits and build her life back up. Read Vieda’s full testimonial below.

“I had a difficult five years prior to and during COVID. Looking back, I didn’t realize the beating my body, soul and mind had taken! I also have problems with my left foot, which makes walking difficult, so a friend recommended I start an exercise program at Active Wellness Center.

I started with the Fall Prevention class and then joined the Activate program for health coaching and to build muscle on the EGYM Strength Training Machine Circuit. My health coach Sera encouraged me to keep progressing by trying other classes such as the Activate Circuit Class, L.I.F.T. and Balance, and water aerobics.

I was worried about not being able to use the outdoor pool ladder but the strength I’ve built working out on the EGYM and taking classes made it possible! I have been embraced by the Active staff and have made new friends who surround me in our combined effort to keep moving. So I say to all the seniors out there, ‘what are you waiting for?!’ Active and the Activate Program was my jumpstart to a better life.”

Are you ready to take your health and wellness to another level? Find out more about the Activate program HERE. Or reach out to us at reeds@activewellnesscenter.com with any questions.

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Activate Member Spotlight: Tina Ryan

Amelia Simek — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:48:02 +0000

Activate Member Spotlight: Tina Ryan

Tina Ryan realized it was time for her to make some significant lifestyle changes last fall. She was suffering from PTSD and her health was in decline. Her doctor recommended she manage stress and lose weight, but Tina set even loftier goals for herself. A former competitive judoka (or “judo player”), Tina could feel her inner athlete clamoring to get out. What she really wanted to accomplish was to hike the Tumalo Falls Trail near Bend within an hour, and be able to run around with her grand nephew while babysitting. What Tina didn’t expect was to also develop a new interest in powerlifting, which she’s now able to safely do with the help of her awesome trainer, Mohammed Elhassan.

“I visited several health clubs and found the Activate program at Active Wellness Center to be the best fit to support my goals,” Tina said. “The holistic and collaborative approach has helped me improve my nutrition, implement a workout routine that includes exercises I enjoy, and easily track my progress. After six months, I have significantly better mobility, strength, and confidence. Plus, when my daughter visits, we can do a family gym day!”

Through Activate, Tina enjoys the sense of community with staff and other members, which helps empower her to keep up her new wellness routine. “It’s like a big family cheering each other on,” she said. “I feel safe both physically and emotionally, with support from the compassionate and competent staff, including Mohammed and my health coach Sera Eden.” In addition to building muscle on the Activate EGYM circuit and personal training, Tina has participated in our Fall Prevention program and takes many group fitness classes.

“The Active community has truly helped me to find joy in movement again,” said Tina. “I feel mentally and physically better than I have in this chapter of my life so far. I’ve learned skills that I can take with me wherever I go and I’m able to do so many things that I haven’t been able to do in years!” Tina recounts her proudest fitness moments as being able to lift herself up and out of the pool without a ladder and standing up in a kayak without falling over. Stay tuned for those photos from the top of Tumalo Falls this summer!

Are you ready to take your health and wellness to another level? Find out more about the Activate program HERE. Or reach out to us at reeds@activewellnesscenter.com with any questions.

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Fall Prevention May 2024

Amelia Simek — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:15:45 +0000

Fall Prevention Session begins soon

Active at Reed’s Crossing is hosting their second Fall Prevention Session running from 4/2/24 – 5/9/24

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an older adult falls every second of every day. And while some falls don’t cause injury, one in five falls does result in a broken bone or head injury. Don’t allow yourself or a loved one to become a statistic: Let our experienced team help you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground by developing core strength and balance skills essential for active living.

Active at Reed’s Crossing’s next Fall Prevention session begins April 2 with activities and exercises designed to improve strength, balance, independence, fall risk awareness, and overall health of participants. Led by Medical Fitness Manager Angie Dobrowski and experienced program instructors, these multi-level group classes feature balance training, lower body and core strength development, and mobility work.

Here’s what our winter session participants had to say about their experience:

“As someone who has had several significant falls in the past, I knew I had to do something to maintain my independence. Even though I do have a healthcare background and knowledge of the physical body, I found this class to be extremely helpful. The sessions were structured and well thought out. The feedback provided was very helpful in giving me insight to which skills I need to continue to work on to remain safely mobile. Even though the class is only 6 weeks long, I feel I have made significant improvements in my balance and strength. I would highly recommend attending sessions if you have fallen, or even feel you are at risk.”

“As an active senior, I have experienced a few falls during sports activities. These falls had an impact on my overall enjoyment and success as a player, and they eventually started to erode my confidence. The improved strength, stability, posture, and gait has made a significant improvement in my enjoyment of sports. The Program has also benefited my daily life in climbing stairs, working on household duties, and reaching for or carrying heavy items.”

“My experience in the Fall Prevention course has taught me the importance of balance. It sounds so simple but the techniques the instructors are showing us are complex and I would have no idea how to improve my mobility without them. I plan to be in the April class and continue to work towards better mobility and safety.”

Our next session runs April 2 – May 9 and space is limited. Assessments for new participants will be held in Studio 1 on Thurs., March 28 from 12pm – 2pm. Required for participation, these assessments will help identify which class level is most appropriate for you, and will also provide us with a starting point from which to measure your progress. Classes themselves will be held in Studio 2 on Tuesdays & Thursdays, with Level 1 from 1pm-1:45pm, and Level 2 from 2pm-2:45 pm.

Cost is $110 for members and $160 for nonmembers, per person, per 6-week session. You can enroll in a single 6-week session or in multiple sessions as space allows. Providence Medicare Advantage will cover the cost for plan members.

Enrollment opens March 12; reserve your spot through the Active app.

Please reach out to Active at Reed’s Crossing with any questions at 503-512-5010 or by emailing Angie Dobrowski at angie.dobrowski@activewellnesscenter.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Darryl Boom

jessica — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:58:09 +0000

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Darryl Boom, Active at Kruse Woods Member

The Lake Oswego Municipal Golf course was Darryl Boom’s favorite place to exercise until it closed for renovation last year. “I would walk the back nine. It’s really pretty; hilly and wonderful. I found a lot of golf balls, and I was really happy,” he said. When the parks department closed the course, “all of a sudden, I’m sitting without a place to exercise.”

Darryl’s loss was Kruse Woods’ gain, because the golf course closure is what led Darryl and his wonderful sense of humor to Active Wellness Center. “I really like the place. I like the space. I like that you’ve got all sorts of diverse equipment, and there’s good parking too!” Soon after joining, Darryl started taking classes and began to realize that his body needed strength training in addition to walking and golfing in order to stay healthy and mobile as he aged. “I think it’s wonderful that classes are included with membership,” he said. “Classes can give you some ideas about areas you need to work on.”

When he’s not taking classes, Darryl spends most of his time working on strength and balance. He describes EGYM as a “really neat concept” and hopes adding muscle will help improve his golf game.

Currently, Darryl is getting ready for his annual trip to Mexico, and that comes with its own challenges. “There are gyms down there, but they’re a lot different than Kruse Woods and they don’t have near the space we have here.” To help him stay fit while he’s away, Darryl develops exercise routines he can do at the local gyms in Mexico that will keep him moving until he returns home.

As much as Darryl misses his time on the golf course, he appreciates how the renovation closure has opened his eyes to a new approach to health and fitness. “I wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t closed the course. In retrospect, it’s a blessing in disguise. I’m much healthier now. I feel better. Golf is great and I’ll continue to play if they ever get the course done,” he says with a wry smile. In the meantime, Darryl is enjoying his newfound fitness community. “The people here are really friendly and interesting. Everybody has a story and I like that.”

We can thank Parks and Recreation, as well, for leading Darryl through our doors. We wish Darryl a safe stay in Mexico and look forward to seeing him again in the spring.

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Member of the Month: Willy Bruijns

jessica — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:46:53 +0000

After finding a passion for running at the age of 57, Willy knew that to keep her body in shape and injury free on her runs, she needed to work out her whole body. After moving to Reed’s Crossing, she found Active and also found Active’s group classes, Pilates Reformer training sessions and The ZONE classes which have all helped her in her goals. Check out Willy’s full story below.

Willy’s Story:

“Never having run before, I became a runner at age 57. Both trail and distance lured me, and I began running ever increasing distances (68 ½ miles the longest), on ever more challenging terrain: Marin County in California, Bryce, Zion, the sculpted sandstone canyons in Arizona, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons to name a few trail race locations. In order to keep in shape and avoid injury I had to work on total body fitness. I became a member of a gym first in California, later in Southern Oregon and now recently here at Active at Reed’s Crossing.

I am not diligent in working out by myself. I like the group classes and the social benefits of working out in a group. During COVID I lost a lot of my strength and aerobic ability, so when we moved to Reed’s Crossing in 2021, I was delighted to become a member at such a beautiful, well-equipped, brand-new facility as Active at Reed’s Crossing.

I got a knee injury earlier this year, which prevents me from running and from taking Victoria’s HIIT class here at Active, which I love. Fortunately, the Pilates sessions I’ve been taking at Active are very beneficial to me, especially with my trainer Lilly’s vast knowledge of both Pilates and the human body. Doing mat Pilates (and taking private reformer sessions) makes me feel as if I’ve had a nice massage. I feel more flexible, stronger and taller, and it helps me with posture and balance. Lilly’s Pilates reformer sessions are tailor-made to my ability and also my limitations, and she often suggests exercises I can do at home to help the rehab of my knee.

I also like doing ZONE classes. They make me sweat and allow me to keep my aerobic ability. With the trainers’ knowledge of proper execution and, if necessary, modifications I can do most exercises and keep up with most people.

For me, coming to Active at Reed’s Crossing is a little like entering an old episode of Cheers: Everybody Knows Your Name. From the front desk to the trainers and instructors, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. I hope to be able to enjoy this gym for many, many years to come.”

-Willy Bruijns

Willy, thank you for sharing your story with us! The Active team has been inspired by all you’ve done and how you found a passion for health and fitness. We’re so glad to be a part of your journey.

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Active Client Testimonial for Sergio Landeros

mark — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 18:33:19 +0000

Self-care, we hear a lot about it but what does it really mean? When the pandemic hit, I thought it was about mental health. However, by March of 2021 I found myself heavier than I had ever been and my health was suffering. Not only was I overweight, but I was reacting to most everything I ate. I reached out for help and saw an allergist. I learned that several foods I ate regularly were causing me to have severe allergic reactions, so I cut them out of my life. Next, I focused on calorie counting and boy did I get good at it! I dropped 40 pounds over the next year.

Then my husband and I joined Active at Reeds Crossing. This would lead to my next step in self-care. I met Sergio during my free personal training appointment. This would be a life changer. I decided that self-care now meant investing in my health like never before. I arranged to have ten hours of personal training with Sergio. I let him know I wanted to continue losing weight and to get my balance back. He took the time to really work with me on conditioning my core, increasing muscle and bone mass, while lowering my visceral fat. He helped me understand how to eat to increase my health. I then decided to invest in my health again and arranged for another 10 hours with Sergio. The outcome? My muscle mass is up, my bone mass is up, my weight is in a good place (I will keep working at it!) I have terrific balance; my ankles are strong and support me so well. I feel good in my skin. I am healthier than I have been in years.

Sergio is a terrific guide who listens and supports you as you work through all the ups and downs that come with creating a healthier lifestyle. Self-care = taking care of all of you! Sometimes you need a coach, and I would highly recommend Sergio for your adventure in discovering a healthier you. Thank you, Sergio!

Sincerely,
Belynda Griffin

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Active Wellness Center Member Spotlight | July 2023 Cindy Culver

jessica — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:02:41 +0000

Cindy found her movement motivation at Active at Kruse Woods after her 60th birthday, trying out various classes until settling on her favorites. Her enthusiasm and commitment have led to real results, including weight loss and improved health markers.

Read Cindy’s inspiring story for more details on how she achieved her goals with the help of the club’s instructors and fitness specialists.

Cindy’s story: First it was Yoga. Then LIFT & Balance, which segued into Pilates and Boot Camp (“thought I was gonna die”) and Zumba. Now a Cardio Fusion regular and Pilates devotee, Cindy Culver worked her way around Active Wellness Center and our class schedule until she found her movement motivation. “After my 60th birthday, I decided it was time to head back to the gym,” she said. Not really knowing where to start other than she wanted to do classes, Cindy read through the descriptions to help her decide which ones would be suitable. “The instructors and other people in every class I took made me feel welcome from the very start,” she said. “The instructors give us good direction and remind us to work at our own pace. I don’t ever feel like a fish out of water and that makes me want to keep coming back.”

Cindy is an accountant who owns her own business, and that allows her flexibility to go to the club when she wants. She can work classes into her day and still have time to hang out with her husband, son and two dogs. “During Covid, we walked the dogs every day but at some point, it just didn’t feel like enough. I knew I needed to kick it up a notch for my health.” Cindy played the game right: She started slow, tried (almost) everything, and settled on the classes that she enjoyed and that felt right. “I love love love Pilates,” she gushed.

“You walk out of there knowing that you used every muscle in your body. I even bought some equipment so I could do the exercises at home, too. I feel so good when I’m done; it’s definitely a keeper.”

Cindy’s enthusiasm and commitment have led to real results that she didn’t necessarily expect. Her A1C, blood glucose levels, and triglycerides already have dropped thanks to her new exercise routine. “I’ve lost weight and inches, too; my pants are looser! I’ve never seen results like this…it’s such an emotional thing for me. I felt terrible before coming back to the gym and it’s incredibly powerful to see what your body can do when you choose to move.”

Cindy’s next goal is to hone her nutrition with the help of our Fitness Specialists to ensure she’s fueling her body for maximum energy and results. We know she’ll tackle that with the same gusto that helped her get through the Boot Camp burpees.

Keep smiling and sweating, Cindy…we’re so excited for you!

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Active at Kruse Woods Member Feature | Jim Colahan

jessica — Wed, 10 May 2023 16:09:30 +0000

Look up “resilient” in the dictionary and you may see a photo of Active Wellness Center at Kruse Woods member Jim Colahan, who has endured a barrage of health issues only to come out smiling – always smiling – on the other side. He’s now a thriving, active member of our Kruse Woods community, taking classes, working out on EGYM and enjoying feeling good for the first time in years. “My brain and body are firing back up; I can feel the renewal of my life here,” he said.

Ten years ago, Jim was not feeling well at all. He had begun showing signs of illness that appeared to be Parkinson’s but turned out to be Cushing’s disease, a rare and progressive disorder caused by benign tumors on the adrenal glands. Jim had three surgeries to treat the disease and ended up having a stroke in the process, which required a fourth surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. After spending two months in intensive care and a month in skilled nursing, Jim finally returned home to continue his recovery. “I was completely helpless. I had to relearn everything from eating to walking.”

Jim was in physical therapy for a number of years but yearned to get back into independent exercise. “I tried several different gyms but it was all so overwhelming. My body didn’t work right and I felt lost.” Jim then heard that Kruse Woods had reopened with new EGYM equipment. “I thought it was the perfect place to transition from physical therapy into a gym setting because it was smaller and friendlier, and I could get some one-on-one help. Boy, did I ever! My physical strength and balance are improving, and the encouragement I receive from other members and the staff is wonderful.” Jim’s neurologist and physical therapist are equally pleased with his progress!

Having traveled the world as an international manufacturing rep, Jim is happy to be settled back in Portland and making new friends at Kruse Woods. “People share here. They encourage each other, they smile…it’s the most wonderful thing we can get from one another. My quality of life is so much better here.”

Jim, thank you for being a member. We’re so inspired by your resilience and want to thank you for sharing your story. We know it will inspire others in the Lake Oswego community and beyond!

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