Superstar: Alvin Mars

Wildcat Fitness Member Alvin Mars Began Coming to the Gym in September to Work Out… Since Then He Has Lost 30lbs!

Was there a particular moment when you decided to commit to a health goal or is it something you have pursued over time?

A few years ago, it became evident that I was having trouble walking. I was diagnosed as having arthritis in both my knees, and my doctors indicated that I would ultimately need to have knee replacement surgery. As someone who loved to walk and to even do some distance running, this put a crimp in my exercise. The result was that I did very little exercise and that I put on a great deal of weight – rather quickly. The extra weight made it even more difficult to walk. When I joined Wildcat fitness, it was my hope to find an exercise regimen that would help me return to a healthy weight. As it turned out, not being able to walk easily because of my knees did not mean that I wasn’t able to ride on a stationary bicycle. In fact, there was no pain whatsoever, and I found that I could ride for extended periods. At the same time, I joined Weight Watchers, and between my exercise and diet, I have lost over 30lbs since September.

What physical changes have you noticed? Feeling better all around? More energy? What’s the best part of getting in better shape?

Because of the exercise and weight loss, I find it is easier to walk about and to stand for longer periods of time. I have more stamina, and I feel much better in general.

How has Wildcat Fitness helped your efforts to achieve better health?

Obviously, Wildcat Fitness has played a central role in all of this. I find it comfortable to come to WF. The staff is welcoming, friendly, helpful, and encouraging. Wildcat Fitness is also conveniently located and has enough equipment that I can always find the appropriate apparatus for my workout. My goal is to become more fit, both in terms of the level and nature of exercise I can do and in terms of weight loss. Perhaps when I have reached my weight loss goal, I will no longer need knee surgery, and, if I do, I will be in much better shape to recuperate from it more quickly.

What tips can you offer those who are on their own journeys and who may feel frustrated or in need of some motivation?

Rather than sharing a tip, I want to share a goal. That goal is to reach a point where I am working as hard on strength as I do on cardio exercises, stabilizing and controlling my weight and enjoying the benefits of good health.