“I first came to the River Valley Club years ago for physical therapy when Cioffredi & Associates had their offices and rehabilitation center downstairs. I received a six-week pass to the therapy pool as part of my treatment.
At first, I only used the elliptical machines and took some aqua classes. I also had some personal training sessions with Amy Fortier and Tracy Billings. One day, I worked up the courage to try one of Maybe Potter’s Zumba classes.
I was the largest person in the room and had no idea what I was doing, but I went back to another class and then another.
I have enjoyed taking part in two of the RVC Passport to Fitness Challenges to try many different classes. These introduced me to yoga, spinning and Body Combat in addition to aerobic dance, aqua classes, Aqua Zumba and Zumba.
This past week I told someone attending her first Zumba class that the only secret to Zumba was coming back for the next class.
I think that taking my own advice has been the reason for my progress at the Club. I have learned to be comfortable with not knowing how to do everything correctly the first time I try it and can laugh at myself when I realize I am still working on the last move when the rest of the class has moved on to the next.
I get satisfaction from knowing that I can always challenge myself and, with the support and encouragement of the RVC staff, will eventually reach that next goal. In the meantime I am just going to have fun dancing.
Here is My Short But Very Sweet Story in Numbers Since Joining RVC in September 2011:
45.8% First Tanita body fat measurement at RVC
35.7% Second Tanita body fat measurement at RVC
14 Absolute minimum number of days that I was told I would have to skip exercise classes after having surgery in January 2016
14 Actual number of days that I missed before going back to Amy’s cardio dance class largely due to being physically fit before surgery
27% Third Tanita body fat measurement at RVC
Beyond count The number of hours of fun that I’ve had at RVC
Beyond count The friends that I have made at RVC
Beyond count The satisfaction that I have gotten from my success in dealing with physical challenges and reaching personal goals
Thank you to all of the great personal trainers and class instructors that I have worked with during the past five years. I could not begin to assign a number to the motivation and encouragement that you have given to me.”
Judy Barker
What’s your fitness story?
If you’ve overcome a challenge, are in the process of achieving a goal, battling through a recovery, or celebrating a success, we want to hear from you! If your story is selected, we will waive one month of membership dues. You will also be featured on Club social platforms, our website, as well as electronic and print news. Learn more
