When I started my exercise program seriously that was in the winter of 2014 and 2015. During much of that time, it was me going on my 10,000 step walks and then doing planks and some band exercises that were focused on my golf game. It became very evident to me that the walking was going to get me to my goal of 192 pounds, however, it was going to take a really long time and I needed to get stronger.
In the spring of 2015, I started to workout at Welcyon, Fitness for those over 50. It worked pretty well I did start to lose weight at a quicker pace it did not really get me to where I wanted to get to physically.
I knew at the time that my son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Mary were going to Orange Theory in Plymouth, MN. I was walking through the West Acres Mall and I found a kiosk with Orange Theory staff there. I talked with them and decided I really needed to get involved with the program. I met Charles Smith and the journey started. My first workout was with Coach Kat. Yup, the Blonde Haired Task Master… I thought she should have had a whip… it would have fit the way I felt after the workout. I know I told her that is what I was thinking. Now two years later and in much better shape and many pounds lighter I am part of what I call the OTF family… the 5 AM’ers. We work very hard together … I used to compete with and hassle Michael John Hafner not so much now since he has moved to the cities… he does miss our family. Burnsville is not nearly as stellar as we 5 AM’ers are for obvious reasons.
The value of OTF is huge in my life and I have gotten stronger and done things I never thought I would be able to do. I work hard and I know that I am going to be encouraged by the coaches to keep on pushing. Now my daughter is part of OTF Fargo as well as my nieces… my nephew just had his first workout in Grand Forks at OTF… OTF is all about family in so many ways and contributes to my personal wellness in so many ways. Still working to get to 192.
