This Time Last... May 18

This is a second in the series of "This Time Last..." when we feature a Rec Center member who has accomplished significant changes through working out at the Center. Our feature member is Kaitlyn Staton who has lost an amazing 42 pounds since May 18.

As true with many, Kaitlyn made the decision to lose weight while shopping for clothes. Not being able to find any cute clothes for an upcoming family photo with her boyfriend, the thought entered her mind that she needed to lose weight. "Seeing is believing" pushed her thought to action upon seeing the photo and noticing that she was, in her own words, "genuinely large".

Kaitlyn dove right in as she began a regimen of exercises incorporating three day of arms, chest, back, and abs, followed by two days of legs, glutes, and abs. All of her daily workouts include squats and calf raises done on the Smith machine, her favorite. She begins all of her workouts with a cardio warmup. During the warmer months of summer, Kaitlyn mixed in several outdoor activities such as a fitness trail, hiking and swimming.

With the exception of the outdoor activities, all of her workouts are done at the Rec Center. When asked what she enjoys about the Rec Center, she will talk to you about the variety of equipment available which in turn provides a variety of workout options. For a quick cool down, she also enjoys playing a little basketball or volleyball. This, of course, is not to mention the convenience of the Center being right on campus, or that it is also only a two minute drive from her home.

And how does she stay motived? She will tell you, "by having the absolute greatest workout partner in the world!" And who is that greatest workout partner in the world? None other than her boyfriend, Kyle Van Lear. As a workout partner Kyle pushes Kaitlyn to her limits, and then some. Not only that, but he has been willing to change his own lifestyle along with her to keep her going. This has helped make a new diet and exercise routine a lot easier and smoother for her. On days when she would get down on herself or when she just physically thought she couldn't do it, he was there to push her on.

Kaitlyn's new diet included completely cutting out sodas and fast food. She began to eat more whole grains and incorporating fruits and veggies in every meal. In addition she makes sure she consumes at least 12 glasses of water each day. What has been particularly helpful with her lifestyle change is keeping and staying on a daily diet and exercise routine.

Kaitlyn's goals are to lose another 16 pounds, however, she has muscle goals she also wants to achieve. Knowing that muscle weighs more than fat, Kaitlyn is going to focus on lowering her body fat and replacing it with toned and defined muscles, particularly in her legs.

Kaitlyn will be the first to tell you that it is difficult for many, including her, to lose weight on their own. Her advice... find a close friend or relative that will decide to conquer this with you. As Kaitlyn would tell you, having someone "always makes the transition easier, makes it more adventurous, and keeps things interesting".

Congratulations to Kaitlyn and her amazing accomplishment and thanks for sharing your story with us.

Now the Rec Center can't provide you with your very own Kyle, but the staff is here to help you with your fitness and wellness goals. Just contact the front desk to get started.

We are always looking for members to share their story with our community. If you have a story on accomplishments in the fitness and wellness area, contact Donna Miller at the Rec Center.