Sharon and Al
In addition to the equipment, facility and numerous classes, the staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Health and Fitness Center at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany really makes a difference.
Everyone goes out of their way to offer help, answer questions and give personal encouragement. We’ve never had to wait to use equipment. The enthusiasm, friendliness and encouragement given in classes and from the fitness specialists helps us stay on track.
Sharon and Al DuBois with their grandchildren, Lydia and Mason DuBois. Photos courtesy of authors
We have both noticed an increase in our energy and a decrease in stress as the Fitness Center has become a part of our daily lives. We have both found the facility and staff to be outstanding and would recommend The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Health and Fitness Center in New Albany to anyone who is looking to improve their health and live a healthy lifestyle.
Sharon DuBois
I had a series of foot injuries beginning in 2009 and became involved with the New Albany
Walking Club in November 2013 after recovering from the third of these fractures. I trained with the club over the next year with the goal of completing the half marathon in the 2014 New Albany Walking Classic.
At that time, the club met at the New Albany Country Club. Phil Heit spoke often of the Health and Fitness Center being built in New Albany. I did participate in the 2014 New Albany Walking Classic, but was unable to do the entire half marathon, stopping after approximately eight miles due to foot pain. Later that fall, I found that I had another stress fracture and completed a course of physical therapy for gait training. Once The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Health and Fitness Center in New Albany opened, my husband and I went to an open house and decided to join, even though we live in the Pataskala area.
We decided to take advantage of the one-on-one personal wellness coaching program; I was in the Healthy Bones and Joints track with Jodi Kuri, a physical therapist, as my primary wellness coach. Jodi evaluated my gait issues, and we started working on strengthening my right hip. The water aerobics program was great for me and initially became my primary focus, along with use of the Element equipment for upper body conditioning.
Once my gait improved a bit, I started walking with the New Albany Walking Club on Sunday mornings. The club is great, with opportunities for members to do as much as they want with encouragement and no pressure.
I also decided, with Jodi’s encouragement, to start working with a personal trainer at the center. I see Brei Miller once a week and have continued to see improvement. Working with a trainer to provide direction and encouragement has really been beneficial to my continued progression. Concentration on proper form, both during classes and training sessions, is something I really like.
When I asked Jodi for a recommendation on orthotics, she was able to refer me to a physical
therapist at OSU’s Lewis Center location. JT provided me with custom molded orthotics that have made a real difference with my residual foot pain. I also have access to consultation with Lauren Blake, a registered dietician, when I have questions about diet.
I’ve been very pleased with my progress over this first year. I’ve lost 35 pounds, my cardiac stress test has improved, I’m stronger and my clothes fit better.
Al DuBois
Unlike my wife, I was active in numerous team sports until my early 50s. Over a period of a few years, I slowly stopped participating. We joined several gyms, but never seemed to find a good fit. Consequently, I gained weight and was soon a type 2 diabetic.
When I joined the Fitness Center, my goals were to lose weight and live a healthier life. I have now lost 30-plus pounds and feel and – I hope – look healthier. I also chose to participate in the wellness coaching program. I have been seeing Lauren Blake every two weeks and find this support to be invaluable. Lauren keeps me on the straight and narrow with a smile and excellent advice.
For the first six months, I worked exclusively on the Element machines. The past several months, I’ve been working with Grant Nau as a personal trainer and couldn’t be happier with the results.
Sharon and Al Dubois are New Albany residents. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
