At Waverley Oaks, we are committed to providing an unparalleled fitness experience in a supportive and safe environment. We strive to offer a comfortable and inspiring environment, a home away from home, with a variety of programs to meet your wellness goals.
However, it is our member success stories that are a testament to the power of our members’ commitment to self-improvement.
And with a history spanning over 40 years, we have thousands of them.
MINO’S STORY
Toward the end of 2023, Mino joined Waverley Oaks determined to regain his health and improve his quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about his 150lb weight loss journey – purely through a mix of mindful food choices, lifestyle changes, and exercise.
Q. Were you active growing up? What sports did you play?
I was an athlete growing up and in college I played D1 soccer.
Q. Tell us about your relationship with fitness and nutrition as you progressed past your college years and into adulthood.
As I got older and settled into a routine of work and daily obligations, my health became less of a priority. I also had knee surgery which affected my mobility.
Fitness was no longer a part of my lifestyle, and I was putting on more and more weight every year. By the end of 2023, I was hovering around 365 lbs., and I knew that things needed to change.
The day before Thanksgiving, I made a complete lifestyle change and joined Waverley Oaks. That was over 14 months ago, and since then I have lost 150 lbs.
Q. What sets Waverley apart from other gyms?
For me, you can’t beat the location – it’s only a minute drive from my house.
It’s a welcoming place and not intimidating at all. Everyone is very friendly, especially the staff. From the front desk personnel to the cleaning team – it is refreshing being surrounded by such positive energy. Also, it is incredibly clean. It’s obvious that cleanliness is a top priority.
Q. Tell me about your journey over the past 14 months
Q. Tell us about your journey over the past 14 months.
I started using an app called MyFitnessPal. It’s an all-in-one food tracker, calorie counter, macro tracker, and fitness tracker. After 3 months, I found that I didn’t need to use the app anymore since I had established a routine that I could manage myself.
In the beginning I was going to the gym 6 days on, 1 day off. Eventually that changed to 3 days on, 1 day off.
In terms of diet, that was completely restructured. I stopped eating in excess and committed to a macronutrient diet (50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% fats). My day starts with a low calorie / high protein breakfast, and I made the decision to completely cut alcohol out of my diet.
A typical gym day consists of:
- 50 minutes of weight training
- 30 to 45 minutes cardio (treadmill at a 12% incline)
- 15-minute core workout
- 20-minute sauna session
Q. Did you face any challenges during your journey?
I developed gout three different times over the past year due to my high intake of fish which forced me to take some time off.
In the beginning I wasn’t drinking enough water or prioritizing rest. Both are incredibly important for repair and recovery at any age.
Q. Tell us about a milestone or accomplishment that you found particularly rewarding.
Breaking 250 lbs. was a big moment for me. I just turned 50 last year and it’s the day-to-day activities that are a reminder of how much I’ve accomplished. I no longer have sleep apnea, and my overall mobility has just completely transformed.
Q. So many people start a journey toward better health with every intention of success. What do you believe is the formula for achieving optimal health long-term?
In my opinion, there are four key components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Consistency, Discipline, Diet and Intensity.
- Just showing up to the gym isn’t enough. If you’re not seeing progress, it’s time to rethink your approach.
- Core work should be a priority with every workout. A strong core will improve your overall fitness level and well-being.
- Maximizing your time at the gym should be top of mind. For example, pushups between sets may seem like you’re not doing much. But over time, those numbers add up and really make a difference.
Are you new to fitness and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you have been exercising consistently without seeing the results you’re looking for.
Are you ready to change your eating habits but need help figuring out how to make it happen? Or maybe you just need support and accountability for navigating your new, healthy relationship with food.
A combination of regular exercise and good nutrition is crucial for overall health, weight management, reducing disease risk, and improving physical performance and well-being. If you’re looking for support in starting your own transformative journey, we’re here to help you every step of the way.