MAC Members Success Stories

Robin Shanks: July, 2011

 

Robin ShanksMeet Robin Shanks, a MAC member since 2004; she is a hard working Cardio enthusiast who has achieved her desired results by committing to consistent exercise and joining weight watchers. The regime is working: Robin feels great, has released over 80lbs and now wears a size 4!

How did you start?

 

“I weighed over 200 lbs and I was miserable. I was sick a lot of the time, my legs hurt and I didn’t have any energy. I knew I had to do something so I just started. I was tired of not feeling healthy and happy. Now I am both. Just start and commit to it. Results will come if you stick with it.”

 

Why the MAC?

 

“I have always felt welcome at the MAC. When I was 200 lbs I felt welcome and I feel just as welcome now. Everyone is supportive and helpful. I love it here. When I miss a workout, which I rarely do, I know I will be missed. The staff at the MAC cares about us and wants us to succeed.”

 

What is your exercise routine?

 

“I workout consistently at least 4 or 5 times a week and I eat healthfully. I found a good, hard cardio workout burns fat and makes me sweat so I really feel great. Working out hard makes me feel good. I am hooked on exercise because I have more energy than I ever had in my life.”

 

What do you eat?

 

I joined Weight Watchers and it is a great program that works for me. I never deny myself anything. I eat a cookie every single night. Weight Watchers is great, but I must combine it with hard cardio for the pounds to stay off.”

 

Robin’s Philosophy: Robin believes you must combine exercise and eating properly.
Robin believes if you want weight loss results you must be willing to work hard, have faith in yourself and find patience, because change doesn’t happen overnight.
Robin does not believe in denying yourself the foods you love, but you must eat smaller amounts and exercise religiously.

 

Robin’s happy marriage and strong faith have helped her find serenity and happiness.

Parting thoughts from Robin:

 

“If I can inspire one person with my success that is all I really require. That gives me great joy.”

 

Interview with Sherri and Pete Bentley

February, 11, 2011

 

Sherri & PeteSherri and Pete Bentley joined the MAC in 2006. They moved to Bigfork from Southern California and built their award winning home overlooking the Eagle Bend Golf Course. “We were looking to improve our fitness and health,” Sherri said. “We toured the MAC, liked the friendly staff, the wide variety of equipment and the facilities. The fact that the MAC was local was a real plus. We like supporting our town.”

 

“We work out five to six days a week and we look forward to coming to the MAC. Sherri begins her workout on the stationery bike for 30 minutes to get her heart going and her blood flowing,” says Pete. “She then works her way through some of the machines for toning and general fitness,” he continues. Sherri initially met with Gigi, a personal trainer, who showed her how to use all weight machines properly and take the intimidation factor out of many first-time experiences. “Gigi was great,” Sherri said, “she showed us around and helped us get started – she was very helpful.

 

Pete starts his 90 minute workout on the treadmill and then moves on to weight machines and free weights. “I like to work my upper body,” says Pete, “and flexibility is also very important. It’s mostly directed toward trying to hit a golf ball farther! We have worked with Saia too and he was great and knows his stuff. The entire staff is very friendly and we look forward to getting to know all of them better.”

 

Sherri and Pete’s commitment to working out at the MAC was supported by their other major health initiative to quit smoking. “We had both smoked for a long time,” Pete stated, “but eventually we became determined not to smoke in our new house. We succeeded with a combination of self-determination and a drug called Chantix.”

 

Chantix is a medication taken in pill form that affects the neurotransmitters in the brain which reduces the cravings for nicotine. Sherri said, “My hair, my skin, my breathing and my endurance have all improved. I still have a way to go , but giving up cigarettes was one of the best things we could have done for ourselves.”

 

Peter retired as Colonel on the Air Force. He served as the Wing Commander of five airlift wings at Air Force and Air Force Reserve bases all over the US. Sherri was the “First Lady” of those wings and was active on many boards as well as serving as the President of the Officers’ Wives Club at those locations. Their most fascinating highlight occurred in June 1990, when Pete’s base in Minneapolis hosted the arrival ad departure of Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev during a visit to the Twin Cities. “It was a short notice visit and we had only ten days to organize security, logistics, communications, etc.,” Pete said. “It was hectic. Also, during the visit Sherri ended up in a room with just Mrs. Gorachev and her interpreter. Her one-on-one conversation with Raisa about the political situation in Eastern Europe and the potential for missile reduction was an amazing 15 minutes; one we’ll never forget!”