Like you, I look forward to reading the monthly “goal-getter” stories because I find them to be inspiring and motivating. However, never once had I stopped to consider that I could ever become the featured “goal-getter!” I don’t typically think of myself in that way, yet as women I’m sure we all have established and achieved many goals. Perhaps just coming through the purple doors to join Momentum Female Fitness Center was an accomplished goal.
Many of you may already know that last year my goals and priorities took a huge detour. On June 25, 2008 I got “that call” when my 17 year-old son, Kevin, had an accidental fall from an inflatable obstacle course. He was air-lifted to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital where it was determined he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Doctor Kim Harbaugh (neurosurgeon) quickly operated to stop the bleeding and relieve the pressure on his brain. Kevin was battling for his life. Upon surviving the first “critical” 72 hours, the degree of his recovery remained in doubt for months. I honestly don’t know how I made it through each day except for the sustaining grace of God, the prayers and tangible help of family and friends (including my “Momentum family” that you all are a part of). Kevin spent three weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit, where very slowly he began to improve. Toward the end of July he was moved to the pediatric Rehab Unit where he worked extremely hard to re-learn basic life functions all over again. As a mother it was painful to watch him struggle just to get dressed each day. He was unable to speak for about 8 weeks, which made communication extremely difficult. After 6 brain surgeries and 78 days in the hospital, Kevin was released September 9, 2008, to begin months of outpatient rehabilitation therapy. I am forever grateful for the amazing progress he has made. He is truly a miracle. Kevin played on the tennis team (spring ’09), graduated with his high school class and is currently a student at Messiah College. I joined Momentum about 3 1/2 years ago. I always enjoyed sports and fitness, but mostly worked out on my own, never participating in group fitness classes. Wow! I missed out! I never dreamed classes could be both fun AND motivating at the same time! The trainers, instructors, and staff helped me focus on a plan, stay motivated, and reach many of my personal goals. They are all really top-notch. I have learned so much about myself in the process of striving to “get fit”. Fitness truly is about your whole self. First I had to come to terms with the “body, mind, and spirit” mantra. The order doesn’t seem to matter much, but you need a balance of all three coming together to be most effective. I find in keeping fit I am empowered to become a better person. Now I try to do my “personal best” at each workout, realizing it’s about me, not the person next to me. A couple years ago I began struggling with hip arthritis. I had pain, but faithfully limped in to classes, trying to do as much as I could. Finally, in April 2009, I had a total hip replacement. Once again, the goals changed. For 10-12 weeks after surgery, I could no longer participate in the classes I had come to love. Therefore, I signed up to meet with Kathy Zonarich, (Advanced Personal Trainer), with the main goal of getting back to group classes ASAP! I thank Kathy for her patience and helpful insights. I have returned pain-free to participating regularly in RPM and BodyPump. I am also training with Tracey on the Reformer and TRX. I’ve even branched out and tried Zumba (now there’s a total body/hip work-out!). I’m sure each of you has your own “story” of loss, suffering, pain, hardship and/or challenges that you have endured or overcome. Yet we meet here to celebrate life, to find renewed strength and energy, (in body, mind, and spirit), to become “goal-getters.” As we embark upon a new year, may you truly recognize that each day is a gift. Do not count on tomorrow. I know firsthand that life can drastically change in an instant. So please celebrate what you CAN do today, (and don’t grumble about what you can’t do!) I hope you achieve many of your goals in 2010. However, if you get “sidelined” or have to change it up a little, remember Momentum will be here for you. - Cindy Clancy
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