Member Spotlight: Winter 2024 – Meet James

I started my healthier eating habits in July, 2023, and walking laps at the gym around that time. The real effort of getting into shape began in September, 2023. I’ve lost 33 lbs total since July, and have gone from 44% body fat in September, to 19%, as of February, 2024. I eat healthier and maintain a calorie deficit, and am in the gym 4-5 times a week.

Seeing my results has been a big motivator for me to continue my new healthy lifestyle. The support and personal attention from the Fitzone Coaches and gym staff have kept me encouraged and moving forward. I also enjoy the camaraderie from other gym members in class.

In July, I was 213 lbs and because of my weight gain, had developed arthritis in my right knee. It was severe enough that I couldn’t walk without limping and had to go sideways on staircases. I did the physical therapy prescribed to me for a few months, and finally felt ready to start Fitzone in September. Going to Fitzone three times a week has improved my physical fitness drastically, and I even started running again in December! I have been doing three rides a week on the All Core for six months and feel my core strength returning. I do a basic weight training program on the machines twice a week, and have developed more muscle mass, and have seen gains of 40 lbs or more on most of my weight limits.

My goal is to lose another 20 lbs, develop more muscle tone, and eventually get rid of most of my lingering belly fat. I’m really grateful to the team at Harrisonburg 24/7 Family Fitness. They take the time to genuinely encourage and motivate me, when I wouldn’t have done it on my own. I’m making a lot of friends and acquaintances in the workout groups, and feel like I really have a community at the gym.