Kelly’s Letter

Kelly Cormier    September 21, 2009J

My name is Kelly Cormier. I am a special education teacher at Griffin Creek Elementary School. During the 08’-09’ school year our school applied for and was awarded the OEA Wellness Grant. Through the grant I was able to take a better look at myself (both physically and mentally). I am married, work full time and have 3 boys ages 9, 11, and 17. My life was consumed with the chaos of life, sports, and being constantly on the go. What I found is I had let myself go within all of these things, making sure that everyone else was where they should be. Dinners became grab and go and my exercise became jumping into the car, driving or sitting in front of the TV. snacking. I had a reality check when the YMCA came in. My body fat and my weight were excessive and my numbers on the exercise activities were low. Throughout the school year, I was also going in to the doctor for blood pressure checks due to high blood pressure and discussing medication.

The grant provided us with 4 sessions with a personal trainer throughout the year and 2 months membership at the YMCA. I chose to take my membership during July and August (during my summer vacation). I met with my trainer shortly after the physical testing and knew I had to change my lifestyle. I have lost weight in the past but tend to gain it back in full force. My trainer gave an exercise regimen to do at home, until my membership in July became effective. We also discussed realistic goals and checked in with me, making me accountable. With the combination of working out at home and our weekly exercise class after school I lost 5 pounds. I also began watching what I ate and looking at labels. In July I met with my trainer again at the gym. She showed me how to use the machines and gave me a written workout regimen. During this time, my 9 and 11 year old began coming to gym with me and participating in Jr. Fitness while I worked out. They also took swim lessons for the first time and became great swimmers (better than me

During July and August, I lost 12 more pounds and I am now a member at the YMCA. To date I am about a half a pound away from losing 20 pounds and continue to work out 4-6 times a week. I feel much healthier and knock on wood have not been sick since June of last year. My doctor is extremely happy with my blood pressure as it is now where it should be for my age. I have made new discoveries in my closet, finding clothes that I have not been able to get into in quite some time. The Goodwill became richer as I donated my much larger clothes to them. I have learned taking care of myself is an inside job and I am responsible for my own actions. Each day I learn something new about myself and my capabilities. I may be a teacher but continue to be a student. Thank you for this opportunity to better myself and become a much healthier person. Only in this way am I able to teach my family a healthier way of life.