The Healthworks Foundation Fitness Center  has touched the lives of over 2,000 women since opening in January 2002. Below are a few of their stories. As you read these stories know that the Center has made a difference in their lives - their health, their self-confidence, the lives of those they love and care for, and their hearts. The Foundation Fitness Center offers these women a place where they are safe and comfortable; a place where they are encouraged and supported; a place in which they build strength to take charge of their lives - in their bodies and their spirits.

Margaret’s Story

Margaret is originally from the Boston area. She is in her late twenties and has one very handsome son. She is originally from Boston. Margaret joined the Center in February 2002. Since joining the Center, she has found a place to live and a new job. She is a true Foundation Fitness Center success! Here is her story...

I was referred by the St. Mary’s Program. I was actually living in the shelter at St Mary’s at the time. It was in January when the club opened and I think it was some time in February that I got up the nerve to go ahead and sign up. It was exciting for me. Joining a gym is usually one of those New Year’s resolutions that never gets fulfilled (especially when you can’t even afford your own place to live). So it was nice to be able to make it a reality.

I wouldn’t say that it took significant encouragement for me to join but I did need a little push in the beginning. When I joined I was looking for an apartment and going to school. My housing worker and family advocates were very supportive in these areas. But being able to come to the gym provided me with the quality time that I needed to replenish myself.

I usually do a little cardio and then hit the weights. I’ve found that strength training is my favorite way to exercise. Since joining the gym I’ve learned that I am a lot stronger (both mentally and physically) that I thought and that there are many ways to become fit. Also that fitness is not limited to your body – mental, emotional and spiritual fitness are also important.

I usually come alone, but I’ve found that it’s easy to socialize and find someone with goals similar to your own. I find that the classes are a great way to socialize but I mainly do come here for myself.

Since I joined I have a new place to live and a new job. The Center has empowered me to take care of my entire self. It provides me with a place to exercise my body and relax my mind. It’s an invaluable resource and I hope that it continues to help others the way it’s helped me.

Sherlee’s Story

Sherlee joined The Healthworks Foundation Fitness Center on October 4, 2002. Sherlee came to the Center every day that it was opened in the month she joined and has kept up her momentum since then. She has found her confidence at The Center. Here is her story...

My brother’s girlfriend, Nancy, told me about the program on October 2nd. Although she has not joined yet, I was so excited because the gym is right in my community that right after I hung up the phone with her, I called for an appointment. I went in on Friday October 4th and I started working out on Monday the 7th. I have suffered with weight problems, high blood pressure, and depression and I am on medication, and am in counseling for the depression.

While at the gym I do a total body workout. The cardio is my main focus because of my high blood pressure. I lift weights for firming and toning. I was encouraged to take the yoga class as a way to get in touch with my body and I think this will help me in overcoming my depression.

I come to the gym Monday thru Friday for over an hour. My body is not as tense, I am happy when I reach my fitness goal for the day. I have been sleeping better. I can feel my body thanking me for joining the gym. I’m still in the beginning process of empowering myself to take charge of my life. I have confidence I will succeed.

Although I do not really come to socialize, I have met some very nice people. The staff has some wonderful people too. I will continue because it is close to home—
walking distance. The encouragement from the staff that I get here is what
keeps me motivated to come.

Lucy’s Story

Lucy joined The Healthworks Foundation Fitness Center in August 2002. She is in her late thirties and is a mother of two boys. Since joining the Center, Lucy has experienced sense of accomplishment and emotional strength. Here is her story...

“I recently moved to America to get a new start. I needed to escape from my life and protect my children – I was trapped in an abusive relationship and I knew I needed to help myself. In June, I entered a domestic violence shelter in the area and I began the healing process.

I was encouraged by my advocate at the domestic violence shelter to visit and join the Foundation Fitness Center. She even came with me to sign up for a membership and my orientation. I was excited but apprehensive. I really want to be fit, but I was nervous about being able to really see a change in my body or to lose weight.

The day I came into the gym I joined and had my orientation. I began that very day as a member. I think the staff could tell that I wasn’t feeling really confident about getting started. So, instead of letting me leave and never coming back, they started on that very day, and since then, I have been able to stick to it!

The gym gives me an emotional breath of fresh air. I am not getting too much support elsewhere but step-by-step doing my own footwork to get my life in order. I know when we are back on our feet again (my 2 boys and I), I will have God to thank. It is a struggle, I’ll honestly say to get myself to the center but after my workout, I feel absolutely on top of the world physically and emotionally. When I walk out of the Center’s door I can face what this world has to give me.

Since I joined the Center, I have been doing cardio and lifting. I even met with the new nutrition intern and spoke with him about my concerns and needs. Already I’ve begun some small but necessary changes. I come in alone and say hello to the women and try to drum up conversation and I would like to meet new friends too, at the Center.

I can thank the Foundation for making such a wonderful opportunity for us to workout. Kim and the staff have done and are still doing a wonderful job.”

Annette’s Story

Annette joined The Healthworks Foundation Fitness Center in the summer of 2002. Annette is 45 years old and is suffering from high blood pressure and stress. Here is her story...

When I first heard of the center I was a little fearful not knowing what I expected. I was afraid that if I went, the members could be too wild and noisy and make fun of each other, but it is not like that, it is quite all right.

I saw the flyer at the City of Boston’s Walk Your Body 2.5 mile walk, there was a Healthworks Foundation table. I joined the following week. Going to the gym has been wonderful.

I have been using the cardio and strength training equipment. I am consistent with my membership – I come at lease four times a week. The gym has become my second home. I come alone and sometimes meet my friend Inez there. Together we support each other reach a goal of being healthy. The staff is well trained and respectful, I like that they are here to help you when needed.

This Center has made me stronger and feel good about myself. It is helping me to deal with everyday stresses and is lowering my blood pressure.