July 11th, 2008
Community Getting Fit at CTMC's "Boot Camp"

Are you ready to seriously tackle your weight and fitness issues? Through a fitness program modeled after the armed forces’ physical training regimen, CTMC’s new Fitness Boot Camp is achieving some impressive results.

At first, Angie Loftin, CTMC director of performance improvement, didn’t think she would have time for Boot Camp but realized it was necessary that she make the time. Now, she couldn’t be happier with her decision.

“I have lost more than 20 lbs but, more importantly, I feel like a whole new person,” said Loftin. “While weight loss was a big factor for me to participate in boot camp, my overall health and well being was the greater motivator.”

Loftin is one of 10 CTMC associates who are in their second installment of the program. In addition to the structure and conditioning the program provides, Loftin credits the encouragement she receives from other participants with helping her stay committed and successful.

CTMC’s Fitness Boot Camp is a 12 week program that meets three times a week at CTMC’s Center for Wellness & Sports Performance. Under the direction of certified trainer, Heath Herrera, M.Ed., CSCS, Boot Camp participants are increasing their endurance, strength, speed, agility, flexibility and self esteem and gaining the knowledge and ability to achieve their desired weight.

Herrera knows a thing or two about conditioning and weight loss. After topping out at 270 lbs at one point in his life, the 5’11” Herrera began a journey of conditioning and weight loss that led to his eventual career path. Today, Herrera sustains a weight of 203 lbs, serves as a Wellness Specialist with CTMC and is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NASCA).

Thanks to his personal struggle, as well as his many years of professionally counseling others, Herrera has learned that every person is different and needs different motivation and methods to achieve their goals.

“It’s very important for a person to be committed to his or her own health and well being,” said Herrera. “With a little bit of patience and a strong desire to reach one’s goal, anyone can get in great physical shape.”

Since its inception, the Boot Camp has helped 35 people get fit. During the first ever session, the average participant lost approximately eight lbs, with 21 lbs being the most lost by an individual. Weight loss is not the only benefit of the Boot Camp; people are also noticing significant improvements in their overall health and attitudes.

CTMC’s Boot Camp is one of the many ways the hospital is practicing and applying its Creation Health principles. From the Community Walking Trail that wraps around the campus, to community education programs, to the vegetarian options served daily in the cafeteria, to its recent move to a completely smoke-free campus, CTMC has long been committed to helping individual create their own better health.

The next installment of CTMC’s “Boot Camp” will begin on July 28 and run though Oct. 24. For more information or to register, please call CTMC’s Center for Wellness & Sports Performance at 512-753-3622 or check it out online at www.ctmc.org. Mouse over “Education and Events” and click “Class & Event Calendar.”

By CLAY DESTEFANO
CTMC

Angie Loftin (right) smiles at the pounds she has dropped thanks to the help of Heath Herrera (right), CTMC Fitness Boot Camp instructor.