People Hit The Gym Hoping To Lose Weight In 2009

   Richard Richter says the YMCA saved his life. At his heaviest he tipped the scale at 420 pounds.
   Richter, "I started working out four and five times a day but I was only able to work ten minutes at a time."
   He used to get his money's worth and a days worth of calories on the dollar menu.
   Richter, "I would buy three double cheeseburgers. Before I eat now I pop some gum in my mouth to think through whether or not I'm really hungry or because I'm nervous, it gives me time to think."
   He's managed to keep off 100 pounds over the past year and hopes to lose more in 2009.
   Richter, "My knees work, they don't ache and creek. My doctor is giddy. I had a fatty liver, all of these things were elevated, he comes back and hands me the reports and says you're a normal person."
   YMCA Personal trainer Kathy Dew says no one should be intimidated in the Y's family friendly atmosphere. Money shouldn't keep you from getting fit.
   Kathy Dew, "We offer scholarships, no one is ever turned away."
   If you want to skip the weightlifting guys, you might enjoy Jack Silberman's women's fitness center.
   Silberman, "WOW stands for working off weight and it's an exercise program for women 30 pounds plus. Even the instructors teaching the classes are 30 pounds plus or success stories so it makes a comfortable non-intimidating environment."
   Wherever you choose to lose, Silberman says it's worth it.
   Silberman, "You could at least get in 2 to 3 times a week to strengthen your heart, you don't want to be sitting in hospital bed wising you did these things."
   http://ymcachattanooga.org/

   http://www.jacksilbermanfitness.com/