The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center has seen remarkable growth since opening 15 months ago, from the life-changing results its earliest members have seen to the important milestone of gaining 10,000 of them. While the Center has been around for a little more than one year, it has still brought incredible change to those who have supported it from the beginning.
Pat Imms, the first paying member to join The Salvation Army Kroc Center, attributes her health and livelihood to the Center. Once ashamed of her eating habits, Pat now celebrates her newfound appreciation for fitness—and the 100 pounds that she lost since joining—at the Center.
“Before I joined the Kroc Center, I was extremely overweight, breathing poorly, and convinced that I needed to follow my ‘joy,’ rather than my addiction,” said Pat.
Pat had a feeling that The Salvation Army Kroc Center was her chance to change and signed up for membership as soon as she could.
“On opening day, I practically slept in my bathing suit. I awoke at 4:00 a.m. so I could be at the front door at 5:00 a.m. in hopes of being the first member in the Olympic-sized lap pool,” said Pat. “I can officially say that not only was I the first member of the Center to be in that pool, but I did it with a cannonball! Now I’ve gone from my initial cannonball to swimming a mile at a time, thanks to the incredibly kind staff and leadership.”
The multi-million dollar Center is the jewel of the needy neighborhood it inhabits and is a place where The Salvation Army works to ensure that all people can feel comfortable and welcomed.
“I love that the large, comfortable space is full of diverse people, young and old, united in our similar goal to care for ourselves," said Pat. "I also remain amazed by the staff; their never-ending kindness and willingness to help in a gentle manner keeps me coming back.”
With the recent success of reaching 10,000 members as well as the carefully-earned achievements of members like Pat, the Center has proven itself a worthwhile and valuable investment for the community at large.
“It has been a remarkable, transformational year,” said Pat. “It is not too much to say The Salvation Army has saved my life. My gift to myself now is going to the Kroc Center for swimming, cycling, and socializing with a new group of wonderful friends.”
Fitness Tips for 2012
Tip #1: Assess Yourself.
It’s a good idea to get a health/fitness assessment from a professional to determine the current shape you’re in and to help you develop a personalized exercise plan.
Tip #2: Switch It Up.
For most people, it’s best to work out three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes and include a combination of cardiovascular exercise, resistance exercise and stretching.
Tip #3: Do It Right.
Learning how to exercise the right way is vital to the success of your program and to helping you avoid injury. Consider scheduling one or more sessions with a degreed and certified personal trainer who can demonstrate proper technique for the exercises selected for your routine.
Tip #4: Hold Yourself Accountable.
Staying focused on your goal, choosing exercises you enjoy, working out with a partner who can hold you accountable, and celebrating successes along the way are all key to maintaining your program throughout the year.
Tip #5: Set Realistic Goals.
Many people fail in their New Year’s fitness resolutions because they set goals that are simply too difficult. Establish goals that will put you on the right path for getting in shape in 2012, while still being achievable. You’re more likely to stick to your new routine if your goals are realistic.
