JUNE 2021 MEMBER OF THE MONTH - CATHY

We are thrilled to introduce you to Cathy, our June Member of the Month! She is a member at LIVE WELL Guildford and we are blown away by her commitment and achievements with her health. We thank her for sharing her story and hope it inspires many others as much as it has inspired us!

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin.

Why did you decide to join LIVE WELL?

My name is Cathy Sales and I have been a member at LIVE WELL Guildford since March 2019. The above quote has been my mantra for a good portion of my adult life. It has supported me when I have needed to take a step out and blossom (my ‘word’ I chose for the year 2020). It supported me as I watched two of my 3 siblings pass away in their forties from an inherited medical condition that I also have. While it was devastating for our family – it became a lighting rod for me to make the necessary changes needed in my life to achieve a life that was enriching, healthy and active.

My cousin Dave Sales enrolled at LIVE WELL White Rock and I saw the positive changes in him, which inspired me to inquire for myself. After consulting with my physician who was familiar with the program – I became a member at LW Guildford to start on this journey of wellness and health.

My health issues, of inherited heart condition and diabetes have led to inconsistent regular test results. This includes constant adjustment in my daily regiment of daily medication. After a year of attending LIVE WELL, my results have been amazing! I have had nothing but positive stable results. My Doctor has been so pleased that he personally phones me each time to let me know how proud and pleased he is to see the changes in me. This continues to be my motivation and inspiration to continue and move forward.

What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced since joining?

While I have been routinely attending the sessions, I have taken time off for travel, the pandemic and other personal reasons, I have never been made to feel I am not as committed as I should be. I have seen some great results on my body structure. Mostly, I am thrilled as to how flexible I have become (I can bend over and lay my hands on the floor!). The flexibility is so appreciated and allows me to be committed to other project and work.

While I have seen a change in my body shape and my overall energy level, the pandemic has made me realize just how important it is to keep active and stay focused. I have been able to take my eyes off the scales and consider this the ‘whole body’ health. For me this is not a marathon but commitment to healthy lifestyle. I have learned to listen to my body and not to push too hard which will cause injury.

As a social person, I enjoy meeting new people and have formed some friendships with like minded people on being healthy. I also enjoy a good sharing a good giggle at many of my attempts at new and challenging goals with the equipment and exercises. Overall, the sessions are fun.

Without LIVE WELL, where would your health be at?

I will not go there – it is not something I chose to contemplate for I want to focus on the future and all that offers. My goal is to be active well into my 90s and continue to travel and experience life to it is fullest. There does not seem to be a choice for me other than making this a lifelong commitment and to continue to grow and blossom!

In closing, I could finish this without acknowledging the support and expertise of the team. Each has brought something unique and different to my program and for that I am grateful for that knowledge, expertise, and commitment. This has also contributed to my success. Thanks go out to Karl and Carlos, and more recently Talor, Jacqueline, Alex, and Liz. I look forward to continuing learning from you and all that you have do to support my overall wellness.