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Commitment
By Julie Sidlauskas
 My wellness journal began when Tamarac opened in 2007. Tamarac was exactly what I needed. I’m a group exerciser. I’m not one to put in a DVD at home and do aerobics or go for a run. I hate running, but I’ll talk more about that later. I enjoy being in a room full of people where I can feel the positive energy from everyone. Group exercisers motivate each other by “hooping and hollering” or encouraging each other to push a little more.
I was fairly active growing up. I was on the swim team and was a cheerleader. I gained weight in college, but took it off through Weight Watchers. I started to gain weight after my first child, Chelsea. I never took all the baby weight off, and of course added to it, with my son, Chase. Five pounds every year for a few years and finally I’m no longer fat, but obese.
For me, the strange thing is that I really never saw myself as obese. Sure, I was overweight, but obese?! I didn’t have any health problems and was in fairly “good shape” for someone my weight. The one thing that really bothered me was shopping. I was petite in height at 5’ 0’’ tall, but definitely not in weight. Nothing fit me! If it did, it was way too long and I had to pay to get it hemmed. I started to realize that I was no longer an outgoing, happy, social person. I was depressed and becoming an introvert. Through some “soul” searching, I realized I no longer felt good about the person I’d become mostly because of my weight. I wanted to set a positive example for my kids by being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.
I remember going to Tamarac the first day it opened. What a beautiful place! It was like being at a spa. My weekdays began at 5:30AM with the machines. I would do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes on the machines. I tried a Zumba class and was hooked. This was, and still is, my favorite class! It doesn’t even feel like I’m working out while I’m dancing around. I’ve heard people say they’re afraid to try Zumba because they don’t have rhythm. Just try it; your rhythm will improve the more you do it. My advice is not to compare your self to others. I’m up there shaking my “booty,” jumping around, and having a good time. I’m burning calories and having fun at the same time. I enjoyed Zumba so much that I got certified to teach it. Every so often, I am a substitute instructor for Zumba.
Another class I started out with was Spinning. I remember my first day; I thought I was going to die. I could barely make it through the class. It makes me feel good when I look back at how far I’ve come with Spinning. I have improved by leaps and bounds as far as my cardiovascular fitness goes. I try to Spin every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 5:45a.m. This class is a fantastic workout.
After a few months at Tamarac, I was feeling pretty good about my improvements so I thought I’d try F.A.S.T. class. As easy as Zumba came to me, F.A.S.T. was just the opposite. I did one class and couldn’t walk for a week because I was so sore. I may have thought I was in fairly good shape, but the reality was different. I didn’t go back to this class for over a year. I needed to improve my strength and endurance along with losing some more weight. In my first year at Tamarac, I lost about 15 pounds. This was a good start, but I still was not where I wanted to be.
I kept hearing people talking about the New You program and began noticing how they were losing weight. My friend, Deb Thompson, started the class. She lost weight and looked fantastic. She encouraged me to give it a try, so I did. This was the big step in my weight loss. I started New You in May 2009 and over the next 20 weeks learned how to control my portions and make healthier food choices while continuing to exercise. This class worked for me because it taught me exactly how many calories I need to maintain my weight and how many I burn while exercising. If I need to lose weight, I obviously need to cut my calories and increase my exercise. The class camaraderie was also a big help. Everyone was very encouraging and helped keep each other on track. During the 20 weeks, I lost close to 50 pounds. I’m still maintaining the weight I lost plus losing a few pounds. My goal is to lose 10 more pounds.
During the week, I workout every morning at 5:30AM and also do at least one hour after work. The newest class that I enjoy is Drums in Motion. This class is so fun and I don’t even realize I’m getting a workout. I must be working hard because I’m dripping with sweat when I get out of class. With the variety of programs that Tamarac has to offer, along with the positive and encourage atmosphere of its citizens and staff, I know I can achieve my fitness and weight loss goals. My other goal is to run a 5K. I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but I hate running. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes. I gave running a shot this past spring, but wasn’t ready for it. I’ll try again next spring. After watching the Fremont Triathlon, I’d like to give that a try too. Okay, that may be a lofty goal, but it’s good to set high goals. I know that when I’m ready, there are citizens and staff who will encourage me every painful step of the way
I’d like to thank a few people who had a big part in my wellness journey. I’d first like to thank the staff at Tamarac. I hope you realize what a positive impact you make on the citizens. You are there early in the morning and late in the evening encouraging all of us. Thank you! A big thanks goes to Courtney and Jen for teaching Zumba. As you know, I absolutely love this class and appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement. To Nelson, I’d like to say thanks for pushing me in your classes. For me, Spinning and F.A.S.T. are the classes that give me the hardest challenge. I may be cursing you while I’m lunging around the track and feeling sore the next day, but in the end, I know this is getting me closer to my weight and fitness goals. To Amanda, my New You instructor, you were such a positive, encouraging leader. Thanks for keeping me on track, even though I don’t journal. I’ll never forget the day you gave me your pink exercise jacket because the one I kept wearing was too big for me. To the running crew: Todd, Bob, Tracey, Deb, and Liz thanks for encouraging me to run with you. I know I didn’t make it this year, but maybe next year. Last but not least, my family. Thanks to my kids for putting up with a mom who didn’t eat the same meals they did for a few months and who is often at Tamarac. And to my loving husband, Dan, who was there encouraging me every step of the way. Thanks for all the special meals you made for me, for all the words of encouragement throughout the past 2 years and for singing the praises of my accomplishments. I couldn’t have done it without your support!
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