Carol P
My name is Carol Patton, I’m age 66 years young and I’m a retired elementary school teacher. I’ve been a member of Marino’s since March 2018.
After I retired, I set a goal to improve my eating habits and get more fit so I could feel better and be healthier. The arthritis in my hips was causing me pain, and I knew my sedentary lifestyle was not helping. I started working out at a small gym associated with my chiropractor’s office. In 2017 I had a total right hip replacement, and I successfully completed my rehab at this gym since their primary focus was to rehab injuries and help people with chronic conditions. Once I finished the post-surgery rehab work, I eased back into my regular workout routine. Both the surgery and the exercise made a positive difference in how I was feeling, but I wasn’t having much fun. I pretty much did the same routine each time I went. Though it sometimes felt like drudgery, I kept at it because I could move better than when I had started. The doctor eventually retired and closed the gym and the practice. I needed to find another gym.
I am not athletic, and I knew if I didn’t join a gym where I felt comfortable, I would go for a month, and then the membership key card would just take up space on my key chain. I toured a couple of gyms. They just didn’t feel like a good fit for me. I happened to see a Facebook post by a former colleague about a gym called Marino’s. Her daughter was part of the MAP program for student athletes at Marino’s. I messaged my friend to inquire about this gym. She gave rave reviews so I sent out an e-mail to Marino’s to inquire if it would be a good fit for someone like myself. I actually thought I was too old or too out of shape for a place that trained young athletes. Within a day, I received a personal reply, “You are just the kind of person we are looking for.” That was a surprise for sure. After meeting with Rachael, I felt pretty confident I had found my new gym home. I liked that their mission matched with my goals: to become healthier through fitness and nutrition. I met with Chris so he could assess my needs and develop a personalized program. Then, I kept a food journal of everything I ate for a couple of weeks so when I met again with Rachael, she could teach me how I could better reach my nutritional goals. I chose Marino’s because Chris and Rachael created a program that is specific and individualized to me.
About every 6 weeks I can look forward to a new exercise program. I strength train 2 days per week and there is a different set of exercises for each of the two days. It has been rewarding to not only feel better but to actually see the progress when I get a new program with new challenges. My program is written specifically for me. It changes regularly, and while I am challenged, I am never overwhelmed. Another important part of the Marino’s experience is the great coaching. Whenever I work out, there is always a coach on the floor. Nothing is too much trouble. Coaches demonstrate, monitor for form, and modify as needed. Coaches are also the best “encouragers.”
I would describe the culture at Marino’s as that of a team. Chris, Rachael, the coaches, and even the other clients work together to help everyone be successful. There is never pressure to try to keep up with someone else. We are all on our own journey towards meeting our own goals.
Marino’s is not just a place to work out; it is a resource to help you develop a healthier lifestyle. The staff at Marino’s stays up to date with best practices in health and fitness. The staff at Marino’s will consistently come along side of you to support you in reaching your goals.
During the shutdown due to COVID in the spring of 2020, Marino’s offered online training programs for its clients. This was very helpful both physically and mentally. I have found the regularly posted online articles and videos about nutrition and exercise informative. Since gyms have reopened, I have felt completely safe working out here. Surfaces are sanitized and safe practices such as distancing, taking temperatures on entry, and mask wearing are implemented.
I never thought I would look forward to exercising. Now I would not consider missing a session unless I was sick or traveling. I feel better, and I can move better than when I was younger. I can do everyday tasks without pain. I house clean and garden without thinking about it. I romp and play with my grandchildren. I have completed hikes up to 10 miles.
It’s never too late to focus on your health. If you want to LIVE during your retirement years, then Marino’s is a place for you. Take the first step and make the call. You won’t regret it.
