For Better or Wonderful

[caption id="attachment_351207" align="aligncenter" width="485" caption="Working together on this path to healthier living has been enjoyable for Mary and Scott Means. Together they run two to three miles, three times a week."]

Over the last year Scott and Mary Means of Cedar Rapids have transformed their lifestyles – together. While the Means, both 60, were moderately active adults – Scott rode a stationary bike for 40 minutes, four times a week and Mary would get out for an occasional walk and tried various workout regimens – they weren't feeling good about their health. “I wasn't watching my diet and so I wasn't losing weight,” Scott said. Mary had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and her glucose was rising. Her motivation, she said, was her low energy level. “I was concerned that I was very lethargic and I just didn't feel good,” she said. “So it wasn't about losing weight, it was about being healthy.” The couple – married for 39 years – decided to give working out with a personal trainer a try after friends introduced them to personal trainer and nutrition consultant Jeff Rierson of Rierson Fitness. Scott admits he was unsure about this fitness option at first. “If ten years ago you would have told me I'd be working out with a personal trainer I would have laughed at you,” he said. But Mary convinced her husband that working with a personal trainer was an important investment they needed to make together. The Means began meeting with Rierson two to three times a week back in March to begin strength training, cardio activity and stretching for flexibility. On the days they weren't meeting with him, Scott and Mary worked out together. There was also meal tracking and weekly weigh-ins, which Mary admits were a bit intimidating in front of her husband. Scott was quick to reminder her, however, that he “wasn't exactly Mr. Atlas.” Rierson also helped The Means set goals along the way, including running a road race. This fall they completed Run for the Schools in Iowa – a race that their son and grandson both ran in as well. “We finished without stopping to walk,” Mary said. “For our first outing it went well and that success kept us at it.” Now three times a week they run two to three miles, something they haven't done in many years. Their fitness journey was not without challenges. “We had days that one of us did not want to exercise,” said Mary. “But our commitment to each other and to improving our health were big motivators and we encouraged each other. We did not dwell on a day when we ate wrong or drug our feet exercising. And our trainer was always positive about the days ahead and the success we could achieve.” “We're in as good a shape as we've been in in our lives,” said Scott, who lost 20 pounds and more than 12 percent of his body fat. Mary has lost 35 pounds and also dropped 12 percent of her body fat. When she goes in for her yearly physical, she's hoping her blood pressure, high cholesterol and glucose levels have all improved, too. The couple say they have far surpassed their own expectations. “The end result is that you feel so much better and it improves your mental standpoint,” said Scott. “I mean I never would have imagined I'd be jogging three miles the day after Thanksgiving. It changes your lifestyle for the better.” Mary agrees. “I do feel better and have lots more energy. If you feel better life is better. We don't get as tired playing with the grandkids. And I don't nap as much, so there's more time for fun. I've just been totally amazed at what we've been able to accomplish.” It's obvious the Means have enjoyed their shared journey to wellness.“We are proud of each other,” Mary said. “It's been fun.”

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Over the last year Scott and Mary Means of Cedar Rapids have transformed their lifestyles – together.

 While the Means, both 60, were moderately active adults – Scott rode a stationary bike for 40 minutes, four times a week and Mary would get out for an occasional walk and tried various workout regimens – they weren't feeling good about their health.

 “I wasn't watching my diet and so I wasn't losing weight,” Scott said. Mary had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and her glucose was rising. Her motivation, she said, was her low energy level. “I was concerned that I was very lethargic and I just didn't feel good,” she said. “So it wasn't about losing weight, it was about being healthy.”

 The couple – married for 39 years – decided to give working out with a personal trainer a try after friends introduced them to personal trainer and nutrition consultant Jeff Rierson of Rierson Fitness.

 Scott admits he was unsure about this fitness option at first. “If ten years ago you would have told me I'd be working out with a personal trainer I would have laughed at you,” he said. But Mary convinced her husband that working with a personal trainer was an important investment they needed to make together.

 The Means began meeting with Rierson two to three times a week back in March to begin strength training, cardio activity and stretching for flexibility. On the days they weren't meeting with him, Scott and Mary worked out together. There was also meal tracking and weekly weigh-ins, which Mary admits were a bit intimidating in front of her husband. Scott was quick to reminder her, however, that he “wasn't exactly Mr. Atlas.”

 Rierson also helped The Means set goals along the way, including running a road race. This fall they completed Run for the Schools in Iowa – a race that their son and grandson both ran in as well. “We finished without stopping to walk,” Mary said. “For our first outing it went well and that success kept us at it.” Now three times a week they run two to three miles, something they haven't done in many years.

 Their fitness journey was not without challenges. “We had days that one of us did not want to exercise,” said Mary. “But our commitment to each other and to improving our health were big motivators and we encouraged each other. We did not dwell on a day when we ate wrong or drug our feet exercising. And our trainer was always positive about the days ahead and the success we could achieve.”

 “We're in as good a shape as we've been in in our lives,” said Scott, who lost 20 pounds and more than 12 percent of his body fat. Mary has lost 35 pounds and also dropped 12 percent of her body fat. When she goes in for her yearly physical, she's hoping her blood pressure, high cholesterol and glucose levels have all improved, too.

 The couple say they have far surpassed their own expectations. “The end result is that you feel so much better and it improves your mental standpoint,” said Scott. “I mean I never would have imagined I'd be jogging three miles the day after Thanksgiving. It changes your lifestyle for the better.”

 Mary agrees. “I do feel better and have lots more energy. If you feel better life is better. We don't get as tired playing with the grandkids. And I don't nap as much, so there's more time for fun. I've just been totally amazed at what we've been able to accomplish.”

 It's obvious the Means have enjoyed their shared journey to wellness.

“We are proud of each other,” Mary said. “It's been fun.”