Joe Liberman

Dance With Me!

When Joe Lieberman claims he is the best dancer in Nia®, one cannot help but believe him.  "I´m 81 going on 8," Joe says with a chuckle.  Nia® is an energizing workout that encompasses martial and healing arts, expressive movement and form, and lifestyle practices. The expressive movement and dance class allows Joe to work on flexibility, agility, balance, strength, and stamina.  Almost two years ago, Joe was unable to walk without leaning on the wall for support.  "When I first started Nia®, I had to stop occasionally and could not finish the entire class.  Now, after working with the fitness specialist and instructors at ACAC, I´m dancing!  I dance in the kitchen while making breakfast in the morning and come to Nia® five times a week!"  Nia® allows Joe an opportunity to be physically active and interact with people in class.  He finds excitement and mental stimulation through his relationships at ACAC. 

Larry Sipe

The Few. The Proud.

After suffering a shattered ankle in a work-related accident, Larry Sipe was referred to physical therapy @ acac to guide him through his recovery. After many hours of treatment, Larry´s ankle had healed to the point where he was able to make another positive change in his life. At 350 pounds and dependent for the past ten years on diabetes and blood pressure medications, Larry decided it was time to get healthy. He set a goal of getting down to 200 pounds and hired a personal trainer and nutritionist to help him stay on track. He spent a lot of time increasing his cardiovascular health by walking, riding the bike, and lifting weights. Remarkably, Larry has already shed more than 100 pounds. And best of all, he is now off all his blood pressure and diabetes medications. "ACAC changed my life," he says. "I have newfound energy, and there´s a new fullness in life."

Amanda Hunt

GroupExSuccess!

Amanda Hunt gained around 40 pounds over six years due to a long history of depression and working in a high-stress environment as a flight nurse and paramedic. In October 2005, she decided to try a different approach to exercise to help with her depression. By adding a variety of group exercise classes to her workouts she lost 30 pounds and dropped her body fat by 8.7%. The staff are "fantastic and VERY encouraging." I met a lot of very nice people in the classes" The weight just stared to melt away and my body just transformed. How many gyms in which you work out does the housekeeper actually care enough to tell you she has noticed your hard work" says Amanda. "I know I would not have succeeded in my goals without having been a member of ACAC." 

Nate Williams

Pound for Pound!

Most mornings you will find Nate Williams on the basketball court at ACAC. At first glance, you know instantly that he´s an athlete. What you don´t see are the 87 pounds that he´s shed in the past four months. Although Nate is now an avid basketball player, he was once a star defensive tackle for the Virginia Tech Hokies. After graduating, Nate´s weight peaked at 340 pounds, and he realized something had to change. "I knew I had to do something. After five knee surgeries and an extra seventy pounds, I could barely move without pain and experiencing shortness of breath. ACAC had so many exercise options that it was easy for me to get started." Now a lean 253 pounds, Nate continues to spend two hours a day at ACAC. Not only does he play basketball, he also spends a lot of time on the elliptical machines and taking part in other cardio workouts.

Millie Kephart

Swimming Fun

When Millie Kephart joined ACAC in January, 2006, she never dreamed she would take swimming lessons. Following knee surgery, she was encouraged to participate in the Arthritis Plus water class. Although her first class was short lived, she joined in on the Aqua Strength classes in 2009 after having rotator cuff surgery. She mentioned to Aquatics Director Kathryn Stephenson that she had a fear of water and felt that she "had missed a lot of fun" in her life. "Kathryn was encouraging and assured me that a 67 year old could learn to swim!" With expertise instruction and much patience, Swim Instructor James had Millie afloat after a few lessons. Cherie Adair later assumed the instructor role, and provided "encouragement, patience and kindness". "I may never swim with the dolphins, but I will swim with my grandchildren" says Millie. "Thank you, pool staff, for making this experience a memorable one."