Losing and Gaining at the Reh-Fit

At 54, Alan Popowich is 5 foot 6 and a healthy 145 pounds. If you were next to him in a group exercise class or saw him running on the track, you’d never guess that he once struggled with his weight, energy, and confidence.

Just over two years ago Alan, a custom blinds and draperies installer, was carrying an extra 50 pounds. His confidence, energy, and enthusiasm for life were waning, and his evenings were spent exhausted on the couch. And then one night all that changed.

“It was a bolt of lightning. I was sitting on the couch at the end of the work day with no energy and it hit me. I just thought ‘Are you going to smarten up and get active and enjoy your last 30 years or not?’ ”

And with that Alan’s journey began. While installing draperies for a client, Alan noticed a Reh-Fit Program Guide on the coffee table. He inquired and the client told him to take it with him. Not long after Alan was a regular at the Centre.

“I started out coming six to seven days a week at 6 am. I would walk the track and each day I’d add a little more. Once I felt comfortable I started trying out some group exercise classes.”
The benefits extended beyond just feeling good. “I started getting to know the other members and the staff. They all offered such encouragement and really gave me something to look forward to each day. I’ve formed some really great friendships.”

With his exercise regimen on track, Alan started making an effort to cook for himself and pay more attention to what he was eating and how he was preparing food.

After just 12 months, Alan had met his goal and was feeling great. He adjusted his workouts and diet to maintain his current weight and got busy enjoying his new full life.

“My evenings are no longer spent on the couch. I’m always doing something. Carrying less weight means I can do so much more. I have a much fuller life. I present myself better, and when you do that people respond differently to you. It’s a really good feeling.”