Featured Fitness Story

Determined NY Resident Achieves Weight Loss Goal With Structure House Program and NuStep

A knee injury led to a major lifestyle change for Rose Schwartz. The 65 year-old resident of New City, New York tore cartilage in her knee while walking. Like many people, Rose had gradually gained weight over the years and at the time of her injury she was 50 pounds over her ideal weight. Her doctor told her that for every pound she lost, there would be a three-pound reduction in pressure on her damaged knee. At the time, she was wearing a size 16W, and the extra pounds were taking their toll on her small, 4’ 101/2" frame.

Rose, a retired math teacher, who works as an adjunct assistant professor at the State University of New York at New Paltz, decided to lose the weight once and for all. After researching options, Rose chose Structure House, a residential facility in Durham, N.C., that utilizes a behavioral approach to achieve permanent weight loss. During an on-campus, multi-week stay, individuals learn the psychological reasons for overeating, and are introduced to a structured daily routine with three nutritious, low-calorie meals, elimination of snacking, and exercise.

Before arriving at Structure House, Rose had been a regular exerciser; she and her husband walked three-mile routes several days per week. However, her knee injury put most exercise equipment off limits, including the treadmill. Primarily limited to water aerobics, stretching and toning exercises, she was elated to learn she could use the NuStep® TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer with virtually no negative impact on her knee. She began 40-minute workouts every other day on the NuStep® Recumbent Cross Trainer. She liked it so much that her husband bought her a NuStep® Recumbent Cross Trainer as a birthday gift. She likes the convenience of using the NuStep at home, and it helps her maintain her commitment to exercise.

"I liked the seated position of the NuStep® Recumbent Cross Trainer," Rose said. "The stepping motion allowed me to get a great workout without putting any weight or stress on my knee, and it helped me burn the calories needed to lose weight." Rose’s initial goal was to lose 30 pounds, but the weight came off so easily that she increased her goal to 55 pounds. She met this goal and went from 162 pounds to 107 pounds and from size 16W to a size 4 petite. Her husband rewarded her with a whole new wardrobe for all four seasons. She gave away all of her old clothes except for one pair of size 16W slacks – a reminder of how far she has come. To maintain her new weight, Rose has made the changes she learned at Structure House a permanent part of her life. "When I went to Structure House, it felt like I was going to school to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. I have a great feeling of accomplishment, and I feel like the old me."

For more information about Structure House, visit www.structurehouse.com.