Local stories of incredible life change through fitness and nutrition

While the saying “there is no better time than the present” always rings true for those looking to change their health, the beginning of the year is typically a popular time to jump into (or back into, in some cases) a fitness and nutrition plan. The food-focused holidays have come and gone, and indulgent vacations are likely on pause until spring.

But what does it really take to make a plan and stick with it? How can you make sure this attempt at weight loss isn’t just another botched New Year’s Resolution? We went straight to the experts for help—and we aren’t talking about personal trainers or dietitians (but of course, those are always great people to work with!).

These three inspiring individuals know what it feels like to be at the beginning. Read on to hear their stories.

Maria Carreno
Age: 25
Weight Lost: 80 pounds
Maria’s Story:
“Growing up I was always the ‘big girl.’ Every diet out there, I tried it, but I always gained the weight back a couple of months later.

When I came to this country six years ago, it was a cultural shock for me and I gained even more weight. In 2020, I reached my highest weight of 322 pounds. I was going through the most difficult time of my life. I wasn’t taking care of myself, I was depressed and it showed.

I finally decided that enough was enough. I joined Burn Boot Camp and started using the simple and old key to success: being consistent. Not only was I exercising consistently, but I worked with the personal trainers on my eating habits. I lost over 80 pounds in 18 months and plan to lose more in the coming year.

I learned that no matter where you are at, if you decide to do something and put your mind to it,
you will accomplish it.”

John Hobbs
Age: 30
Weight Lost: 175 pounds
John’s Story:
“Several years ago, I had gained a tremendous amount of weight. I knew it was time to do something when it started interfering with things that I loved to do, such as hunting and racing motorcycles.

I reached out to Tim Wamsley at Kratos Fitness. The entire staff used their knowledge of health and fitness to motivate me to work hard, eat healthy, and stay consistent. Not only did we work hard, but they made it fun and a team effort! The combination of accountability and workouts that were actually enjoyable was key to keeping me consistent. In just over one year I was able to lose 175 pounds!

Since then, I’ve gotten back into hunting and racing and have never felt better. After losing weight, Kratos helped me modify my nutrition and exercise routine to maintain the results and have continued to check up with me to help me through my transition.

I really encourage people that want a life change to work with the staff at Kratos—they understand the struggle and want to help with a change! Thank you Kratos for helping me to not only lose the weight, but to keep it off for four years now!”

Connie Moore
Age: 64
Weight Lost: 48 pounds
Connie’s Story:
“The nurse at my family doctor’s office called me in May 2018 to give me the results of my bloodwork and told me my A1C was now in the pre-diabetes category. When the A1C test was done again one year later in May 2019, I was still in that category.

The nurse told me that there was a YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program I could enroll in which consisted of 25 one-hour sessions over the course of one year, led by a trained lifestyle coach to learn healthy eating and the importance of getting regular physical activity. So, I enrolled and started taking the class in June 2019.

I did not want to go down the path of becoming diabetic so I stayed focused on eating healthier and exercising at the YMCA on a regular schedule. It has been a long 2.5 year journey for me of being consistent and dedicated to becoming a healthier version of myself, and I have met many new friends along the way.

I am very happy to say that when I went to see my family doctor in November 2021 that my A1C bloodwork came back as now being in the ‘normal’ category.”

Senior Putt-Putt League celebrates 15 years of fitness, fun and friendship on the green
Photos by Ashlee Glen

Lois Mason may be 91 years old, but she hasn’t let that keep her from enjoying two of her favorite things: “I love sports. Anything to do with a ball. I’m also an outside person.”

The Senior Putt-Putt League, a program of Lynchburg Parks and Recreation that’s run by two faithful community volunteers, lets her do both.

2021 marks 15 years since this spunky, close-knit group started meeting at the Putt-Putt Fun Center on Timberlake Road. It’s advertised for anyone 50 or older, but most participants are over the age of 65.

Willie Perry decided to form the league upon his retirement. He had previously worked with children in the Junior Putters of America organization for 23 years.

“So when I retired, I said I want to start working with these older kids,” he laughed.

The group meets every Monday morning from April through October and typically averages about 30 participants each time. They start at 10 a.m. but then shift the time to 9 a.m. when the summer heat settles in.

Putt-Putt Fun Center opens the facility up for the group to enjoy exclusively and offers a reduced rate to participants, which Perry says is important for seniors on fixed incomes.

“They also get outdoors, get some sun and some exercise,” he explained.

However, the most important benefit, he believes, is the socialization with other seniors.

“We have some who come just to be around other people. Some widows who have lost their husbands. It helps fill in some times of loneliness for them,” he said.

But that doesn’t mean the game isn’t taken seriously. There also are plenty of members who are slowly improving their putting scores and come to compete—including Mason, whose younger partner says the 91-year-old will sometimes ask for a do-over on a putt.

“She doesn’t respect her elders!” Mason joked.

The top ranking elder of the league is Gladys Cantrell. At 95 years old, she still makes her weekly putt-putt outing a priority. She also is a true champion off the course as well;
Cantrell contracted COVID-19 last year, was hospitalized, but managed to beat the virus and come back to join her beloved putt-putt group just as strong and spirited.

“Some days I’m better, other days I’m not,” she laughed. “But I love playing, I love all of the people. It’s just fun.”

Want to Join?
All you have to do is come to the Putt-Putt Fun Center on Timberlake Road and you can be a part of the fun! They meet every Monday at 9 a.m. during the summer months.

Made for Lifters

Open since June 1, Legendary Strength Gym on Lakeside Drive is already seeing a growing membership. The facility brands itself as the “first and only premiere powerlifting gym in Lynchburg”—and after a quick scroll through their website and social media, you see why. This gym provides access to competition-grade powerlifting equipment and strongman workouts—the best perk, though, is that you will train alongside like-minded lifters to keep you motivated.

Learn more at legendarystrengthgym.com.

YMCA Express Expansion

The YMCA’s “Express” location on Old Forest Road is getting a makeover. The new additions include more parking, additional changing spaces (some with showers), new rooms and studios, and a Child Watch Center. Since opening in early 2011, the Y Express had only been open to those 18 and up and offered no child care. The initial expansion is expected to be completed in July.

Learn more at www.ymcacva.org.

Wanna Dance with Somebody?

You know that sweat you work up when dancing around the living room with your kids? Or the burn you feel the next day after breaking it down at a wedding? Dance isn’t just good for the spirit—it can burn major calories. Two dance-centered workout studios have opened in Central Virginia this year—Dancing With Theo on Main Street and The Vibe Studio of Lynchburg on Timberlake Road.

Learn more about this fun workout trend and these two studios on pages 36.

Take It Outside

The “world’s best little town” is now putting itself on the map for a different reason—a state-of-the-art outdoor gym that’s the first of its kind in Virginia. The National Fitness Campaign “Fitness Court®”, located in Bedford’s Liberty Lake Park, is a bodyweight circuit training facility for people of all ages. Users can also track their training progress, learn new routines and compete in challenges with the free Fitness Court App.

Visit the outdoor gym at Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Road, Bedford.

Back and Better Than Ever

Snap Fitness opened on Boonsboro Road 10 years ago and was recently purchased by Billy and Lisa Mays. In May, they celebrated that milestone and the remodeling of the gym with a grand re-opening ceremony. Snap Fitness offers a little bit of everything—circuit training and cardio equipment, free weights, yoga, personal training, and virtual training. It’s open 365 days a year, 24/7.

Learn more at snapfitness.com/us/gyms/lynchburg-va/.