A 42 year old single mom joined the YMCA utilizing the scholarship program so that she could start working out to lower her weight and cholesterol.  Her doctors were concerned that if she maintained her high BMI levels, her chances for diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease would escalate as she entered middle age.  The YMCA matched her with a personal trainer who started her on a regular schedule of activity and planned nutrition focused on increasing her energy and well-feeling, as well as losing weight.

As the weeks passed, she found herself not only coming to the YMCA when she was scheduled to train, but also coming in the evenings to walk and encourage her quiet and timid son to play in the gym.  The personal trainer eventually met the son and started to build a friendship via casual conversation. 

At 12, the son was curious of the changes he witnessed his mother making in her life and stared to ask more questions.  As a non-athletic kid, he was very timid and rarely exercised, focusing more on Star Wars and video games.  Eventually mom engaged the personal trainer to start working with her son.  The personal trainer used many methods of challenge, game playing (even sword fighting) and rewards to get the son into a strong work-out program.

Although mom saw demonstrated physical and emotional changes in her son, she didn’t realize the magnitude until she received a call from school.  The sons teacher was calling, not about a disciplinary issue, or the typical lack of homework completion, but to find out what changes had occurred to cause such a dynamic difference in his school outcomes and peer relationships.  The mom reported that not only has she noticed a stronger, confident and respectful son, but that those around him have noticed his new confidence and out-going, “I can” attitude.

Both mother and son continue their personal quest for whole health, but also have found a new bond in that lifestyle.