Des Davies, a 49-year-old resident of Farmington Hills, was tired of feeling uncomfortable in his own body. In October 2013, he decided he wanted to make a change.
He joined the Farmington Family YMCA and, after four months of diet and exercise, Des lost close to 20 pounds. But he knew he could achieve more. He sought out the help of Pam Horetski, a personal trainer at the Farmington Y, and after two sessions every week for a few months, his results were incredible.
“For me, the significance of my journey isn’t so much the weight loss,” Des said. “The thing that’s been the biggest for me is that I damaged my knees when I was 16, and I’ve had knee problems ever since. Since I started working with Pam, she helped me strengthen my knees, and now I have no pain whatsoever.”
In addition to training with Pam, Des exercises in the pool, on an elliptical or in the wellness center three to four days a week. His training sessions with Pam are mostly reserved for strength and core training.
For Des, the choice to start on a path to healthiness was a difficult but impactful one. He urges those who are looking to make a healthy change in their lives to dive in today.
“Don’t wait. It’s hard work to get moving, but the changes – feeling energy and ability to do the things you want to do – more than make up for it,” he said.
Three tips for staying on the path to a stronger you
Pam Horetski, Personal Trainer at the Farmington Family YMCA and Des Davies’ trainer, gives a few tips
1. Be realistic about your goals. How many workout sessions can you fit into your schedule? Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit the number you were aiming to reach. Make sure your expectations aren’t greater than reality.
2. Put yourself first. While reviewing emergency protocols on an airplane, you are told to put your oxygen mask on first so you can be better equipped to assist the person next to you. Exercise is the same. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be better prepared both physically and mentally to take care of family, be productive at work, or fulfill whatever else life sends your way.
3. Be patient. In today’s world, we get caught up in a go-go-go mentality. And we expect instant gratification. In addition to making time for exercise, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating healthy. Don’t expect instant results, but rather, know you will eventually see a long-term change if you continue making healthy decisions.