Trainer uses her struggles to motivate in YMCA program
Trainer uses her struggles to motivate in YMCA program
Dayton Daily News
By Beth Anspach, Contributing Writer 1:41 PM Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Teri J. Munger can trace the roots of her self-proclaimed passion for health and wellness back to the beginning of her career in the United States Air Force, more than two decades ago.
I always struggled with my weight as an adult, Munger said, But when I decided upon an Air Force career, I knew I had to get fit for duty, and get disciplined if I wanted to keep my job.
Realizing that her career depended upon her own good health, Munger became a certified aerobics instructor and began paying more attention to the food she put into her body.
Ive never looked like a Barbie, Munger said. But thats OK, because I want to encourage real people who are dealing with the same struggles I have.
After retiring from the Air Force, Munger, who lives in Cedarville, went back to college, eventually earning her general studies degree with an emphasis on physical education and religion. And over the years she also picked up certifications in yoga, group exercise, CPR and as a personal trainer. In January, she began her new job as the health and wellness director at the Huber Heights YMCA.
The position, which had previously been vacant for some time, places her in charge of the Move to Lose program, which was originally benchmarked by the Huber Heights Y and is now being offered by all greater Dayton Ys.
Its basically a competitive wellness and fitness program, Munger said. Individuals not only work out on this program but also are offered the help of a personal trainer twice a week. All the Y locations compete in this 12-week program that measures total weight loss for each location.
With 75 participants in Huber Heights alone, Mungers job is a lofty one, ensuring that every participant gets the personal attention needed to be successful.
We encourage participants to be active all week and have them commit to at least 30 minutes per day of cardio activity, she said. Munger provides structured exercises and also personalizes them for each client. We have a wide range of fitness levels with the youngest participant being about 21 and the oldest well into her 60s.
Extremely familiar with the struggles many people have with food and emotions, Munger said that journaling what is eaten each day is vital to success.
You can work out all day long but if you are eating a lot and not burning it off, you will gain weight! she said.
Munger teaches her clients how to read food labels and count calories. Education is the key, she said. People come from different backgrounds and cultures but no matter what, its the same for everyone. If you eat too much, you will wear it!
The pivotal moment for her came many years ago when she began her Air Force career, but Munger says most everyone has those wake up calls at some point.
When people get tired of carrying extra weight, they begin to ask questions, Munger said. They are tired of being tired, not having energy, not being able to keep up with their children and grandchildren.
Because Munger recognizes that short-term changes wont solve the obesity problem, she emphasizes lifestyle change in order to realize success.
It should be like brushing your teeth, something you do every day, she said. But I also know that people wont incorporate things they dont like into their routines. So I help them find activities they like!
And since many younger people dont often worry about their weight or health, Munger really tries to mentor them so they recognize that its far easier to get fit at age 20 and stay that way than to start again at age 50.
No one told me at age 20 that I should be thinking about that, she said. Im truly blessed to be here today!