We love to receive fitness success stories and hope you’re as inspired by the testimonials below as we are.  If Parks & Recreation has helped you become healthy, we want to hear your tale too.  Please send us your story and be sure to include as many details as possible about your transformation. 

Inching Toward Fitness

Name: Judee Livramento
Age: 48
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
"I wanted to say how I have enjoyed my class at Pelham Fritz Recreation Center. I started the Shape Up NY Fitness Challenge in January and have lost weight (pounds and inches). My instructor, LaSharn Cooper, has been very supportive, and I love the class."

Head of the Class

Name: Dan Z.
Age: 31
Fitness Fave: Boxing classes at Tony Dapolito Recreation Center

Fitness Story:
"I just wanted to say thanks for the free, bi-weekly boxing classes at the Tony Dapolito Center on Seventh Avenue, Manhattan. The instructor David is supportive, inspiring, and helpful. I don’t have much money and was a bit unsure about the gym, but it’s been fantastic. I really feel like I’m the best I’ve been in years. Just wanted to pass on my compliments to the staff, particularly David. Thanks."

Walked Away the Blues

Name: Glendora Walker
Age: 58
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
"I was injured on the job in 1990. I was in constant pain and was given all sorts of meds. I had spinal surgery in 1993. I was depressed, in therapy, still trying any medication I could for the pain. When I went to the doctor, he would tell me I was obese, and he wanted me to lose 20 pounds. In 2004, I was hospitalized for spinal meningitis. It affected my sight. I was depressed and in therapy. I was still considered obese.

I met Francis Scott [Parks fitness instructor], and I took my first walk on Oct 21, 2005 at 135th Street in St. Nicholas Park. I was given a water bottle, jump rope, and a knapsack. I wore that knapsack proudly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when we went walking. We would meet, walk down to Morningside [Park], do a few loops around the ballfield, up the steps, and some days we would work on abs or stretch using the benches. We got to a point where we were fit enough to walk the six-mile loop around Central Park.

We have become friends as a group; we have Christmas parties. My husband joined along, and he also has been able to toss his hypertension medications. I look forward to my morning walks. They bring me gratitude, strength, and confidence. I listen for the waterfall and the birds. I grab people on the street and encourage them to walk with us."

Ms. Walker is proud to announce she has lost 63 pounds since 2005 and no longer takes any medications (except a water pill).

The Price Is Right

Name: Diane Cook
Age: 65
Fitness Fave: Manhattan recreation center pools

Fitness Story:
“As a senior citizen on a fixed income, I really appreciate the centers. The ten dollars-a-year fee is such a bargain. I love the facilities at the East 54th Street, Asser Levy, and Chelsea Recreation Centers. The weight and fitness rooms are great, but my favorite facilities are the pools. They’re wonderful! I am forever touting the advantages of these centers to one and all.”

Trim and Toned

Name: Ines Fuentes
Age: 54
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
Ines Fuentes has always exercised and taken care of her health. To maintain her weight and mix up her routine, she began attending Shape Up New York classes two years ago.

Before coming to Shape Up New York, Ms. Fuentes weighed 150 pounds. After attending three times a week (her favorites are the cardio and toning classes), she is five pounds lighter and takes pride in her beautifully sculpted, toned muscles.

A proud member, Ms. Fuentes states, “I wish that Shape Up would continue forever and ever.”

Feeling No Pain

Name: Dolores McCullough
Age: 76
Fitness Fave: St. John’s Recreation Center, Brooklyn

Fitness Story:
“I am a 76 year-old woman suffering with spinal stenosis. For years, I could not walk even a quarter of a block. I decided to exercise at St. John’s Recreation Center because it was near. The staff helped me learn how to use three exercise machines, stretch, and use the pool. Now, my pain is so much better. There are days I am without pain, and I don’t need a cane to walk. I am so thankful.”

“I Just Love It”

Name: Johnnie Hasan
Age: 66
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
“I was 214 pounds and was experiencing body aches throughout my entire body. In late 2005, I started attending the Shape Up New York chair aerobic classes and later began the abs and toning sessions. I am now 199 pounds. I do not have the aches and pains I had before. Overall, I feel better and have improved my self-esteem. I just love it.”

Doctor's Orders

Name: Wanda Munoz
Age: 46
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
Wanda Munoz began attending Shape Up New York on the recommendation of a friend after her doctor issued strict orders to begin exercising in 2005. Since then, she has attended classes two to three times a week, resulting in lost pounds and inches off her body. As her endurance has improved, so has her strength. Ms. Munoz is able to lifting four-pound dumbbells during the toning sessions, an increase from her beginning capabilities.

While her favorite classes are the step and cardio dance classes, her favorite thing about the Shape Up New York program is that “we are a happy exercising family. Come and join us; ‘it’s a good thing.’”

It's a Steal!

Name: Martin Quinn
Age: 37
Fitness Fave: Recreation centers

Fitness Story:
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the recreation centers. Since I started using the Red Hook, Chelsea, and Sunset Park centers, I’ve lost 20 pounds, gained some muscle, and, at age 37, my health is better than it’s ever been.

The centers are clean and well staffed. I feel the equipment provided is plentiful. I’m astounded that it only costs $75 a year. I wouldn’t be able to afford the luxury of a gym in NYC if it wasn’t for this service. It’s change my life for the better in so many ways. Thank you for continuing this wonderful service for the residents of New York.”

Fifty and Fit

Name: Michael Lynch
Age: 50
Fitness Fave: Shape Up New York

Fitness Story:
Michael Lynch was nearing age 50, had diabetes, and needed to lose 30 pounds. He joined Weight Watchers, where someone in his class told him about Shape Up New York. In January of 2007, Mr. Lynch joined the Shape Up programs at Pelham Fritz Recreation Center and PS 154 in Manhattan. Instantly, he became hooked and continues to go to Shape Up programs three to four times a week.

By his fiftieth birthday on July 11, Michael Lynch had lost 32 pounds and celebrated in style! Exercise has given him more stamina and put "pep in his step." He works with developmentally disabled adults, and exercise increases his concentration at work. Finally, his blood levels improved, an important change for someone with his disease.

Mr. Lynch credits the Shape Up instructors' devotion for his enthusiasm, as well as the tight-knit group of participants.