Ann O’Connell Loses 50 at 50! A PEAC Health & Fitness Success Story.
October 26th, 2011

Ann O’Connell recently celebrated more than just her 50th birthday; she had her wish come true by losing more than 50 pounds. Ann, her husband, Mark and their three children moved to Pennington from North Jersey two years ago. As they were new to the area, a neighbor suggested she try PEAC. “I was overweight, unhappy and not feeling like myself. I mentioned to my neighbor that I was interested in finding a local gym—the very next day, my mailbox was filled with information about PEAC,” said Ann. After an impressive tour of the facility, Ann wasted no time in becoming a member of PEAC.

Initially, Ann had difficulty making the commitment to working out. “The indoor track and group exercise studios intimidated me,” said Ann. After several months as a PEAC member with a half-hearted effort, Ann became fully engaged. Ann credits the ‘I Lost It At PEAC’ program and her weight loss challenge coach, Michelle Briehler, for helping her make the connection. Michelle assisted Ann and three other participants through the eight-week weight loss challenge. That particular session consisted of sixty participants who worked out, attended complimentary weight loss and nutrition lectures, and attended meetings with their coaches throughout the eight weeks. Surprising herself, Ann finished in 3rd place in the program, with her team placing fourth overall. Ann attributes her success to Michelle Briehler’s no nonsense approach to exercise, along with Michelle’s extensive knowledge of eating well and personal emails of encouragement, which supported her team to reach their goals. “I gained knowledge and workout buddies, whose team approach motivated me every day,” Ann recalls.

“My prize money was the best money I ever won! The ‘I Lost it at PEAC’ program motivated me to finally lose the weight I had struggled to lose and make the necessary lifestyle changes to help me feel my best at 50! Since making exercise a part of my life, not only have I lost 50 pounds, but I have cut my prescription dosage in half and my cholesterol level dropped 40 points! I told my family, I need your support – I am going to PEAC every day and our eating habits need to change. I am no longer afraid to get on the scale for my yearly physicals!” said Ann.

Additionally, Ann began running 5K races in May and recently achieved a personal best race time at PEAC’s Fall Fest 5K on Saturday, October 15th. “I’ve never experienced such caring people and closeness, as I have with the PEAC staff and members, anywhere else before. I’ve used various weight loss programs, been to many gyms in North Jersey, but PEAC truly is a wellness and fitness club. I took the TaiChi course offered back in June, my daughter is taking the Baby Sitting course in November—PEAC’s changed my life! I feel like I can’t fail, now that I’m surrounded by such a positive, knowledgeable and supportive staff,” said Ann.

For more information, please contact Laura Geltch at PEAC Health & Fitness, located at 1440 Lower Ferry Road Ewing, NJ 08618 at 609-883-2000.