Gillian is all smiles, embracing health and the great outdoors!
Gillian Goodman has been a patron of the Fitness Center since 1995. “I love to run and have done just about every fitness activity at the JCC over the years,” the mom of two says. A few months ago, Gillian won the Summer Shred fitness challenge’s female division but downplays the accomplishment.
“I’ve seen those fitness challenges in the past, but I was always intimidated by the InBody scan machine,” Gillian confesses. “You couldn’t pay me enough to have that done.” To track progress, patrons complete three InBody scans: at the start, middle, and end of the challenge. As someone who also dreads stepping on the scale, I understand this sentiment. The InBody scan feels invasive, as it calculates visceral fat, lean muscle, and more with startling accuracy.
So, what changed? Gillian had recently adopted a pescatarian diet and was struggling to consume enough lean protein while building muscle post-menopause. “I decided it was time to learn the truth of my body composition,” she admits. JCC Denver’s Fitness Manager, Ben Davis, supported her through the process, offering advice on protein sources and portion sizes. Gillian focused on proper nutrition and staying active through diverse activities including hiking locally and kayaking in Alaska. “I felt like my clothing was fitting better, even when the scale didn’t change. The InBody is a very useful tool; it makes you get honest about your body composition,” Gillian reflects. Unlike a traditional scale, the InBody captures changes in muscle gain and fat loss.
Gilian taking in Alaska’s breathtaking views
To those on the fence, she says, “No one was more resistant than me, but it’s very gratifying. You learn a lot.” Now, at 62, Gillian is motivated to stay fit into her 70s and beyond. “It’s fun to work out when a place feels like home.” Gillian compares JCC Denver to 80s sitcom Cheers, where everyone knows each other by name. She values the age diverse, inclusive environment, unlike other trendy fitness spaces geared towards bright-eyed, 20-year-olds in neon pink lululemon sets. “I don’t have to wear the fanciest exercise clothes or put on makeup. I can just come in and workout comfortably.”
Gillian also enjoys events like the Denver Jewish Film Festival, vinyasa yoga with JCC Fitness Manager, Ben Davis and Fitness Instructor Autumn Leon Guerrero, and watching the ELS babies being chauffeured across the JCC Lobby at varying intervals. “That’s the beauty of the J,” she says.
The JCC Fall Fitness Challenge wraps up November 12. Stay tuned for our Spring Transformation event!
