“It’s the greatest thing that’s happened to me,” MedFit participant says

It’s the greatest thing that’s happened to me.” These are the words from MedFit participant Linda Klier, 53, of Chicago after finishing her 60 days in the Northwest Community Healthcare Wellness Center’s MedFit Program. Linda joined the program last November after her daughter Miranda, 26, wanted to join but wanted a buddy to go through the program. Little did Linda know it would be a life-changing experience.

The MedFit Program is a 60-day guided exercise plan customized to fit your specific fitness goals and dedicated to improving your overall health and wellness. It develops healthy habits for life. MedFit features a full Wellness Center membership, personal training session, unlimited group exercise classes, a massage session, fitness assessment at the start and finish of the program, free child care, monthly wellness lectures, access to the indoor aquatics center and more.

What was your favorite part of the MedFit Program?

“They set you up with a trainer because walking in there can seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to start,” says Linda. “And wow. I was immediately hooked.”

Was there anyone you worked with specifically who helped you along the 60-day wellness journey?

“My personal trainer David Hull became my best buddy,” says Linda. “He listened to me and understood my workload at my day job, so he set up a system that worked wonders for me. He was always encouraging yet challenging.”

What impacted you the most about the MedFit Program and your personal wellness journey?

“The one thing that stands out to me is my results over time,” Linda says. “I have found what’s working for me.”

What were the results of participating in MedFit?

“I’ve lost 20 pounds, dropped 13 percent body fat and for the first time in my life I have normal numbers for my cholesterol, which has been a battle for my whole life. Miranda also agrees the MedFit Program helped her, especially in knowing where to start on her wellness journey. She has lost 30 pounds since the program, has more energy and feels better about herself. It’s a wonderful program for all ages.”

Would you recommend this program?

“I recommend this program to everyone,” Linda says. “People have been complimenting me on the changes. I feel wonderful and push whomever I can to join it and give it a try. It’s the greatest thing that’s happened to me.”

The MedFit Program gave Linda the opportunity to change her fitness and nutrition habits,” says David. “The more consistent she became, the more noticeable her progression became to the naked eye. I feel she is convinced now that exercise and proper nutrition are the best medicine. She continues to be consistent autonomously.”

“It’s all about getting active and starting a healthy lifestyle,” adds Clinical Fitness Coordinator Lauren Checchin. “It has grown from 1,500 to 3,000 referrals since it started and there has been a total of 3,000 pounds lost collectively in the past one and a half years.”

Trainers work with each person’s individual goals and preferences within the 5,000-square-foot facility, featuring a functional training area with weights, balls, ropes and over 100 pieces of exercise equipment.”One woman extended her time on the elliptical machine from five minutes to forty minutes,” Lauren says.

MedFit requires physician consent. The program is valued at $695, but costs just $60 for 60 days. The NCH Wellness Center is located at 900 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights on the hospital campus. To learn more about the MedFit Program, call 847-618-3506 or visit nch.org/wellness.