Mary's Mission: Diet And Exercise

If you're overweight, you are not alone. It is a national epidemic, and that means millions of Americans are at a greater risk for a serious illness, like stroke.

Dr. David Hess, Medical College of Georgia: "The things we eat, the things we do are extremely important."

Mary Morrison: "Doctor Hess is the head of neurology at MCG. After my mild stroke in May, we talked about preventing another one through diet and exercise."

Dr. Hess: "I think you should exercise as much as you can tolerate...walking light jogging...treadmill stuff is very good."

Mary: "To get started, I turned to personal trainer, Katie Eaton, at the Family Y, who takes my body measurements."

Mary: "Oh boy, this is something every woman hates, being measured, and the numbers, unless you're slim and trim...believe me, it's painful...but it's the beginning of my weight loss and it's great...I am so excited about it."

Mary: "Next we're off to the treadmill to warm up...the machine is set for a slight incline and two and a half miles per hour."

Katie Eaton, Family Y Personal Trainer: "You want a minimum of five minute warm up so you don't injure you body.You want to warm up your muscles..she did very well. Now comes the fun part."

Mary: "Katie introduces me to a wide range of exercises, like the lap pull down, which focuses on my biceps...a must for any busy mother or grandmother."

Katie: "Anytime you're grabbing children, you're using your biceps..anytime you're grabbing your groceries, you're using your bicepts."

Mary: "Katie shows me how to do squats correctly..it's easier than you think, and it's important."

Katie: "Squats will strengthen your quads which are the front muscles, as well as your hamstring, which is your back muscle. If you don't have a strong lower leg, your joints will be bad and your hip will be bad. You basically squat every time you drop down."

Mary: "Floor exercises increase flexibility and work specific areas of the body, like your legs and your abs. Strength training is also part of the program. Light weights can help you reap huge health benefits. Katie showed me how to use them properly. Mary, pumping iron at the Family Y, I'm loving it!"

Mary: "Finally, the cool down. It's called 'passive stretching'. I relax....Katie does the rest. Nourishing blood is rushing to my muscles...reducing the risk of soreness. Now, that's a good stretch."

Mary: "If you find a gym intimidating, a personal trainer like katie can help design an exercise progam that is perfect for you. The service is affordable and can fit into most budgets. Don't put it off...take that first step, check with your doctor, and then get moving."

Katie: "The hardest part is starting, the second hardest part is sticking to it."

Mary: "But, with Katie's help, I know I will, and I hope you will, too."