Routine, Commitment Help the Burns Reach Their Goals
If there is one thing Dave and Sandy Burns want you to know about their health journey, it’s this: They’ve stuck.
"We’ve gone through a lot of illness, and you know, life," says Sandy. "Everybody has their stuff, but we make a point to come here every day, endorphins kick in and we feel a little more joyful."
Sandy has been a TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion member since 2003, having used the Pavilion in different ways over those years. Initially, she enjoyed swimming with her mother as her mother was recovering from breast cancer treatment. Most recently, though, Sandy’s goal in coming was to build up her muscles before hip surgery. "I knew I would respond better if I was fit before and after surgery. The doctors said they could tell too!"
Post surgery, Sandy did a lot of work in the warm water pool, and she worked with Jody Palmer, physical therapist at the Pavilion. "Jody was understanding of my needs and helped me work through the pain," says Sandy.
While Sandy has been a long-time Pavilion member, Dave, a full-time accounting professor at the University of Cincinnati, joined just this past spring. Not an avid swimmer at the time, Dave is now swimming ½ mile and physically is feeling better, even noticing a drop in his blood pressure.
Dave and Sandy both attribute their recent physical success with setting a routine and staying focused. "When you cheat, whom do you cheat?" asks Sandy.
"We have a different goal at this point in life. It’s not the pursuit of monetary advancement or accomplishments – it’s the joy of great physical health."