West Tennessee Woman took the Obegone Fitness challenge and Lost 42 pounds in 4 months

JACKSON, Tenn. - March 14, 2013 - PRLog -- West Tennessee is a great place to live and work.  It is also a great place to eat and not exercise.  The result of which is an explosion in the rate of people who are overweight and who are experiencing chronic health issues.  According to The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation the rate of adult obesity in West Tennessee is greater than 32%.  The Centers for Disease Control 2012 Diabetes Report Card indicates rates of diabetes are just above 11%.  The American Heart Association reports that heart disease rates are almost 7%.  These alarming statistics are a call to action for many local practitioners.  Consequently, Beth Patterson, physical therapist, well known local fitness advocate, and co-founder of AquaTherapies, has started Obegone Fitness.  The new company is focusing on resources to address the unique needs of this expanding population.

Patterson has taken the experiences of almost 20 years in practice to create a series of exercise videos targeted at this underserved population.  She says “for years I have had overweight and chronically ill patients request programs to help them lose weight and get in shape.  They get frustrated and even depressed because they can’t find any videos or equipment made for their body type and physical limitations.  They have confided in me that they do not feel comfortable going into a fitness center where others can watch them exercise.  In reality, most gym fitness equipment has a weight limit of 250-300 pounds.  They ultimately lose motivation and hope which leads to more weight gain.”

Obegone Fitness strives to equip individuals who are overweight or inactive, and slowly progress them through exercise and encouragement to get them back into life.  Patterson launched her first exercise video titled “Get Back into Life” March 7, 2013.  Participants can choose among 3 thirty minute routines; a bed routine, a chair routine, and a gentle, fun standing routine.  Future plans include launching more videos, at home fitness equipment, and even a clothing line.  

The initial response has been very favorable.  Ms. Golden Eacholes, a friend and former patient, took the Obegone Fitness challenge and lost 42 pounds in 4 months using the videos and modifying her diet. She is similar to many other people who are overweight, because she also has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia and back issues.  She is featured in the videos with Patterson to motivate and encourage others with similar body types.  Her resolve to realize change is inspirational.  It also shows the results of having the right resources available.

Patterson states “this is a great time to use my experience to guide and encourage these folks.  The rise in obesity and the need to exercise are front of mind issues.  Most exercise videos are created by personal fitness trainers, which is fine for people with average healthy bodies.  However, my physical therapy background has trained me to identify exercises that are programmed and targeted to meet the needs of people who are overweight and frequently have other health issues.  They are less likely to experience pain and lose hope. “ Golden Eacholes states “I am able to exercise 3 times per week and sweat without putting stress on my joints. I can now reach up over her head.”  The true vision of Obegone Fitness is to improve the quality of life and physical function in those people’s lives who find it challenging to exercise due to physical limitations.  Weight loss is a welcome by-product.  Obegone Fitness can be found on the internet at www.obegonefitness.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

On March 23rd and 24th Patterson will begin a 90 day fitness challenge to introduce Obegone Fitness to West Tennessee.  She is encouraging potential participants to meet at AquaTherapies, 615 Carriage House Drive, Jackson, TN 38305, between the hours of 2 and 4 pm both days.  Ideal participants will have a body mass index (BMI) of 30% or greater and other physical limitations that are keeping them from exercising.  Initial assessments will be performed and progress will be tracked through the 90 day period.  Participants will be eligible for awards based on most weight lost, most inches lost, and most functionality gained.  The winner of each category of accomplishment will win $500.  For more information e-mail beth@obegonefitness.com, or call Keith Patterson at (731) 695-1641.