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Fitness Together Studio Steps Out to Stop Diabetes

For the second year in a row, Cathy Schaum, owner of Fitness Together Tyngsboro/Nashua, did her part to help change the face of diabetes in America by serving as her studio’s team captain in the Boston Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. Cathy’s studio is part of a collaborative effort of the Fitness Together Massachusetts Owners Group, which has pledged to raise $25,000 for the American Diabetes Association.

Schaum, along with ten team members from her studio and participants from other Fitness Together Studios from Cohasset, Dedham, North Andover, Norwell and Westford, joined over 3,000 walkers for the three-mile trek around Boston Common.

But before the walk got under way, Fitness Together trainer Vance Varian led the warm-up for the entire crowd from center stage. Walkers young and old followed Varian through a lively routine of stretches and cardio to Maroon 5′s “Moves Like Jagger” to prepare for the walk. Meanwhile, amateur photographers craned to get a shot of Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork who looked on, improbably, from the sidelines after coming out to show his support for the American Diabetes Association event.

“I was very proud of my young trainer, Vance, leading the warm-ups,” says Schaum. “I thought he was very poised and enthusiastic in leading the crowd. I also thought he was well-spoken and represented the entire FT organization very well.”

Schaum was happy to have friends and family join her in showing support for the event. “It was very good for me to walk with my sister, Linda, as well as some very good friends who showed their support for great cause.”

Her commitment to helpia ng people with type 2 diabetes extends to her clients as well. Last year Donald Whittemore came to Schaum’s Fitness Together studio overweight, worn down and overwhelmed by his type 2 diabetes program. After just six months Whittemore lost over 30 lbs, lowered his triglycerides and improved his health significantly.

Says Whittemore, “My doctor has even taken me off some of my meds. My AC1 has stayed down and I’m using far less insulin than before. The amount of medication I used to take in one month now lasts up to four months.”

Steve Lichtman, owner of four Fitness Together franchises, and the person who helped implement FT’s partnership with the ADA says, “This isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about battling an illness in a smart, responsible and healthy manner.”

Fitness Together, which is a proud sponsor of the American Diabetes Association, presented a check for $20,000 for diabetes research and education at Saturday’s Boston Step Out Walk.

To learn more about Fitness Together’s programs, contact Cathy Schaum at Fitness Together in Tyngsboro/Nashua at (978) 649-6799 to set up a free consultation or email Cathy at cathyschaum@fitnesstogether.com