How did you hear about LiveWell?

When we arrived to Grand Junction we were anxious to read all about our new home. In the Free Press we read about LiveWell and we also received information about LiveWell in our New Comers package from the city.

Why did you join LiveWell?

When I checked out the great LiveWell website it had lots of wonderful educational information about all areas of health. I liked the idea of being informed about fit events in the community, being accountable for exercise (and getting rewarded too.
Striving to be spiritually healthy has always been the most important, but I have struggled with being as physically healthy due to a slow metabolism and lack of enough exercise. LiveWell encourages such a variety of ways to get moving.

What have been the benefits of joining LiveWell?

The LiveWell program has encouraged me to be way more physically active. I have benefited from being active at wonderful facilities at St. Mary's gym and pool, plus the excellent Women's Program at Curves.
With recording for the challenges it made me daily aware of the accountability of making healthy live choices. The rewards of the tee-shirt, water bottle, fleece and many special discounts are all fun and useful.
My husband and I enjoyed the Geo-Caching night. Our children in LA have been involved in this activity and it is now a bonus to know how to do this fun hobby and share the experience with them.

How are you Living Well?

Grand Junction is such a great place to live. It has helped me to get a fresh start of Living Well by being active in such a wide variety of activities. Even though my spiritual health comes first, I now strive more to get enough exercise, drink enough water, and make healthier eating choices.

How has it affected your life, your friends, family, etc?

The extra physical activity has helped me to lower my body fat and to reduce inches. I have started sleeping better and actually have less pain, now since my muscles have begun to get stronger. LiveWell has had the benefit of not only helping my body but also helped me to get to know the great LiveWell Team and other fellow friends that exercise with me.

What is challenging about Living Well?

It is still often a struggle to have enough time to balance the route of exercise and outdoor activities with all the responsibilities at home and church.
It is especially difficult to be consistent with the exercises especially during the months of not having the challenges to be accountable.
It was discouraging when I was working so hard and consistently and not losing more weight but when I was shown the body mass and inch measurements had improved then it was a time to celebrate. I still need to lose weight so smaller servings and skipping some things I like are still the biggest challenges for me.

What advice do you have for others?

Celebrate each and every time that you are able to be active. Enjoy and thank God for the beauty of His creation that we are surrounded by but also for the marvelous way in which He made us.
I always told my students at school that it wasn't important that we win during sports but that we get exercise and have fun (that makes us all winners).
Enjoy the many rewards from right choices in life and the neat rewards from being involved with LiveWell.

Should LiveWell continue? Why or why not?

I pray that LiveWell continues because of the great challenges we have in our society with being fit. We need the tools like LiveWell has made possible to encourage us to be aware and informed about physical health.
When we are more physically fit then we are more emotionally healthy too and able to deal with stresses in life. It is a win, win situation for individuals, families and our city.

Is there anything else you would like to say to the LiveWell staff or members?

As important as it is to be Green and keeping the environment healthy, it is even much more important to encourage people to be healthy. We are miraculously made and we have an important task in being as physically fit as possible. With the LiveWell staff and members all working together we have an improved way of life, which we can all be thankful for. Thank you for inspiring me to follow the example of choosing to LiveWell and cherishing the gift of health. May God continue to bless each staff member and each fellow team member of LiveWell. Let us keep going forward...one step at a time.

THANK YOU!
With Prayers and Appreciation,
Joyce Chovancek