Retiree puts herself first, loses 55 pounds

Watching what she eats and getting her body moving every day has made for a remarkable health improvement for Mary Roche of Marshalltown. The 73-year-old got in the water at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA for group exercise classes following a shoulder surgery at the advice of her doctor.

It has worked as she has lost 55 pounds in the past 16 months and is feeling great.

“I decided I wanted to put myself first and the Y offered the best option,” Roche. “You’ve got the weight room and you’ve got the water exercise classes.”

She recommends daily physical activity and finding ways to create lean muscle. Roche acknowledges that the first step in the process is always the hardest for many people.

“Just decide to do it. Say ‘today is my day,’” Roche said. 

She has discovered the many benefits of exercise and eating healthier.

“I feel great,” Roche said. “I have more energy, my attention span is much better, my clothes fit better and psychologically I just feel it really has an impact on how you feel about your self-worth.”