VILLAGE OF BELLEVUE, Wis. (NBC 26) -- A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that many Americans are less healthy than they were a year ago.
Among their findings, they claim that about 61 percent of those surveyed gained or lost an undesired amount of weight, over 20 percent are drinking more alcohol to cope with stress and 67 percent of respondents said they are not getting their desired amount of sleep.
But lifestyle changes to improve some of those health concerns are achievable and the story of a Green Bay woman who recently transformed her life and body by making exercise a top priority proves just that.
Pushing her limits at a Bellevue gym was something Patti Pucel never thought would be a reality just three years ago. She was about 80 pounds heavier at that point and claims her overall health was a growing concern.
"I was just in a bad place. I was overweight, I was using a walker, I had my knees replaced, I was on oxygen," says Pucel.
It was a recommendation from Patti's chiropractor which ultimately brought her to CrossFit 920.
"It has changed my life immensely."
Through modified workouts tailored to her, Patti has gained the strength and confidence to no longer stress the what-if moments that used to concern her.
"I was always worried about if I fall you know, how would I get up?"
But it turns out the key to Patti's success wasn't just her personal motivation, it was found in her community of gym-goers.
"Not that you can't do it on your own, but you'll definitely get pushed harder and you'll get pushed further with a group," says Matt Gunville the owner of CrossFit 920.
Gunville has been motivating folks to get healthy for nearly 20 years. He says a group of supporters can be a key component for many who are seeking out motivation.
"Ultimately you all want to get better, so you all have the same goal and want to help each other."
Most gym-goers tend to gain confidence over time, hitting goals they didn't know they could achieve. But working out can also contribute to unseen successes, like reducing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
"It really is a cheap and easy medicine. If you could put it in a pill, it would probably be the most effective medicine, there is," says Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz a Sports Medicine Physician at Prevea Health.
Dr. Romandine says the multitude of benefits from hitting the gym might be more gratifying with a group, but individuals can also pump themselves up.
"If you don't have a big group of people around don't be afraid to cheer yourself on and think positively. Praise your own successes."
And as more and more people make their way back to the gym and start scheduling their own individual game plans, consider taking a note out of Patti's playbook and find the motivation wherever you can.
"It doesn't matter what age you are; I mean I'm no spring chicken, but I still do some of the stuff," Patti explains with a smile of achievement.
