Tina tries... Up close and personal

By Tina Betts

In her first ever gym session, Tina is put to work by her personal trainer…

I’m nervous about meeting my personal trainer for the first time. My most pressing worry is… argh, what do I wear?

My trainers are caked in mud, as the last time I used them was for gardening, and my trackie bottoms are stored safely in a suitcase on top of the wardrobe (they’re certainly going to need an iron!)

But with trainers cleaned and bottoms pressed, I'm ready to meet my nemesis… Nuffield Health’s Lloyd. Turns out he’s a laid-back kind of guy who quickly puts me at ease, but just as quickly puts me to work. Taking into account last week’s MOT and having listened to my goals, he’s worked out a programme for me. I start with a set of exercises, so he can gauge my fitness level (squats, twists, mountain climbing). With each set he ups the challenges. So far, so good as, 20 mins in I'm still standing and confident I can get through this first session without looking like a numpty.

I resist the urge to giggle every time Lloyd asks if I can "feel it in my glutes yet?" I have no idea where my glutes are (I now know they’re bottom cheeks, and yes, I can feel them). I’m also introduced to my core – that’s tummy, mid and lower back, hips, shoulders and neck regions. And, boy, do they get a work out (I’m really feeling it the next day).

Was the workout worth it? Well! I’ve overcome my reluctance about gyming it - I’m even excited about my next session. Best thing is, I’ve realised I can do it. Over the next few weeks Lloyd is going to help me build up my stamina and, to help, he’s suggested I fit in a cardio session. So next week you can read all about my aqua aerobics session. Now where’s that cossie?

Personal training sessions at Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres cost from £55 for a single session. A five-hour booking costs £230 (that’s £46 a session) but it’s cheaper if you pay by direct debit. See www.nuffieldhealth.com.

We’d love to hear about your endeavours to get fit… 

Honoring, Remembering One of GBMC’s Founders, Mrs. Jeanne H. Baetjer

Last week, GBMC lost an inspiring and visionary leader. Mrs. Jeanne H. Baetjer, one of GBMC’s founders, passed away at the age of 91 years. What a legacy she left behind. Mrs. Baetjer was a true leader in every sense of the word. Her strong sense of community was quite evident in her life’s work, which included her vision for the development of a community hospital in Towson.

In 1958, while serving as President of the Hospital of the Women of Maryland, of Baltimore City, Mrs. Baetjer and other community leaders saw the need for a hospital in this area and set out to work on making this vision a reality. This was no small feat as the creation of GBMC entailed combining The Hospital for the Women of Maryland, of Baltimore City (Women’s Hospital) with the Presbyterian Eye, Ear, and Throat Charity Hospital. But, her tenacity and dedication to filling a greater community need paved the way for the establishment of our hospital, and from 1962 to 1965, while building was underway, Mrs. Baetjer oversaw the massive project. Her commitment to GBMC spanned five decades and she served in various roles in our history including the very first President of the Board of Trustees.

Since GBMC first opened its doors to the community in 1965, we have cared for countless individuals and we are forever grateful for Mrs. Baetjer’s vision and dedication. Her impact on GBMC and the community is immeasurable and far reaching. To this day, GBMC embraces her guiding principle that the patient always comes first– through our current Vision of “to every patient, every time, we will provide the care that we would want for our own loved ones.”

Please join me in honoring her life and legacy by sharing your memories and thoughts about Mrs. Baetjer with our blog community.