Monthly Member Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Liz Chael!

November 2014!!

My name is Elizabeth Chael.  I am the daughter of German immigrants and grew up in Chicago.  I came to Valparaiso to attend Valparaiso University and graduated with a BS in nursing.  While at VU, I met my amazing husband, Paul.  We have 4 awesome children (actually 8, if you include their spouses and significant others) and 3 beautiful grandchildren.  I have been privileged to work as a nurse, in multiple medical arenas, for 38 years.  My patients and co-workers are an extended part of my family.  Add my brother and his family as well as my husband's sister and her family, a multitude of friends and their families, and you can see that I am very blessed.

I have been coming to Pumps for over 4 years now.  Despite the fact that I studied the human body and health practices for so many years, I have learned so much and grown at Pumps.  I struggled my whole life with weight and health issues.  I have tried every diet and belonged to numerous gyms.  Pumps is so different. Not only does it offer Pilates (the class that brought me here), but it has helped me feel safe and focus on optimal health and well being for my body and mind.  My instructors are knowledgeable and supportive and I look forward to Pumps everyday.  I guess I better add Pumps to my long list of blessings.

SPOTLIGHT ON……  MARILYN STEVENS!

OCTOBER 2014!!

I grew up in East Chicago, Indiana with my five brothers.  I graduated from Roosevelt High School many years ago.  Back then girls weren’t encouraged to attend college.  They either got a job or got married.  I did both! 

My first job was for a small life insurance company making $1.00 per hour.  After a year, I applied at Inland Steel and worked in #3 cold mill shipping.  I also married my high school sweetheart that year.  After several years, we moved to Merrillville and bout a house.  It was then that I began my first Aerobics class taught once a week in a church hall. 

My marriage ended after 13 years and I lived with my best girl friend until I married again.  My husband had two children, Scott and Melissa, and I now have not only a son and daughter, but also three grandsons.  We moved to Valparaiso, and I started to attend group classes at Fitness Barn.  I continued there until they closed.  I then went to Valpo Fitness, which changed hands several times before totally closing.  Meanwhile, I retired from Inland Steel with 30 years and went to work for Midwest Steel as a contractor on a special shipping system.

I now looked for a new fitness club and found Pumps!  They have a variety of classes and times and all the instructors are great.  The facility is very pleasant and I enjoy coming here meeting both new and old friends.

I am totally retired now and have been a widow for 10 years, so I take 9 classes a week to help with strength, balance and also meditation.  I hope to have a long and healthy relationship with Pumps and everyone I meet here!