The Community Wellness Center Spotlight series usually highlights one member. In this issue, we are focusing on the Jeffris brothers: Lyle from Oriskany Falls and Joe from Madison. They exemplify how membership in the Center helps them manage their health through exercise, activity and building new friendships.
“I worked for 30 years in the athletic equipment room at Hamilton College,” Lyle Jeffris said. “Although I saw the athletes exercising, I never really had instruction on the use of the equipment. When I retired a few years ago, including years of driving a school bus, my children gave me a gift certificate for membership. Starting on my first day, the trainer had a written exercise program ready, and soon my education on how to use the equipment began.
“Now, two years later, he continues to monitor my form and technique when I use the recumbent bike and other exercise machines. I know that my membership has helped me; I feel stronger and am more aware of my health. I’ve made many new friends who welcome me every morning and are interested in how I am doing.”
Lyle Jeffris said his brother, Joe Jeffris, has always been physically active and more of the outgoing type. Joe retired in 2006 after 23 years as a deputy sheriff in Florida. Most of the Florida years involved patrolling southern Miami Dade County and serving as a field training officer for first-year deputies. Staying in good physical condition as a law enforcement office ingrained the need for exercise into his everyday routine. Joe retired a lieutenant.
“When I first moved back to Madison in 2006, my college education, my 27 years in the Air Force Military Police and my experience as a deputy sheriff qualified me to become an adjunct instructor in criminal justice at Morrisville State,” Joe Jeffris said.
“Being aware of the need to be physically fit, when I fully retired I realized that I needed a place where I could work out that also had someone who could help me with form and technique. Lyle urged me to join the Wellness Center.
“I now have the benefit of a trainer included in my membership and a place where I gained many friends. Between the trainer, the encouragement of the CWC members and my brother’s motivation, my days of being a couch potato are over.”
“After being away from my family for 31 years with my job in Florida, returning to Madison brought me back to family and friends,” Joe Jeffris said. “And because of the Wellness Center, I can maintain my health, meet new people and remain mentally alert.”
Stop in for a visit to discuss a membership with our trainer from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3:30 to 5 p.m. Fridays. We are located across from McDonald’s on 12B.