Spin coach finds a new gear

You might think there would be no reason for a veteran fitness instructor to have a wellness coach, but Elise Beard of Ponte Vedra Beach would disagree.

Elise has seen her health go from good to great by taking advantage of the Y Healthy Living Center, which is staffed five days a week by a Baptist Health wellness coach.

The center is conveniently located inside the Ponte Vedra YMCA, where Elise teaches strength training and spin classes. “I always look for ways to improve my health and fitness,” said Elise, who has been teaching fitness classes for 30 years. “So much of our health is within our control through nutrition and exercise.”

Elise got a free health screening a year ago from her wellness coach, Kelly Distler, to get a baseline and set goals. A recent follow-up screening shows she’s lost weight and lowered her blood pressure. Her cholesterol went from “at risk” to normal and her blood glucose improved, too.

Elise is six pounds lighter than she was a year ago, and she’s handling stress better after taking a Mindful Meditation course at the Y Healthy Living Center. The class teaches four different meditation methods and is led by a Baptist Health psychologist.

“You can pick the method that works best for you,” she said, adding that she is now able to sleep better and has more energy. Elise has taken advantage of many other free classes at the Y Healthy Living Center, like preventing injuries, skin protection and managing diabetes.

The Y Healthy Living Center in Ponte Vedra is open to the whole community. Whether you are a Y member or not, you are welcome to drop in or schedule a free screening, attend a Talk with a Doc, or just talk with a Baptist Health wellness coach.

To find a Y Healthy Living Center near you, click here.