Summer brings along an opportunity to spend more time outside, even for those of us spending our time at home. And Marlene Kulka, manager of Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s location in White Lake, considers this season an opportunity to find new ways to get or stay active.
Marlene Kulka has worked at Medical Weight Loss Clinic for 6 years.
When Marlene was home during the recent shutdown, she found that making and keeping to a daily schedule really helped keep her on track. It’s easier to stay active and be accountable when it’s part of your plan for the day ahead.
What’s more? She didn’t focus only on herself. She helped those around her, too.
“I looked for ways to assist others,” Marlene says. “I asked my neighbor if I could take her dog for a walk. I helped a new mother by taking her baby for a walk in the stroller. She was so happy to have time to take a shower.”
By having a schedule and making the commitment, she found it easier to be more active and to make healthy choices. And Marlene believes that can work for anyone.
In addition to helping others, it’s an ideal time to start a garden – even if you’ve never done it before.
“It’s rewarding to see what you can grow but also to have healthy food,” she says.
Gardening is a sneaky way to get some exercise during the summer months.
At the White Lake location, especially, Marlene is seeing patients who are engaging in a lot more outdoor activity this summer. Many are headed out on the water. She’s heard from patients who are spending more time stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking.
“Even just to get outside and get on the water, you feel better,” she says.
Should the temperatures soar too high, Marlene suggests taking it inside. For seniors and those who are more susceptible to the heat, it’s still possible to stay active by seeking out exercises online or trying free yoga on demand classes on cable T.V.
When you set your schedule for the day, include a reminder to hop on the elliptical or take a walk, she says. It’s about setting mini goals and then tracking them. At the end of the day, Marlene promises, you’ll feel more accomplished.
The Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff are available for support for anyone who is looking to start or continue a healthy journey. “The results are what motivate you,” adds Marlene. “Results don’t have to be weight loss. Sometimes it’s just how your clothes fit or how you’re feeling.”
She’s seen more and more patients embrace cooking at home during this time. And it’s a chance to be creative, too. They are coming up with new healthy recipes all the time – like adding riced cauliflower to our mashed potato supplement. Counselors are happy to work with patients on these ideas.
It all comes down to the results. And in her 6 years with Medical Weight Loss Clinic, Marlene has seen men and women of all ages achieve success.
“I just had a patient here in her late 70s who has lost 60 pounds,” she says. “When she went to her doctor they asked her to take down her mask to see if it was really her!”
If you’re looking to make a change, there’s no need to wait. Reach out to Medical Weight Loss Clinic today and book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
