SEPTEMBER 2013
SUNRAYS | 29
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
A hardy laugh during a hard
workout might not be the
norm for most people who
break a sweat at the Sun City
Texas Fitness Center, but the
clients of personal trainer
Marilynn Pagano have hap-
pily come to expect it.
“She laughs a lot and that
makes it more fun,” says cli-
ent Susan Cook, adding that
Marilynn’s quick smile and
spontaneous chuckle provide
just the right boost when
weights get heavy and repeti-
tions…well… repetitive.
“She also changes the rou-
tine frequently so I don’t get
bored,” notes Susan, who’s
been working with Marilynn
once a week since January, af-
ter moving here last October
fromMountain Home, Arkan-
sas, and taking advantage of
her complimentary consulta-
tion with a personal trainer.
“I liked Marilynn right away
and I needed the motivation,”
she says. “How could you not like the energy Marilynn has? She energizes
everyone around her.”
According to Marilynn, laughter should be an integral part of every work-
out. “It reduces stress, contributes to a healthy heart, strengthens the
immune system, decreases pain, uses several muscle groups, encourages
bonding, and adds joy to life,” she says. “It’s vital to keep personal training
interesting and fun.” Susan, she adds, “has totally committed her energy,
enthusiasm and good humor to her exercise program, and her dedication
makes her shine. She’s always eager to try new exercises which challenge
her. Improvements in her health and well-being were her primary goals but,
in the meantime, she’s also lost inches and re-sculpted her body.”
Susan, 64, moved frequently growing up as an “Army brat” and attended
the University of Texas in Austin after spending her high school years in
San Antonio. Youthful activities of gymnastics and modern dance gave
way to more diverse endeavors such as clogging, kayaking, pickle ball,
and playing the dulcimer as an adult. A former dietitian and emergency
room nurse, she works out independently at the Fitness Center two days a
week in addition to her weekly personal training sessions with Marilynn,
which she’ll admit leave her feeling “exhausted.” But she’s also quick to
use the words “happier, healthier, stronger, thinner, and energized” to
describe the resulting effects on both her body and her emotions. “It’s
improved my quality of life,” she adds. “I always feel good about myself,
and that I did it…again!”
FREE Equipment
Demonstration
2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 2 p.m.
Join a certified personal trainer for
an inside look at a piece of fitness
equipment, including proper set-up
and how to use it most effectively.
Sept. 11 | Texas Drive
Nu Step
Sept. 25 | Cowan Creek
Chest Press
Group Fitness Tutorial
Mondays, Sept. 9 &23,
10 a.m., Cowan Creek
Whitney Alex-
ander, Sun City
Texas Group Fit-
ness Coordinator,
will answer your
questions about
Group Fitness classes. If you want
more information about the classes
offered, join us at 10 a.m. in the
Cowan Creek Amenity Center on
Mondays, September 9 and 23.
Sept. Group Fitness
All Access Pass
Unlimited Group Fitness
Classes for only $55!
Purchase your September All Ac-
cess Pass and join us for any class
all month. This great deal is good
for any of the 100-plus classes on our
group fitness schedule each week,
with the exception of Series Class-
es. Enjoy Pilates, Cardio, Cycling,
Aqua, Yoga, Tai Chi andmore! Only
$55. Expires 9.30.13. Nontransfer-
able. No refunds.
Rates for Personal
Training Sessions
1/2 Hour ................................ $30
One Hour .............................. $45
5 - 1/2 Hours ........................$115
5 - One Hours..................... $200
Questions? Email john.rutan@
sctexas.org or visit our website.
FITNESS
Athlete of the Month
By Lynda Dufour
Susan Cook
Personal Trainer: Marilynn
Pagano
