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FITNESS

Athlete of the Month

By Michelle Dwyer Patty Amerman

Patty Amerman keeps things short and to the point. Personal Trainer: John Rutan
When asked what has been the greatest benefit of exercise,
this former Dallas resident and Houston native responds In full disclosure, Patty also makes John’s job a little bit easier.
succinctly, “It has improved my quality of life.” “Patty trusts me, and she’s always willing to give a new exercise
This profound statement sums up months of Patty’s dedication a chance. It feels good to see the progress she’s made.”
to her training regimen and drives home the ultimate goal most Many of these new exercises include free weights. “They challenge
people share when putting in the hard work—the pursuit of clients in ways machines can’t,” explains John. “There is a sense
strength, weight loss and balance, milestones to get to the real of balance and control needed to work out with free weights. They
reward: living better. can improve a client’s form and stability when used properly.”
For Patty, living better means learning how to live with and John encourages all women to embrace free weights as part of
manage adult onset asthma. their exercise routines. Patty is living proof that women can benefit
“It was a shock to me,” Patty recalls of learning of the diagnosis in from using them.
February 2016. “I couldn’t walk down the street without getting And she knows she made the right decision choosing John to train
winded.” her and choosing Sun City to call home.
The diagnosis had caught Patty off-guard because she’d been After spending 35 years in marketing, corporate communications
so active prior to learning of the source of her sudden breathing and media relations, Patty loves living the retirement life here.
problems. She’d participated for years in boot camp, one of the more Having lived here since 2010, Patty has given of her talents to the
rigorous fitness classes around. She felt devastated. SCTXCA Communications Department as well as her church. She
Yet hope was not lost. Patty’s doctor was able to control her asthma, also enjoys spending time with her friends, gardening and serving
and he released her to continue working out a short time later. on the Pet Therapy team alongside her dog.
That is when Patty met her personal trainer, John Rutan. Perhaps one day when Patty slows down, she can begin her true
“I came to John one day to ask about the machines. I enjoyed the quest for her ultimate goal: to make her favorite indulgence, dark
customized approach and individual attention he gave me, so I chocolate, a food group.
decided to purchase some sessions,” Patty recalls. We can’t wait, Patty. We can’t wait.
A year later, Patty still works out once a week with John. “I wanted
to enjoy the benefits of exercise again. John has demonstrated that JULY 2017 SUNRAYS | 27
he shares this same goal and has partnered with me to obtain it.
Plus, he is very professional.”
John too has nothing but amazing things to say about Patty’s
spirit. “She never gives up,” he says simply. “Her commitment to
fitness is one of the best I’ve seen.”
John consistently introduces new exercises into Patty’s routine.
He pushes Patty to her limit, yet ensures she stays safe. “I feel
very comfortable knowing that John is watching my breathing,
and that he knows when to say ‘two more reps’ and when to say
‘stop,’” Patty says.

John Rutan, Personal Trainer

– Cooper Certified Master Personal
Trainer

– Fitness Specialist-Older Adults
– Fitness Specialist-Special Populations

(Diabetes, Hypertension, Dementia,
Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Asthma)
– Biomechanics of Resistance Training
– Balls, Bands & More
– Nutrition for Health and Fitness

For an appointment with John, call 512-948-7757

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG