Type 2 Diabetes Observational Study Shows Fitness Together's Program Works

By: Fitness Together | 9 Shares 154 Reads

Marked improvements in physiological, psychological and emotional areas conclude program was successful in improving the overall health of participants with type 2 diabetes and those with pre-diabetes.

DEDHAM, MA, January 03, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fitness Together Studios of Eastern New England released, to the public, the findings of their Type 2 Diabetes Observational Study completed in 2011 today on their blog, FTGetsResults. "I would like to see all my patients with diabetes so empowered," noted David M. Harlan, M.D. (William and Doris Krupp Professor of Medicine Chief, Diabetes Division Co-Director, Diabetes Center of Excellence at UMass Worcester).

In addition, Dr Harlan noted that "Fitness Together's program appears to have "re-energized most enrolled individuals...[most] lost weight, improved their exercise tolerance, and noted important improvements in their blood pressure and diabetes control...[and] participants noted big improvements in their sense of well being allowing them to regain a sense of control over their diabetes."

The 6 month study by the Massachusetts Fitness Together Studios was conducted in 2010/2011 under the auspices of Joan Hill (Diabetes Educator at CMIPA, Consultant at MA Department of Public Health, Owner at Hill Nutrition Consulting, LLC) and in conjunction with the New England Chapter of The American Diabetes Association. The study group consisted of 12 men and 12 women; 15 of them had diabetes and 9 were considered pre-diabetic.

After subjects gained clearance from their respective physicians, they were weighed, measured and given a fitness assessment by a certified personal Fitness Together trainer. They were also asked to fill out survey questions regarding their ability to manage their diabetes and their over-all sense of well-being. As subjects continued in the fitness program, they were re-assessed approximately every 6 weeks.

Participants in the study had an average weight loss of 10 lbs per person, an average 13% reduction in body fat and an average loss of 2.5 inches in the waist and 1.9 inches in the hips. The group had an average drop in A1C of .86 (meds alone drop A1C by .80), for those with diabetes, the average drop was 1.2 or 50% improvement over meds. Of those on meds, 8 had their meds reduced, 8 stay the same and 1 increased their medications.

The study also tracked the psychological and emotional success of the participants through a Sense Of Well Being survey as designed by Joan Hill R.D., C.D.E., L.D.N.and given before and after the 6 month study. After participating in the Fitness Together program of strength training, cardio and nutritional guidance, the scores of participants with pre-diabetes indicated a marked improvement in both the ability as well as maintain the motivation to manage their diabetes routine. Participants with diabetes scored the greatest improvements in "feeling less overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes" and more confident in their ability to manage their condition.

The results, as noted in the full study, show that the Fitness Together Type 2 Diabetes Program was successful in improving the physical and emotional health of participants. Many participants continued to stay at Fitness Together after the study period was over and trained for another 6 months or longer.

The full study is available @ FTGetsResults.wordpress.com [http://wp.me/pZmkG-fF].

Many Fitness Together locations in Eastern New England now offer a small group personal training program. PACK(TM) training combines the energy of up to four people with coaching from a certified trainer, all in a private setting. From swinging battle ropes at full speed to using suspension trainers to conduct pull-ups, PACK(TM) training participants engage in total body movements designed for maximum results - a similar approach to a professional athlete's training, yet scaled to meet each person's fitness level.

For more information about personal one-on-one training or PACK(TM) training at Fitness Together locations in Eastern New England, visit http://www.FTGetsresults.com.

About Fitness Together Holdings, Inc.

Based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., is one of the world's largest wellness organizations. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/, a personal training fitness franchise established in 1983 that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc., http://corp.touchofelements.com, a massage therapy franchisor that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has hundreds of franchises sold across the United States, Costa Rica, Brazil, Israel, Ireland, and Canada. At Fitness Together, we are about one client, one trainer and one goal. For more information and for a complete set of studio listings, go to FitnessTogether.com

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