A longtime runner, Steve recently took up triathlons at 62. “After running outdoors all those years by myself it’s great to change to indoor training at this stage of my life. While I started at ProActive solo, I am now surrounded by a group of supporters, members and staff that are interested in my progress. That is important and I feel accountable to this social group now.” He alternates time on stationary bike with running on the indoor track, along with logging time in the pool. 

In the winter, as a military retiree, Steve adds a couple days each week of up to three hours a day on a treadmill wearing a 35 lb. ruck sack on his back as he trains for the Bataan Memorial Death March, a full marathon in the New Mexico high desert held each March. He races in the military heavy division, which involves wearing a full combat uniform while carrying the sack on his back. “ProActive has offered me the opportunity to train for distance, heat and hills, and the staff has been very accommodating.”

Steve completed the 2014 competition in just over six and a half hours, 38th of the over 500 military heavy competitors from around the world, and second in the 50+ age group to a 50-year-old that resides in the local area where the race is held.  He's training to go under six hours this year and hopes to recapture his 2013 age group title.

Al experienced a sudden heart attack in March, and he credits ProActive’s cardiac rehabilitation program with helping him to get his priorities in the right order. “I enjoy coming to cardiac rehabilitation, and seeing the improvements I make on a regular basis,” said Al.

Under the close supervision of an exercise trainer, my cardiac rehab routine begins with a one mile quick walk and then I proceed to the elliptical for a two-mile trek. That is followed by a workout with free weights that included 10 exercises to build strength and help maintain muscle tone.  I end my workouts with a one mile walk.

When Al first joined ProActive he wanted to become more physically fit and to be able to work out all year long. He was able to increase strength, flexibility and endurance through workouts guided by a helpful, knowledgeable and professional personal trainer. Al views his heart attack as a setback, but one that he will overcome, as he continues his recovery at ProActive. 

Charlie Greene summed up his former athletic accomplishments in one phrase, “once upon a time.”  The endearing 70-year-old ProActive member said, “Every individual has a moment that they can capture as their own, and mine was my Olympic accomplishment,” as he reflected on his previous athletic prowess. A University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate with a gift for track and field, Charlie competed in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and won a gold medal as a member of a 4x100 meter relay team, and a bronze for the 100 meter.

In recent years Charlie has endured two neck surgeries, with a kidney transplant sandwiched in between. During his recovery he received treatment at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. “For my next phase of recovery it was recommended that I work with a trainer at ProActive. What I knew about ProActive at the time, on reputation and through a recommendation by a doctor friend in Iowa, was that ProActive is considered to be the best facility in the city of Lincoln.”

Charlie reviewed the trainer bios with a discerning eye to choose someone for his therapy that was a former athlete with a background in competitive sports. He wanted to feel a connection. “When I selected Anthony Sobotka I gave him instructions not to let me overrule what he recommended. I had been a track star in my youth and I wanted him to push me, and he listened.”

He compared going through therapy to preparations for an athletic competition. “All the work you do is 60% mental/40% physical. You have to think your way through it, just like a team has to think their way to victory. It becomes a mental game. If you think you can do it, and then you show up for your therapy appointment, 60% of the effort is accomplished. Then you do the other 40% as your told and after a few weeks you get to feeling better, and you begin to work toward your goal.”

Married for 45 years to a wonderful woman he met on a blind date while at the Olympics in Mexico City, they have two daughters. There is some truth to the fact that good men have good women behind them, “said Charlie, who is thankful to have had the experts at Madonna alongside him this past year as he’s worked toward achieving his latest victory of recovery. 

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Ann Tillery described her experiences through the continuum of care at Madonna.

The integrated approach from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital to Madonna Proactive Health and Fitness is what prompted my interest in joining. I felt fortunate to live near Madonna ProActive following my rehabilitation to be able to take advantage of ProActive’s thoughtful approach to wellness following illness. Madonna ProActive is a true community asset.

I had lingering problems from a brain tumor and breast cancer back-to-back, then recurrent breast cancer. My brain felt like a BB in a frying pan; my thoughts and actions were all over the place. I could not concentrate nor stay focused. I was referred to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital by UNMC for neuropsychology and speech therapy in 2011. Following these therapies, I utilized rehabilitative individualized pool therapy following my struggle with recurrent breast cancer/reconstruction to regain mobility and strength.

Now I regularly take yoga at ProActive. Several neurologists suggested yoga to me as a way to calm anxiety, gain focus and build strength. For me, the practice is so much more and has become part of my wellness routine for the past three years. Yoga's healing and nurturing qualities are at the core of Madonna ProActive. It's a place where I feel rejuvenated and centered as I continue my lifetime wellness journey.

I have utilized additional services at ProActive. When my grandson visits, we enjoy the pool area and water sprays. He is five years old and the children's pool is fantastic. He’s also enjoyed the childcare play center while I'm attending yoga. He can play or watch his favorite movie while I keep to my routine.

Madonna has given me the strength to refocus my life and give back to the larger community as an advocate for Alzheimer's and other dementias. My personal experience post brain tumor and present rehabilitation has been a matter of mind, memories, clarity, strength and routine; powerful words which also give hope to others going through life-alternating challenges.

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Priscilla, a ProActive member since 2006, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis years ago. She has used a variety of equipment and classes to improve her flexibility, strength, coordination and balance. She enjoys the many different offerings that allowed her to change her routine at any time.

She has tried a number of the exercise classes, such as water aerobics, Zumba, and yoga, which she does at least three or four times weekly. “It has been so helpful in improving my flexibility, strength, coordination and balance,” said Priscilla. She enjoys being in the water at Madonna in both the indoor and outdoor pools, and also using the aqua track. “I used to run/walk outside, but I prefer to use the indoor walking/running track at ProActive, based on temperature, uniformity of surface, and the ability to do it year-round.”

“Proactive does a great job in reaching out to members to offer special services and events. I appreciate these special events and days. I have used massage services at Soteria Massage and Bodywork, located within ProActive, and thought the quality was very good. I appreciate the cleanliness and high level at which the facility is maintained. This makes each visit a pleasant experience.”

After a health assessment offered by her employer in June of 2012, Tricia was surprised to learn that her body fat percentage was 35.6%. She joined a fitness facility and had initial success, but was not happy with the atmosphere. She then joined ProActive in August of 2013. “ProActive has a more professional environment, better layout and equipment and a wide variety of members of all ages and fitness levels. When I wanted to take my fitness to the next level I started to work with Karen, a personal trainer. The upper and lower body workouts she outlined included a wide variety of exercises. Her body fat has since reduced to 18.9% and she has continued to progress.