Member Spotlight


Do you have a story of weight loss or fitness that you would like to share in order to inspire others? Email your story to Erinn at erinnwhitehead@zoomtown.net

Member Spotlight

Maggie Harris

Tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Western Hills where I graduated from Mother of Mercy High School. Shortly after graduation I met and married Clarence Harris. Clarence owns his own Carpet Cleaning Company and when the kids were younger I worked as an aid for Milford Schools. We have been married 32 years and have three boys. Kevin is 33 years old, Jeff is 31 and Danny is 26 years old. Jeff has three girls Brittany is 14 and will be a freshman at Milford High School, Kaylie is 11 years old and will be in the six grade at Meadowview Elementary school in Milford and McKenzie is 6 years old and in the first grade at Mulberry Elementary in Milford.

My favorite thing is having my granddaughters for the weekend. I also like spending time with my friends and family and exercising at MAC.

What led you to join MAC?

Years ago I started exercising in my home. I had a treadmill and used it almost everyday. About eight years ago I realized I needed more and decided to join the American Woman Fitness Gym in Mulberry. Due to my condition, I was not comfortable working out around men.

Then the American Woman Fitness closed and I went to the MAC. I was still very apprehensive about working out around men with my disease. I soon realized there was nothing to be concerned about. Everyone has been very helpful and non-judgmental.

I initially started exercising to maintain my weight. It has turned out to mean so much more. I love to exercise, it helps me tremendously and I have met many great people over the years that I have been a member. I go to the gym five days a week and try not to miss a day. I use most or as much of the equipment as I can and classes over the years. Not only has this helped me maintain my weight but I soon realized how much it also helped me with my muscle control.

Do you have a personal fitness success story to share?

Like I said above I originally joined the MAC to maintain weight and it does help with that. However, I was born with a genetic disease called Cerebella Ataxia. The disease causes your Cerebellum to dysfunction, leaving you with balance and muscle control problems . It can also affect your memory, large and small motor skills and other issues. So when my mind wants my body to go one way my muscles may take me into a different direction and I have trouble writing. Some days my balance is so off some people think I have been drinking. Many times I have been stopped by individuals even police asking me how much I've had to drink or what type of medication did I take. It can be very embarrassing and humiliating.

My disease does not always let me use all of the equipment. Since joining the MAC I've taken several different classes such as Yoga, Pilates, and Swimming. I am currently enrolled in WOW (Women on Weights) and some days arrive barely moving. Erinn advises me how to adjust the machines or exercises so that I can do the same program, just a different way. I also get great support and help from the other women in the class. Since joining the MAC, this really helps my day to day living.

What advice would you give to someone who is beginning their exercise program?

Never say "Can't." Anyone can set a goal and have a plan and fit fitness into their life if you put your mind to it. Do not let your limitations stop you from reaching your goals. The most important thing is to be consistent. Some days I have to force myself to get up, get dressed and get in the car and drive to the gym, but I always feel better after I do.

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