Avi Kagan is April Member of the Month

Community Shaliach Avi Kagan has devoted the past 10 months to getting fit. Here's his story of how he was able to lose more than 60 pounds in 40 weeks at the JCC.

Q. How long have you been a member of the JCC?

A. I became a member in August 2007, when I arrived in the U.S. from Israel to begin my duties as Columbus'Community Shaliach (emissary) at the Columbus Jewish Federation.

Q. How is the JCC part of your regular routine? What do you do when you come, and how much time do you spend here?

A. My day starts when I drop off my five-year-old daughter, Roni, at the JCC East Preschool. During the day, I work closely with the JCC to collaborate programs that promote Israel and Israeli culture to the Columbus community. Later in the day, I try to make time to exercise in the fitness center around my work and my family's busy schedules. I remember over the winter when my son, Ori, was in Gallery Players' Joseph and Koza, I worked out while he was in rehearsal. I usually spend a couple of hours each visit. During the summer, our family comes to swim at the JCC and our three children attend the JCC Summer Camps. So, really, everyone in our family enjoys the JCC for a wide variety of reasons.

Q. What is your favorite activity in the Diamond Family Fitness Center?

A. I enjoy spinning class. When I can't make the class schedule, I jump on the treadmill. I really like the new Expresso bike with the screen.

Q. What is your favorite piece of cardio equipment? Favorite weight machine or exercise?

A. I really like the treadmill and Expresso bike with the screen. I would like to try a Kinesis workout as well.

Q. Do you participate in any leagues or group exercise classes? If so, what are your favorites?

A. I especially enjoy Spinning.

Q. How does your participation at the JCC fit into your health and wellness lifestyle and fitness program?

A. In the past 10 months, I made a commitment to adopt a healthy lifestyle. I have a support from friends in Israel. We are eating healthy and exercising regularly. And we check in by e-mail with each other daily. The JCC has given me a home to make these changes. The JCC is very welcoming, well-located, and I like the variety of work outs. The members and staff are friendly and helpful.

Q. How has the staff at the JCC helped you to reach your goals?

A. The staff is always ready to help explain a new machine. Brian [Saunders] gave me a full introduction to all of the circuit training. He always asks if he can help me again. Also, the spinning instructors are great. Beth [McCullough] administered my first fitness assessment and then another in March.

Q. What kind of results have you achieved with your regular routine?

A. I have lost about 60 pounds. I went from overweight to feeling great.

Q. How would you describe the JCC to a non-member?

A. The fitness facility is state-of-the-art; there is a lot of variety; the staff is great, and the people are friendly. The JCC is the heart of the community. It is the place where - as they used to sing on the TV show, Cheers - "everyone knows your name."

Q. What would you recommend most about the JCC to a prospective member?

A. Come check it out - you will never leave.

Q. What does being part of the JCC mean to you?

A. As the community Shaliach, being a part of the Jewish community is my first priority. I am here to share Israel with Columbus. The JCC is part of the whole community picture. I would like to encourage all the members to join me on May 3 for the Israel Fest and 5k Run/Walk at the JCC.