South Ozone Park

Member Since March 2009

My Story

My name is Gladys Marzette. I am a 50-year-old mother of two grown sons with seven grandchildren, and this is my Curves story.
On Wednesday October 05, 2005, inside my apartment, I was held hostage for over 17 hours, shot in my back and sexually assaulted, by a man that I only dated for two weeks. We both were employed by the same company. This man took me out on my birthday, September 19, 2005. We have known each other for over seven years, at work. Before this date, he was a perfect gentleman, outside of work though, he was very controlling. After seeing this, I knew I didnt want to be with him. He wanted more of a relationship. I tried to walk away from this without anyone getting their feelings hurt, saying that we could still be friends and hang out sometime. On Wednesday, October 05, 2005, because he had to wait for me after work, he became upset. And the fact that he wanted me to go home with him and I said no, this made him angry. I went my way and he went his way. He then called me to say he was coming to get some of his things he had brought to my home. He took the wrong train and became outraged. He then said he was taking a cab, but only had 15 dollars. I told him I had no money. He asked what happen to the 20 dollars he gave me earlier. I explained to him that I didnt ask him for it, but I would give him his money back. He stated that I better be down stairs when he got there. I was down stairs but not where he could see me. I was coming down the street from the ATM. He began to hit and push me upstairs to my apartment, where the whole incident took place. The police kicked my apartment door down to get me out, the next evening. Thanks to a neighbor that I had called without him knowing.
I was in the hospital and rehabilitation from October 6, 2005 to July 06, 2006, nine months exactly to the day. My condition was diagnosed as paraplegia, due to gun shot wound. I was in shock, depressed and suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I went into the hospital weighing 169 pounds. When I left, I weighed over 190. I had eaten everything I wanted because of my condition and my symptoms. I continued to eat at home all the food I missed while hospitalized. While in the hospital, I took a look at myself in the wheelchair and said this is not me. So I began to work very hard and long, even in my room. The therapist would give me exercises that I could do. I also prayed a lot and helped other people, because this took my mind off my condition. But during the evening and holidays, I would become depressed again and ate junk food for comfort. In therapy I was very motivated to walk again and the therapist noticed this, and said that I could come to therapy twice a day. In the morning, I would use the equipment by myself. Then in the afternoon, I would try to walk assisted by the therapist. My job had stopped paying for my treatment in the rehabilitation center, and I was discharged by July 2006 and filed for Medicaid. My job was ended in January 2007. I had no insurance and Medicaid required me to spend all of my monthly disability entitlement for home health services. I had to make a tough and financially sound decision to terminate my Home Health Aide. I put it into my mind that I was going to walk again.
I put my plan into motion. I began my own home therapy with my stationary bike, walker, ankle weights and any other exercise equipment that I had to strengthen myself. I also was an exercise buff before this injury. The therapist had mentioned that this is what helped me to regain my strength.

I finally got Medicare in April 2008, and could go to therapy, which I started in July 2008. I still had to pay out of pocket a co pay of 25 dollars. I would to Queensboro physical therapy twice a week. I could not afford this, so I would put 100 dollars away out of my disability check for therapy once a week. The therapist at Queensboro said that I was a fast learner, doing great and very persistent. This made all the difference in the world. I was going to therapy for 8 months when the therapist noticed my will power and progress. He suggested that I should see if my insurance company would pay for me to go to the gym. This way I could exercise more than once a week. I thought this was very considerate of him, considering the money that he wouldnt be getting. He also stated that I could still come to therapy and use the equipment whenever I wanted.
The next day, I called my insurance company and they told me about the Curves gym in South Ozone Park. I wish I would have known about Curves and the distance from my home, I would have gone sooner and paid out of pocket. I started at Curves on March 13, 2009. I weighed in at 206lbs. Within a months time, I lost 4lbs 8 inches and 4lbs of body fat. I was number 3 in weight lost for the month. I now look forward to the weigh in dates. They showed me how to use the equipment once or twice and then I was on my own. Going to Curves keeps my mind positive and me eating right. I am on a mission to get down to 140 " 150 lbs. IM BRINGING SEXY BACK! I feel the difference in my body. I walk faster, longer and better. My balance is getting better too. I also notice the difference in my clothes; they are too big, especially in the waist and hips.
I enjoy the women that go to the gym too. They are very friendly and considerate of my condition. I need positive people and influences in my life. The owner and staff at Curves make me want to do more. They dont push you but motivate you. They give me the courage to go on, and inspire me with other peoples success stories. They also believe in me. The 30-minute workout at Curves is great. The energy I have after I finish working out makes me want to do more. I am so motivated after working out at Curves, that I go home and ride my bike, do squats and leg exercises. The equipment is easy to use and is rotated in different spots every so often. This gives you a different workout.
I started going to Curves 3 times a week. Now I go 6 times a week. I go to Queensboro Physical Therapy every other week. At therapy, I measure the progress that I have achieved at Curves. My therapist noticed my change as well. I use the exercise machines that you have to put the pins in for the different weights. I now use at least two to three more weights than before. All of this change happened in one months time, because of my work at Curves. I used to do 15 to 20 minutes on the treadmill at therapy, now I do 30 minutes without any problems. This is a beautiful thing. GOD BLESS.
I started going to Curves on Saturdays now too. It makes me feel real good and starts my weekends off great. I thank the ladies at Curves for being there for me. Even after I achieve my goal, I know I will continue to go to Curves. I have no doubt that I will be walking on the cruise ship in November of this year, without my walker. If you can believe, you can achieve, all you have to do is work hard at Curves. Just look at me.##