By Rita La Rosa Loud
This is the success story of 76-year-old Louise Doty, in her own words:
August 2021
I had knee replacement surgery and completed pre- and post-physical therapy, with a three-month recovery.
Spring 2022
At that time, I weighed 165 pounds, and being five feet tall, it did not help my situation. After completing physical therapy for my knee and rotator cuff problem, my husband, Bob, felt it essential that I join an exercise program. He heard about Dr. Wayne Westcott who managed a fitness facility at Quincy College. Back in January of 2022, he went for a consult on my behalf. But I was still reluctant to exercise. Dr. Westcott reassured him his instructional staff could work with me and at my pace. I finally agreed and that spring was promptly enrolled in the group exercise program.
Pleased with the guidance received much to my surprise, I easily adjusted to the strength machines. Training slowly, gradually increasing my weight loads and incorporating physical therapy exercises using rubber bands. Although I did not lose weight yet, I began feeling stronger. Honestly, at times I wanted to skip working out. But once in my car it became easier to go to the gym. Having a trainer present motivated me to exercise.
February 2023
In February, I developed atrial fibrillation (AFib) with rapid ventricular return (RVR) and was forced to temporarily discontinue exercising. Eventually cleared by my cardiologist to use a treadmill to build up my cardiovascular system, the structured gym environment was the best choice. Once again, I felt stronger. Throughout the program a nutrition plan was also suggested to address my weight problem. However, with so many futile attempts, I was convinced it was impossible to lose the extra pounds. Little did I know.
June 2025
A stomach issue emerged over the summer resulting in my consuming only liquids and easily digestible foods, and I lost four pounds. A switch had flipped! Thinking this was a good time to change my diet, I planned simple, healthy meals while still eating some of my favorite foods. Once adjusted to the new way of eating, an occasional dinner out or special holidays, I ate what I wanted. Curiously, eliminating refined sugars and desserts became much easier and something I never thought I could do!
March 2026
To date, my weight is 138 pounds. It came off slowly, eating only when I was hungry and eating food I enjoyed. I consistently consume four to five small meals per day and never resort to self-starvation. I felt satisfied and felt strong and healthy. My other knee will need surgery. In preparation, my trainer, Rita, is teaching me resistance and cardio exercises to build strength around my knee. It still takes effort to get myself to the gym, but I always feel better physically and mentally afterward.
Build muscle, strengthen muscles and bones in the adult fitness program – resistance exercise, endurance, flexibility; functional training. The Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College is located at Presidents Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy. Call 617-405-5978 to tour, inquire about complimentary training and obtain registration procedures. Street parking is available; a parking garage is next to the building.
About the Author: Rita La Rosa Loud holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with additional education in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She is NASM Certified and has been actively involved in the fitness industry for more than 35 years. She is also an author and writes fitness-related articles for various publications. Currently, she is a fitness researcher and directs the Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College. She can be reached at 617-405-5978 or by email at Rita.larosaloud@quincycollege.edu.
