Member Stories: John Borden "Exercise has turned from something dreaded to something I truly look forward to."

Elite Sports Clubs Member John Borden at Willis Climb 2013

Elite Sports Clubs Member John Borden at Willis Climb 2013

We’re extremely proud of our members. Over the years their work out agendas and sporting endeavors serve as healthy examples of how it feels to be “Elite,” and how exercise not only adds years to your life, but life to your years! Today we’d like to highlight another member’s experience:

My name is John Borden. I live in Brookfield with my wife Lori and kids Adam and Sarah. I own an Independent Insurance Agency in Elm Grove. I volunteer with the Boy Scouts and love to ride motorcycles both on and off road.

I am part of the early morning crowd. When I first joined Elite in 2002 I had no clue what to do, so I asked Jen Bauman to work with me. Jen was terrific, not only did she give me a ton of exercises that I still use today, she put up with all of my whining. If you have never used a personal trainer, try it. They are well worth it!

Since joining Elite I have done a ton of classes. Spin, Body Pump, Pilates, Gravity, Yoga, Boot Camp, CxWorx and TRX. Currently I am doing Spin Class and Boot Camp in addition to lifting 3-4 times a week and mixing in different forms of cardio. I am also in a running class once a week and ride my bicycle whenever I can. In the non-winter months I run stairs at the Lakefront with some awesome friends.

When I first joined Elite I could barely do any cardio and lifted next to nothing. In 2005 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and I decided I need to get to the gym at least five days a week. Today I am 40 pounds lighter and have a ton of extra energy. I compete in 5K and 10K runs, the Warrior Dash and the US Bank Stair climb. Last month I climbed the 103 story Willis Tower in Chicago. Exercise has turned from something dreaded to something I truly look forward to.

I have made many friends at Elite over the years. Personal Trainers Tony, Sue, Anne, Jen and Rob have all been great. Of course all the fun starts with Karen and Lois at the front desk.

Share your own “elite” story; whether it be of weight loss, conquering that first race, improving your tennis rating, accomplishing a goal, or some other unique aspect of your life that makes you ELITE! No story is too small, we are proud of ALL of our members!