Ovid Resident Honored for Commitment to Physical Activity

10/30/09 Posted in News  |  0 Comments

Jon Stanton of Ovid was honored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation at the third annual Governor’s Fitness Awards on Wednesday, October 21, for his pursuit of a healthier, more physically active lifestyle.

Stanton is among four Charles T. Kuntzleman Award winners who have overcome great challenges in efforts to add physical activity as a part of their daily routines.  The Charles T. Kuntzleman Award is named after the former chair of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and author of They Accepted the Challenge, a book about people who, despite great obstacles, have pursued a life of physical activity.

Throughout Stanton’s life, weight had always been an issue and at only 32 years old, he weighed nearly 430 pounds. In August of 2007, he experienced a life changing doctor’s visit. Stanton was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes and early congestive heart failure. That same night, he walked his first 500 feet to start his new path in life toward a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Stanton persevered despite challenges by walking every day during lunch breaks at work and by changing his eating habits. He has built endurance over the last two years and now walks three miles or more a day, and does a one-hour aerobic workout at night.

In a little more than two years, Stanton lost 215 pounds, which is half of his original body weight. He went from a pant size 66 down to size 36 and a shirt size 6X to merely a large. With the weight off, his health is significantly better.

Stanton now has a Web site (http://www.jonstanton.net) used to inspire, support and give advice to others looking for a healthy change. He has been recognized on national television on the Today Show and the 700 Club for his accomplishments. Stanton now speaks on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan at various events advocating walking and regular exercise as a healthy lifestyle practice. Jon was named the Step Out and Walk Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association of Michigan and Northwestern Ohio. He also advocated for a “Complete Streets” ordinance for the City of Lansing. As a leader for physical activity and better health, Stanton hopes to inspire others by showing that it is possible to be healthy even if you face a significant weight challenge.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation envision a physically educated population with the knowledge and skills to enjoy a healthy, vigorous and safe lifestyle in communities designed to support physical activity. For more information, visit www.michiganfitness.org.

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