A Day at Duke Diet & Fitness Center

We invite you to experience a day in the life of a client at the Diet & Fitness Center. You'll see that our program is not a hurried, one-size fits all approach to weight loss and lifestyle change. We offer multiple activities and classes to motivate, encourage, and inspire you.

Each day is different. One day you may go to water aerobics, massage therapy, or a grocery store tour in addition to the lecture series. The next may be spent doing personal training, swimming, or taking a class on how to make healthy, delicious meals. Each individual's daily schedule reflects his or her needs and interests built around a core curriculum of recommended educational classes.

One Client’s Day

7:30 a.m.

I’m in my second week at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center, and I’m beginning to get a routine. I usually eat an early breakfast and head to the first series of classes. I’ve met two other women who have some of the same issues that I have. That’s comforting. Plus, I’ve met with staff who helped me design the right set of classes for me. From breakfast, I went to a class about the calories and portions. I’ve never really taken the time to understand just how many calories there are hidden in today’s portions. This really opened my eyes.

11 a.m.

Just finished shallow water aerobics. It’s like I’m not even exercising! Everyone is so supportive -- it really is fun!

I thought some of the exercise classes would really exhaust me, but I find already that I have more energy.

12:15 p.m.

I joined four other participants and a behavioral health staff member for a guided eating lunch session.

I never realized how fast I ate and how I didn’t even know what I had eaten! Guess this will help me pay attention to what I’m eating and when. Good points!

1 p.m.

I met my friends for the grocery store tour, led by one of the dietitians.

I’m glad the class was after lunch -- I was less tempted by the food at the store. I’ll never view a “Nutrition Fact Label” the same again!

3:30 p.m.

Went for a quick check of my blood sugar level at the Medical Clinic, and it continues to improve.

I am amazed at how my changed eating habits and increased exercise routine is helping to improve my health.

4:30 p.m.

Decided to treat myself to some quiet time and relaxed outside on the pool patio, reading handouts from the stress management class I attended last week.