By: Lauren Stobbie
Lauren Stobbie , Our Health and Fitness Program Supervisor, uses her expansive knowledge about fitness and health to create amazing programs for each patient in order to help them meet their needs and improve themselves mentally and physically.
Q: You are an Exercise Physiologist, so can you explain a little bit about what that means Lauren: As an exercise physiologist, I am able to take a scientific approach to creating exercise programs in order to improve a person’s level of fitness and overall health. I talk to our patients about their medical history, previous exercise experience, and current fitness/health related goals and from there I am able to design a workout program that meets their individual needs.
Q: How did you get into fitness and what made you decide to apply that to people in treatment? Lauren: I joined my high school’s girls weightlifting team when I was 15 and never looked back. I loved the feeling of finishing a great workout and improving my health at the same time. From there I sought out jobs where I could share my love for fitness and hope to provide others with the same experience I had. I’ve worked with many different populations in the past so when I saw the opportunity to work with those in recovery I thought it would be a great challenge and a very rewarding career. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Q: What did you do prior to joining Lakeview? Lauren: Prior to Lakeview I was working as a Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach at American International College and Springfield College in Massachusetts. I trained the women’s Softball, Lacrosse, and Basketball teams. Q: How do you feel that fitness helps patients in recovery and how do you motivate patients who might be resistant to joining your fitness groups? Lauren: Exercising while in early recovery and beyond can significantly decrease the likelihood of relapse and allow our patients to improve themselves physically and mentally. Through their workouts, they are able to release endorphins and neurotransmitters, which can provide pleasurable states naturally without the use of alcohol or drugs. Exercise also helps to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, which many of our patients experience while in early recovery. If someone is resistant to trying out one of the fitness classes, I usually encourage them to give it a try at least once and then make a decision. I also explain to them that our classes cater to individuals of all fitness levels so no one will be left behind or feel embarrassed. We are also able to make modifications for any type of injury that they may have. Plus, with our new wellness center there really is something for everyone! Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? Lauren: The most rewarding part of my job has to be seeing the transformation that our patients make over their 6-9 week stay and how it affects their self-esteem. Many of our patients commit to working out every day while they are here and by the time they leave many of them surpass the goals that they set for themselves. Whether it’s putting on muscle, decreasing their body fat or just improving their overall health, I love being able to watch the change and see how proud they are of themselves for meeting their goals and improving their fitness. I also love when alumni contact me to let me know that they are still working out and keep me updated on their progress and current goals. Exercise is a huge part of leading a healthy lifestyle and making it part of their routine in treatment helps to keep it part of their daily routine once they leave.
About Lauren Stobbie
Lauren Stobbie has a bachelor’s degree in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in exercise science from Springfield College. Lauren is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning specialist and by the United States Weightlifting Organization as a Level 1 sports performance coach.
