Movin' and groovin' | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Movin' and groovin' | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2006

FITNESS PROFILE | ERIC NEDDERMEYER
Movin' and groovin'

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Eric Neddermeyer is passionate about exercising — especially to exercise guru Richard Simmons videos. He often leads a small workout group, including roommate Julian Matsumoto, at The Arc in Hawaii, a day program for adults with cognitive disabilities.

DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

ERIC NEDDERMEYER

Age: 52

Profession: Volunteer, Adopt-a-Park

Height: 5-foot-1

Weight: 161 pounds (down from 300)

Workout habits: Aerobics to Richard Simmons videos two or three times a week, walks around the block every evening after dinner, swims once a week, uses a treadmill once a week, dances whenever he gets a chance.

When and why I started working out: "I like to lose weight. I feel more energetic and do more stuff."

My nutrition: Works with nutritionist Judy Thompson on a tailored diet plan that includes three meals and three snacks a day. Eats lots of fruits and vegetables, and drinks only water, no sodas.

My biggest motivator: Improved health.

My biggest challenge: "To keep my weight down and never to go back to 300 pounds."

Eric Neddermeyer

THE ARC IN HAWAII

The Arc in Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that provides day programs and residential services to people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. It operates under these principles:

Look for the strengths and gifts each person has to offer.

Provide true choice and support self-determination.

Actively engage people in community participation.

Encourage relationship building.

Help people to become contributing members of society.

If you know someone who might benefit from the services of The Arc, call 737-7995.

Web site: www.thearcinhawaii.org

Eric Neddermeyer has been conscientiously watching his exercise and eating habits at The Arc of Hawaii, losing nearly 140 pounds.

DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

TRICK YOUR BODY INTO FEELING FULL

1. Choose smaller plates and utensils.

2. Eat slowly, and chew every bite as long as possible.

3. Wait at least 20 minutes after a meal or snack before eating seconds or dessert. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to register that the body is full.

4. Drink a sip of water between bites.

5. Put your utensils down between every bite.

6. Try to be the last one to finish.

When Eric Neddermeyer works out, he glows, and that is not a euphemism for "sweats." He passionately loves his workouts, especially to Richard Simmons videos, and his enthusiasm is infectious as he leads a small group gathered around the TV set at The Arc in Hawaii, a day program for adults with cognitive disabilities.

During an exercise session at the center, near Diamond Head, Neddermeyer led Lorna Togle-McNear and Julian Matsumoto as they followed Simmons' energetic aerobic routine.

After 20 minutes of nonstop motion, Togle-McNear begged Neddermeyer to take a break.

"No, no, no, I'm not stopping. I need it. Come on! More!" was his enthusiastic reply.

"I like the music, especially the oldies," Neddermeyer said, beaming as he caught his breath.

A few years ago this level of exercise would have been impossible for the Kaimuki resident. Neddermeyer, 52, weighed 300 pounds, and climbing a short flight of stairs was a challenge.

Neddermeyer had been overweight "most of his life," said his mother, Kikuno Neddermeyer. "He suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome, and he was not able to resist food. He would eat a whole loaf of bread or a gallon of ice cream at one sitting."

The Arc in Hawaii takes a team approach to helping every person who comes to them for day or residential programs (see box on Page E4). One member of that team is nutritionist Judy Thompson of The Queen's Medical Center.

Thompson taught Neddermeyer the importance of eating nutritious foods and limiting quantities. She set up a program of three meals and three snacks a day, and Neddermeyer began to follow it.

There are certain guidelines for working with a client with Prader-Willi Syndrome, but many of the suggestions would be useful for any household that includes a person who needs to lose weight and get a handle on bad eating habits. Among the recommedations:

Encourage regular exercise and activity, daily if possible.

Emphasize nonfood rewards and treats.

Keep to a regular meal and snack schedule. Eating five or six times a day is ideal (three meals and three snacks).

Limit going to places where inappropriate food is available (i.e., gas stations, movie-rental stores, hardware stores and anywhere there are vending machines).

Allow one day of the month or one day of the week (if the weight is well controlled) for a special treat. Saying no is easier when it's not the right day.

Give lots of compliments as the weight comes off.

"It's difficult in our culture; there are food cues everywhere," Thompson notes.

Since Neddermeyer lives in a group setting, Thompson has been able to manage the food that finds its way into the house. That can be a cue for all those trying to lose weight: Take extra care in the supermarket.

Over time, and with lots of help from his Arc team and family, Neddermeyer lost nearly 140 pounds. And he enjoys his new routine: "I like to cook hamburger and vegetables, especially lettuce and salads," he said. "I love carrots. I put the hamburger on a carrot, not a bun."

He has adopted Wai'alae Beach Park, where he picks up rubbish and rakes leaves regularly.

"It's amazing how much weight he's lost by just exercising and eating right," said Patty Laemoa of Mo'ili'ili, Neddermeyer's case manager at The Arc in Hawaii. "He's happier, and he can do more things and walk further."

Neddermeyer also is showing leadership as he eggs on his friends to do just one more number. Hey, who can resist "My Little Runaway"? Simmons steps it up in his hot-pink sequined shorts and tank top, and Neddermeyer hums along, punctuating the music with enthusiastic whoops and cheers.

"Come on, Julian! You can do it! Keep going, Lorna!"

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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