With obesity rates steadily increasing, especially in Mississippi, and exercise rates decreasing among Americans, Jerome Mayberry, founder of Tailored Fit, began his exercise program in hopes of changing those rates among Natchezians.

After becoming certified by Atlanta’s School of Fitness and Nutrition and Bally’s, a nationwide chain of gyms, Mayberry worked in the fitness business for 11 years before moving his company to Natchez three years ago.

Tailored Fit was designed to customize exercise programs to meet individual needs.

By keeping them informed of their nutritional needs and fitness requirements, Mayberry said he helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle.

&uot;My exercise programs are similar to that of a small university,&uot; Mayberry said.

&uot;My clients are learning more about themselves and their capabilities as well as receiving one-on-one attention.&uot;

Mayberry began working with senior citizens three years ago.

&uot;This was a way of giving back to my community. The exercise program gives (senior citizens) increased mobility, independence, as well as informing them of health related problems and issues,&uot; Mayberry said.

The seniors work out twice a week, usually beginning with a warm-up routine followed by a low-impact, low-intensity workout that target arms, the rest of the upper body, legs and hips.

The Tailored Fit Seniors, an exercise group, have performed at nursing homes, church functions, and community centers.

Mayberry begins his day at about 5 a.m. and ends it at about 7:30 p.m.

&uot;My days are usually full and intense. I love to work out with all of my classes,&uot; Mayberry said.

With the oldest client being 86 and the youngest, 12, Mayberry specializes in a variety of health-related fitness other than aerobics.

&uot;I offer weight-loss programs, which (focus) on cardiovascular routines, for $25 month Monday through Friday,&uot; Mayberry said.

For convenience, classes are scheduled in the afternoon at 4:30. 5:30, 6:30.

&uot;I try to get everyone an opportunity to get off work and change before coming to class,&uot; Mayberry said.

&uot;I’m very flexible if there need to be adjustments for my clients who may have to leave work late,&uot; he said.

Mayberry said that, on the average, his clients lose about 45 pounds. The highest amount of weight lost has been about 68 pounds.

Mayberry also specializes in sports training, toning, and muscle building.

&uot;I work with numerous youths, especially athletes on the high school level,&uot; Mayberry said.

When Mayberry is not instructing classes at the Natchez Senior Citizen Multipurpose Center or at Natchez High School’s track, he is providing Swedish, sports, and western massages.

&uot;The purpose of the massages is to help relieve stress, hypertension, and soreness,&uot; Mayberry said.

&uot;They also evenly distribute blood flow to improve circulation. The relaxation also improves sleeping habits,&uot; he said.

Mayberry said, in general, he just wanted to introduce a unique program that make people feel good about themselves physically and emotionally.