Success Stories
Success looks different for everyone. Below are some examples of success from the people I've trained. I share how we were able to work with any limitations they may have had as well as the progress they made and how training had a positive impact on their day-to-day life.
Allison
Allison has trained with me for several months and continues to do so. Allison came to me after a long stretch of physical therapy for her shoulder where she saw improvement but was left with a lingering pain. She was also beginning physical therapy for a persistent knee pain that she had been dealing with on her own for months with little success. Shortly after beginning training with me she stopped going to the physical therapist. Initially, we found positions and exercises that she was able to do without pain and gradually increased the range of motion. Quickly, we were able to identify exercises that not only was she able to do without pain but actually eliminated the pain. This elimination was short-lived at first but over time became more sustained as we incorporated what was learned in the elimination exercises in to the rest of her training. This was the case for both her shoulder, and her knees, as well as her lower back pain (that she assumed everyone just had to live with after receiving treatment for years prior). She now claims not needing to take pain relieving medication to get through a round of golf, as well as being able to walk down the stairs without "screaming" pain. Through "working out" the pain, we have also been able to create a great foundation to begin to build strength in more "traditional" ways. As a result, Allison has reported increase in the length of her golf drive by a significant amount of yards, and continues to see the benefits of strength in her daily life.
Jim
Jim trained with me 3 times a week for several months. He came to me as someone who had a promising career in baseball that was cut short by a torn ACL. After botched surgeries and another tear he decided to live with it, and did so successfully for several decades, staying active in a variety of ways throughout. Despite his "success" he was on track for a replacement and sought me out to get in as good of shape as possible prior to the surgery to do what he could to ensure a better recovery. We focused primarily on his knee and hips (the hips play a major role in stabilizing the knee) but included plenty of training for the rest of his body as well. During our time together Jim saw improvements in the mobility of his upper spine between his shoulders (even noted a few satisfying "POPs"), as well as major improvements in hip and core mobility and stability, and we were even able to perform exercises that created stability in his knee that hadn't been available to him for decades. These improvements became most evident during his off-road motorcycle camping trips where he reported better balance on the bike and more control in tough situations, and more core strength in loading and unloading heavier items for camping. Most importantly, Jim mentioned a better ability to keep up with and play with his young grandchildren.
Jen
Jen trained with me for several months. When she first came to me she was 6 weeks postpartum after her second C-section, neither of which had received ANY rehabilitation (a shame on our medical system for failing our mothers). I immediately provided resources and pointed her in the direction of a pelvis floor therapist. I communicated with her pelvic floor therapist as well as a physical therapist she was seeing for carpal tunnel throughout her training and incorporated components of her therapy as appropriate. Over the course of our time together, Jen was not only able to see incredible improvements in the function of her core but strength as well in her core as well as the rest of her body.
Andy
Andy started training with me as an addition to the many things he was already doing to regain strength, mobility, and overall movement and function of his body after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall, and being wheelchair bound for some time. During our sessions we focused on mobility, coordination, and strength with targeted stretching, neurological drills, and strength exercises that challenged coordination. Andy trained with me for nine months and over that time and through his own monumental efforts he was able to lose 75lbs and get up and down off of the floor with no external support, completely under his own power. Which was not something he was not able to do since his accident and was a huge step forward towards independence through movement!
Gwen
Gwen started training with me despite her knee and hip pain that had persistent through surgery and physical therapy. She had already received a partial knee replacement and done the post surgery physical therapy, and was a candidate for hip replacement. Through careful assessment and trial and error we were able to find exercises that she was able to perform without pain. We were able to improve her mobility, strength, and balance while also improving her ability to breathe with ease. After seven months Gwen was able to walk without pain, and return to her bowling league with confidence! Gwen also learned how to exercise within her limitations and use equipment she had at home to continue making progress on her own.
Zach
Zach trained with me for 5 weeks and in that time he made incredible improvements. When Zach came to me he had no training experience other than what he received in school and the marching band. We met once a week and over the course of 5 weeks I taught him a handful of basic exercises and how to do them safely, as well as explained and demonstrated the concept of progressive overload and how it applies to strength and hypertrophy. Zach was diligent with his “homework” and made quick progress. Together we reinforced good form in the exercises and now he is able to take this knowledge and experience and apply it himself as he continues to make progress! His process and consistency in the gym even inspired his parents to get gym memberships, proving that exercise has generational impacts!
Josseline
Josseline was very motivated when she came to train with me. She had taken time to focus on raising her two boys and decided it was time to get back in shape. Josseline trained with me three days a week. We focused on building strength and control in her core and integrating that in to other exercises that would build strength in her whole body. Within the two weeks we were able to train together Josseline had to readjust her rearview mirror TWICE because she was sitting up straighter. She had also become much more aware of her posture at work. With the exercises I taught her and the focus on good form Josseline is now well on her way back to health and fitness for LIFE! (And will be better equipped for keeping up with her growing boys)
Tess
Tess came to me with limited experience in training and limited mobility in her shoulder. We worked together once a week for four weeks. Within that time we were able to develop a simple training routine that could fit in her busy schedule that consisted of several exercises which would cover all of the major muscle groups. We were also able to identify a couple stretches and exercises that would help her restore mobility and overall function in her shoulder that could be done both in the gym and at home or "on the go".
Donna
Donna trained with me once or twice a week for several weeks. Donna was gifted the training sessions for Christmas from her husband. When she came to me she was mostly interested my opinions on the routine she had been doing. I provided insight where I could and offered alternatives where appropriate. After a few sessions Donna admitted that she was in pain most of the time. After digging deeper in to her personal routine I discovered that she was overdoing her stretches as well as choosing rep and set ranges that were not appropriate for her goals or for reducing pain. With a few minor corrections to her exercise technique and some more major changes in exercise selection and programming Donna was quickly able to train without needing pain relieving anti-inflammatory drugs.