When did you start training at Pro Fitness?
I started training with Lisa in May 2019 and then when Lisa retired at the end of 2019, I began training with Chrystal.
Why did you decide to begin working with a Trainer?
I began working with a trainer more for mental health, rather than for physical health, reasons. My husband of 35 years took his life after a major depressive episode. I was also diagnosed with cancer the same month. After dealing with the initial fallout over all of that, I needed to feel that I had some control over something in my life and my body was really all that I felt I had. I started doing more meditation and yoga, but needed something more active to feel a physical change in my body. As the physical changes started happening, they began to mirror the changes of my attitude and outlook as well and I was able to move more forward in my emotional life. Plus, I needed to laugh more, so I needed trainers that could provide not only a great workout, but also had a sense of humor and to keep everything, including exercise, in perspective.
What were your initial goals when you started?
Honestly, I didn’t have any specific goals. I just wanted to feel a connection with my body again. When you are dealing with a loved one with a mental health challenge, being a caregiver can really take a toll on you, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
How has the changes you’ve made impacted your lifestyle?
I have always had Garfield the Cat’s attitude toward exercise which is, “I might as well exercise. I’m in a bad mood anyway!” Exercise was not necessarily anything I enjoyed doing when I was younger because I was overweight and I was teased about not being good at sports. As I’ve come to integrate physical activity into my life, I’ve rethought my attitude toward “exercise” and participate in it more naturally like walking, biking, yoga and dancing.
Going forward, what are your new goals?
To not lose sight of what your body and exercise can do for your spirit.
Any extra thoughts you would like us to add:
I enjoy the family atmosphere at Pro-Fitness. Everyone knows my name and is so very encouraging. You don’t always get that feeling in larger gym environments.