2022 was quite the year. Each new year it’s great to look back and reflect on the ups and downs of the previous year and to give yourself a pat on the back. We often forget to celebrate the little wins like traveling, spending time with friends and family and accomplishing little goals here and there. Last year I travelled to Puerto Vallarta, Telluride, Lake Powell, Nashville and Kentucky! My doggy Waylon turned 1, graduated from training school and has even been going to the gym for a few hours a week.
In August of 2022 I started working with Tina, a very special and unique client. Nine years ago Tina had a stroke at 34 years old and it completely changed her life. She has had to re-learn everything from eating, walking, and standing on her own. With the help of her mother, Janet, she has been coming in to work at the gym and in that time, she has gone from curling 3-pound dumbbells to 15 pounds for 3 sets of 20 reps on her left side and 3-pound to 8-pound dumbbells on her right side. We are working really hard on building control and strength on her right side. We have also been working on sitting and coming to a stand. She has gone from standing only 15 seconds to now standing for up to 2 minutes. Lastly, we have been working on walking. Think how that must feel for her! Getting out of that “prison” wheelchair and moving is priceless. She almost made the whole length of the turf a few weeks ago without rest. It was a HUGE milestone!
I have been in this business for 15 years and I can say Tina is one of the most rewarding clients I have taken on. I am not going to lie that I was nervous working with a stroke victim, but I am so glad I decided to work with her. I call her my sister from another mother as we both played field hockey and love to snowboard. I told her we should get her out on the slopes next winter and make that a goal for 2024. We are striving to get her more independent so her mother Janet doesn’t have to assist her all the time. Now that Tina is gaining strength, Janet doesn’t have to work so hard to get her out of the chair. Tina has the drive and determination to walk on her own and I hope to help make that happen. I literally get teary eyed every time we hit a milestone. A BIG ‘thank you’ to Craig and Letty, for introducing me to this AMAZING mother/daughter duo.
The past year were a lot of great moments but some sad ones too, however it’s not what happens to you but how you react to it. I am choosing to focus on myself in this new year and become the best version of me! I MIGHT even sign up and commit to doing a show – stay tuned! Here’s to a great year ahead and killing our goals!