Linda is a youthful 68 and has always put her emphasis on helping others. She raised her five children as a single mother, working full time as a government lawyer. In her mid-60s, a series of family crises put her through extraordinary stress. She knew that she needed to get herself in better shape to be able to visualize and move forward into a better future.
Taking the first step required a leap of faith, provided by an article Linda read in Summer of 2023 about Sharon, a client who lost 50 lbs in one year of working out with me. Linda had never taken on a serious workout regimen, but communicated that she was committed to giving her body the respect it deserved, by engaging in a conscientious, individually-tailored workout plan.
Linda feels that people in their 60s and beyond are often stereotyped and not seen as the multi-faceted individuals they are. These misperceptions often hamper their ability to reinvent themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. At our initial interview I asked questions that seemed to get at the heart of what her goals were, and I made sure that she felt understood.
I try to never be dismissive or to assume that I know what a person’s needs are. I always want to meet prospective clients where they are and understand what they are trying to achieve. We then design a holistic program to help them get there.
Linda was at a turning point. She had a strong feeling that once her body felt better, she would be able to access dormant dreams and yearnings from the past, and to self-actualize what had been impossible to undertake or achieve in the past. This was the time to “reinvent” herself, to bounce back from all she’d been through, get back in shape, lose weight and gain the strength to assure that she could continue to live life to the fullest.
Her newfound physical resilience has brought her many psychological benefits — the most profound of which is the belief that anything she can visualize in her life is possible, including the inner yearnings of her heart and mind.
I like to take a comprehensive approach in helping my clients achieve their goals. In addition to our focused exercise sessions, this includes providing guidance on diet, sleep and daily activity. Linda is conscious of what she eats and enjoys daily walks. She says that after just two weeks exercising with me, she noticed a change in her mental outlook. At 12 weeks she felt her body change. Now after 20 months she has lost 40 pounds, looks great, has lots more energy and has gained a new sense of optimism.
Linda feels that our exercise sessions are the most valuable thing she does for herself, and she has really come to enjoy them. She feels that our small gym has not only provided her with camaraderie and friendship, but also a community of wise and supportive people, where all encourage and applaud the triumphs of each other.
Linda offers this advice to others who find themselves in a similar situation: it starts with the willingness to value yourself. Never give up on yourself. Take the spark of belief in your intrinsic value and use it to become the greatest project you will ever undertake. You have the power to shape your own destiny through dedication, effort and the willingness to start again when necessary. The results are life-affirming in every way.