I didn’t think I’d gain my mobility back - but I did

By the time I turned 60, I was unable to get out of the car/couch/floor without using my arms for support. Up/down stairs - a problem. My knees had become weak/painful due to loss of muscle/strength. 5 years ago, I lost my balance, fell, and broke my wrist in three places. I did not think I would gain my mobility back after surgery and a metal plate in my arm.

But I did. After 100 sessions (1.5 years) of strength training 3x per week, my overall fitness/strength level has massively changed. My wrist can withstand pull ups, push ups, and heavy weights (grip strength is a longevity indicator). I have gained body strength, improved my balance, feel so much stronger, and gained muscle everywhere (something I thought would not happen at my age). I have lost 30 lbs and have gained strength in my core (I understand what that is now, lol) - I can deadlift 118lbs. I was able to jog a 5K last year. I hiked the rugged NaPali Coast in October. Over the years I tried everything-diets, gyms-but I could never stick with it. Village helped me realize I was chasing the wrong goals: my primary goal was not losing weight- that’s a secondary goal.

My primary goal is building strength for longevity, which includes strength training, fueling my body with whole, healthy foods and making better eating choices—and when I consistently did that, the weight came off. I need accountability. Clearly, I can’t do this on my own. When I had a gym membership, I made every excuse not to go…tired/busy. With Village, there is an accountability: I have a booked appointment for my scheduled classes (which are flexible if my schedule changes), I have a journal that the coaches and I use to track progress, and I have built community with others who encourage me.

All I have to do is show up. This is a gift I give myself with just one goal: each day, get a little stronger. And the days add up. The little choices I make each day, to exercise and eat right add up. And I will live longer, healthier, happier. VF is a community of care. The coaches know my name, have worked with me to guide me to my goals-increasing weights, level of difficulty-all at appropriate increments. In a group of 8, we are led through a rotation of different strength and cardio movements, including using weights. There are people of different ages and ability-we have our own goals and the movements are modified to what we can do and progress. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, friendly, and supportive. I sleep better, my mood is better, my sciatica is gone, and I can climb mountains…and the people who work out there are really nice and friendly. They also do fun community events like local hikes on a Saturday.

If my story resonates with you, call them and just give it one try. Be patient and have grace with yourself. It does not happen over night. But each day, a little at a time, and in 6 months, let me know how it went. And I promise, I won’t say, “I told you so.” See you there!