Submitted by April Perez
My journey started two and a half years ago in physical therapy. I have had chronic pain for a few years in my shoulder. [My physical therapist] gave me a good routine for weight loss, strength and pain elimination, which I followed regularly. Within 3 months, I was off all mental health medication and have been off ever since. I became pregnant 5 months later, and although I could not perform most of the [exercises] he gave me, I continued on in slow flow yoga and barre. I even went to yoga, and barre the day before my scheduled delivery.
Shortly after my delivery, I returned to physical therapy, however the [COVID] virus restricted me from going to the gym. I continued slow flow yoga, barre, and physical therapy through zoom until the YMCA opened up; I joined shortly after in June. In July, Kim became my personal trainer. My fitness journey took off from there.
I had a schedule of Balance and Flex on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I did my own thing on Mondays and Fridays, and personal training with Kim [Elsing] was Wednesdays. The SGT (Small Group Training) Challenge started in January, and that has become my life. I take SGT 5-6 days a week and am in love with it. All of the trainers are great and offer different dynamics in each work out. I never could have imagined my life and my mental and physical health thriving the way it is.
Never in my life had I been able to run a mile straight, and now I can run three without stopping. Never before in my life was I able to do a pull up and I am on my way to achieving it. Never in my life did I have a fitness routine. I dabbled here and there but never did I own a gym membership.
As I look back at the past 9 months I am reminded of where I started with little things. I remember first starting I could not do an alternating side plank. I now whip right through them. It’s the little things like that that help me to know how much my body has changed and how much stronger I have become. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities the Y has provided me and look forward to so much more.
Kim has a passion for fitness and a passion to help people strive to be the best that they can be. I appreciate the push she gives and attention to details making sure I have proper form. She continues to push me through SGT and continues to make sure I challenge myself.
Thank you, Kim, for everything you have done for me!