Safe Strength Training Through Chronic Pain

An interview with Cecile on her experience at TrainSMART and how the TrainSMART team helped her achieve her health and fitness goals:

Could you briefly tell me about yourself and how you found TrainSMART?

“About four years ago I was suffering from tremendous pain in my hips and back, so I went to see Dr. Michael Geraci, a physiatrist. After an assessment he gave me an exercise to do for a couple of weeks which helped reduce the pain. Consequently he recommended that I start exercising regularly and he specifically referred me to the experts at TrainSMART.

At the time I was seventy-seven years old with a life-long history of chronic pain. I have fibromyalgia, I’ve had many bodily injuries, including those from having been hit by a car as a pedestrian. I have moderate to severe arthritis in most of my joints and have L-4 and L-5 disc degeneration in my spine, which I hear is common for people my age. In addition, several abdominal surgeries had left me with a very weak core.”

Before you found TrainSMART, how were you feeling?

"I was not feeling good at all, and it was beginning to affect my mood."

Were you doing physical therapy for a certain ache or pain, or was it more general?

“I had gone through many rounds of PT over the years that helped me recover from specific injuries (knees, ankles, shoulders.) But PT didn’t address my whole-body issues, I think partly because of the way it’s structured by insurance reimbursements.”

How has TrainSMART helped you?

“It continues to help me significantly. At this point I’m just afraid not to go to my TrainSMART workouts. My balance and core strength have improved dramatically, and I do not want to backslide. No matter what happens to me, no matter how tired I am or how cold it is outside, I drag my old body to my sessions with Brandon.” 

What do you like most about TrainSMART?

“There’s so much to like! I like how knowledgeable my trainer is, and that through personalized attention he adapts exercises to what’s going on with my body at any given time. I also like the flexibility of making appointments that fit my schedule. I like that all the trainers are kind and helpful; there’s no trace of an intimidating macho gym atmosphere. I also like the ability to switch to a video session when necessary.”

I mentioned to you earlier I think it’s inspiring and I’ve shared your story about how you’ve had a few comebacks and been able to train through. You mentioned an automobile accident. I’ve seen you train through a broken hand and a broken foot, if that’s correct? And you didn’t miss a workout?

“Right, I broke bones in my right hand and left foot in one fell swoop. Even so, you made it so I I did not have to miss any workouts. You were so great to come to my home the day after I got my casts on. You came here and figured out what I could move even though one hand and one foot were not cooperating. And you kept adapting my exercises as I continued to improve throughout the recovery period.”

Have you always been that determined?

“Yes, but only in other aspects of my life--not when it came to staying with any kind of physical activity. I was one of these people with who would go through start and stop cycles, often with years between periods of structured exercise. I found it hard to stay motivated; that is, until I got involved with TrainSMART.”

If you are someone older who suffers from chronic aches and pains, know it’s never too late to start a safe strength training program. Balance and core strength are critical components to healthy movement and longevity as we age. Here at TrainSMART we have experience customizing the workout plan that meets you where you are at, while focusing on your fitness goals. We will guide you through a program and make edits to make sure you leave feeling better each session. Cecile has had success staying consistent through using both our private training product in the gym, and live online training when needed due to travel or weather.