We have the power to create positive change in our lives. Let’s empower each other to have the motivation and spirit necessary to make the worst things into the best things, whenever possible. Learn from the inspiring stories below of how two Elite members made positive change in their lives.
Whether you are feeling unhappy with your weight, or you’re feeling like you can’t function well due to a chronic condition or illness, you can make positive changes that will make a difference in how you feel and how you function.
Stories of Positive Change
Example #1
Consider *Sally (name has been changed), who has Primary Progressive MS. Determined to feel better and accomplish very specific goals, Sally took time to research her options, find a new doctor, and begin personal training two times a week. Rarely, and I do mean rarely, does Sally miss a session. She makes her other appointments around those training sessions. She does all of the assigned homework, and then does additional reading, and stretching beyond that. As a result, she was able to walk down the aisle for her son’s recent wedding, while holding on to her husband’s arm, instead of struggling with her walker. She was able to stand for the whole ceremony, and she was able to participate in the dancing afterward. She didn’t move her feet, but was able to stand and be a part of the action – something that she had missed out on in the past.
Make no mistake: I’m not insinuating that these are typical results. They are results she was able to obtain by working her situation from multiple angles, and by exploring the actions and strategies that would work for her. They are results that came from her willingness to keep trying, keep working, and her refusal to accept her status quo.
Example #2
Think on a smaller scale for a moment. *Ellen, a 75-year-old female, came in to me with a slew of health issues. Insulin-dependent diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, and a knee replacement are only a small part of her current issues. On the insistence of her daughter, she came in to see me. I noticed, as we did some movement screening and her health history, that she had a head-forward, round-shouldered posture, with no evidence of osteoporosis in her bone scan. I explained that we can improve that with exercise, and she asked “why?”. When I told her that her neck and upper back pain would be reduced as we reduced the amount of forward pressure, that she would stand taller and that would begin to help decrease her joint pain, she was surprised. Consider this from the American Chiropractic Association:
“Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Correct posture:
- Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
- Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
- Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.
- Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.”
At any age, we can improve posture and begin to feel better. So even a small improvement can increase our quality of life, and how we feel each day, even if some of the other illnesses can’t be changed.
I encourage you to seek out help for the things that you can change, to improve the quality of your life. Take some of the negative and create positive change from them when possible. When you are feeling better, you are in a better position to help others create positive change, as well. If you need help, start with the small first step and meet up with a personal trainer for your free fitness consultation.
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Written by Melissa Abramovich, ACE CPT, NASM CGT, AAHFRP Medical Exercise Specialist at Elite Sports Club-River Glen
Melissa Abramovich went into Personal Training and Group Exercise instruction after successfully losing 140 pounds through healthy diet and exercise. Her desire to help others drove her forward into a career helping others to make healthier choices. She is an ACE certified personal trainer and now also a Medical Exercise Specialist (AAHFRP), helping clients with a myriad of health issues at Elite Sports Clubs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree, and many group exercise related certifications as well.