Joanne has trained at Body + Soul Fitness for more than fifteen years. She started out in the gym in her 50s with the goal to reduce the muscle loss that comes with aging. Now, at 67, she feels younger, happier, and more confident. Best of all, she has learned to listen to what her body needs to continue living an active lifestyle with ease and enthusiasm.
About Joanne
Joanne has always been active. From figure skating to badminton and field hockey to volleyball, she grew up involved in all types of sports. Her love of activity continued throughout her life and as an adult she put her energy into squash, running, skiing and snowshoeing.
However, as life went on, it became more difficult for her to prioritize herself and her exercise habits. With her background in occupational therapy, Joanne knew she needed to focus on adding variety to her routine – she needed to do more than cardio. This led her to Body + Soul Fitness.
Joanne on a 25km bike ride through Vancouver with her family.
The Challenge
Joanne started at Body + Soul Fitness with the goal of staying physically active for as long as possible. She wanted to reap the prolific benefits of being fit such as stress relief, better mood, and overall well-being. Having worked as an occupational therapist, she understood that her focus on cardio put her at greater risk for injury. However, she wasn’t sure how to find the areas of her body that needed strengthening. Joanne saw personal training as an opportunity to put her goals into action.
The Program
After her first fitness and lifestyle assessment, Joanne learned that she needed to build the capacity of her muscles, especially in her core. From this assessment, she began to understand that working with a personal trainer is “fabulous, because you might not realize where your areas of improvement are, but your trainer does.”
Empowered with understanding through goal setting and assessments, Joanne’s trainer focused her initial program on strengthening her core, maintaining good posture, and improving her overall flexibility. As she continued to train over the next fifteen years, her trainers continuously evolved her programs to suit her needs and abilities. As she strengthened her core, for example, her trainer was then able to focus on other areas that needed to build strength – like her glutes.
When Joanne started experiencing knee pain her trainer adapted her program again, transforming it into a rehabilitation program. Their focus became rest and recovery for her knee while still progressing towards increased strength in other areas.
The Results
Throughout fifteen years of training, Joanne’s fitness abilities changed a lot. For Joanne, it was great to work with trainers who routinely adapted her program based on the results of reassessments and her changing lifestyle and challenges. This custom experience has allowed her to continuously grow and progress.
Her trainers gave her the tools to move beyond simply staying active. She was able to find her weaknesses, build her overall strength, and continuously set and achieve new goals. Joanne has prevented muscle loss and maintained good posture, flexibility, balance, and energy levels.
Even more impressive, she’s been able to tackle 10km hikes on the arctic tundra and a 25km bike ride in Vancouver. Joanne doesn’t worry about getting injured or having to stop midway through. She’s confident in her physical abilities.
Overall, Joanne gained a better quality of life. At 67, she feels younger, happier, and more confident. Best of all, she has developed a better connection with her body and easily understands her needs to make sure she can continue to live a fun and active life.
She’s excited to continue to train, grow, learn more about herself as she experiences all life has to offer.
Joanne and family at the suspension bridge in British Columbia.
Start Your Own Story
Sometimes, the hardest step to take is the first one. If this story has made you feel hopeful for your future, we would love to meet you. Book a complimentary consultation with one of our passionate personal trainers to get started.