Fitness for all ages
By Patricia Nugent
“Age is just a number.”
“You’re only as old as you feel.”
“50 is the new 30!”
Whichever platitude you buy into, the truth about aging lies in the inescapable reality that we all have the power to be our best at any given time in our lives.
At My Personal Trainer studios, clients range from ages 12 to 92, they come in all shapes and sizes, they hail from all walks of life, and they each have their reasons for being there—with individual goals to match. The convenient My Personal Trainer locations are in Westlake, Strongsville, Berea and Broadview Heights.
“It doesn’t matter where people start physically. If they are ready to make the change, we can get them to where they want to be,” says owner Eric Schaefer. “Our goal is for our clients to rediscover the best quality of life no matter what their age.”
When you look at growing older, he says, you should address all of the different facets: physical, social, cognitive, emotional and mental. Exercise and physical activity really lie at the heart of all of these.
Meet the Clients
On any given Saturday, you walk through the doors to find the genuine and outgoing trainers working with clients. Senior Studio Manager Marren Croley invited me in on this given Saturday to personally meet a few of their clients. Here are their stories.
Luci B., age 61: Lost 44 pounds in 10 months
“My job as a medical technician working third shift is stressful and physically demanding. As a widow, I have to do everything around my home and yard, from shoveling snow to cutting the grass. At 173 pounds I felt terrible, out of shape and without energy.
Once I started at My Personal Trainer, I started seeing results, gaining muscle and loads of energy. The trainers are kind, compassionate and super motivating. Another important effort is the food journaling, which made a difference in revamping my diet.”
Jessica M., age 19: Lost 26 pounds in three months
“I got a job during my junior year of high school. Along with keeping up with my studies, I found I didn’t have time to exercise. I felt sluggish.
I decided to join My Personal Trainer the day after my high school graduation last June, because I was looking ahead to my freshman year at John Carroll University and already dreading the ‘Freshman 15’. The trainers here pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which felt amazing. Now I’m more confident, and talk to more people.”
Rick W., age 60: Lost 74 pounds in nine months
“Not only has My Personal Trainer been invaluable in helping me reach my workout goals, the team has also radically improved my quality of life.
Following a serious knee injury, I was left with a lot of aches and pains. Several times a day I had to stack weights on to my knee in order to be able to straighten my leg enough to walk. I began to eat whatever I felt like and started wearing my fat clothes again. I felt that I needed a source of accountability, and I didn’t want special meal plans or group meetings.
I liked what I saw during my first visit with Marren Croley at the Broadview Heights location. Having a trainer push me to my limits caused me to work more strenuously than I would have on my own. Marren gave a tough workout but was a great motivator, too. I worked even harder as my leg gained strength and flexibility.
On December 5, 2016, I weighed 279 lbs In October of 2017, I got it down to 192 lbs. I did not think it was even possible, but my left leg is now nearly as strong as my right. I can walk, hike, shop and use the stairs normally. I still need to stack weights on my knee to straighten my leg, but now only a couple of times per week instead of several times per day. I was skeptical about the claims made by “My Personal Trainer,” and I was glad to be proven wrong. Though wrong, I am also the big winner. I have my life back. Thank you to “My Personal Trainer” and the caring staff that has been so helpful to me. I have achieved something that I did not even think was possible.”
Dr. Terry D., age 73: Lost 30 pounds in five months
“I had four goals: to improve my health, increase my core strength, boost my energy and look better. The trainers here encouraged me with every session to lose 30 pounds and feel re-energized.
I’ve reduced my blood pressure medicine dosage, and no longer suffer from backaches. For me, only two 20-minute training sessions per week fits into my schedule nicely. I also like the value and affordability of my membership. My son has a trainer in Columbus and is paying three times as much as I do. But overall, I’d say my favorite part about coming here is that it’s so much fun.”
Anet S., age 88
“After two knee replacements, I joined MPT for better balance, energy and stamina. They tailored a program that would push me in a safe way. I like that someone is always right there with me, watching for proper form. After a few sessions, I already had more endurance, and was walking my dog, Teddy, faster. I’m standing up taller and straighter now, and feel more confident with my balance. I keep up with it because of the results, but also because of the positive experience. It’s a completely non-intimidating setting in an ultra-private studio.”
My Personal Trainer studios are conveniently located in Westlake (25959 Detroit Road, 440-808-0000), Berea (381 West Bagley Road, 440-234-3075), Strongsville (20930 Drake Road, 440-878-9000) and Broadview Heights (7985 Broadview Road, 440-838-8400). Program rates run $75-$159 per month. For more information and to meet the trainers at each location, visit OhioMyPersonalTrainer.com.