Personal Training

What is Personal Training with me like?

I believe in finding joy in movement. Personal training is one way I help people like you find it, too. Other ways I do that is through teaching yoga, Pilates, and ballroom and Latin dancing. All are forms of wellness that my heart for helping people is eager to share.

The joy of movement comes not only from physical movement but also from getting unstuck and learning how to recover from blocks in life. I know how to do this from my own experience of overcoming injuries, poor posture, and many other difficulties to reach a healthy, lovely, light lifestyle.

Generally, people hire me for personal training because they are experiencing certain problems. For example, some feel sluggish and weak, while others are concerned about weight gain or certain aches and pains or other issues. I help my clients know themselves better by asking open-ended questions. We might discuss why they don’t feel like moving. Or we might start gentle movements, and then I’ll ask them how they are feeling.

I have discovered through my own experience that much body pain comes from poor posture and weakness. Muscles that are too long and stretched start to cry in pain. Usually, the muscle on the other side of the body is too strong and is pulling the body toward the strong side. This leaves the other side feeling unsupported and abandoned. When this is the case, I can help my clients to assess their own posture and figure out which body part needs to be strengthened to overcome what is draining their energy. I teach them to know where their axis is, so they can balance better. Being balanced physically often results in balance in other aspects of life. This principle also applies to strength. Being strong physically can lead to inner strength.

I am an encourager, and my range of knowledge goes beyond physical support. Sometimes, I help clients assess whether emotional problems could be weighing them down and causing physical pain. Although I don’t diagnose any problem, I might ask clients to think about whether their pain possibly could be psychosomatic. I have suffered from psychosomatic pain and been to therapy for it, so I am aware of how real that type of pain can be.

I am not a therapist, and I do not cross the line to try to do what a therapist does. However, when my clients also are working with a therapist, I offer support and encouragement in doing all the exercises they are given – whether mental, spiritual, emotional or physical. Sometimes, having a trainer helps you do exercises recommended by a therapist is a great comfort.

In the process of assessing clients’ needs, I make sure I’m a good fit for them. I realize my clients are willing to make changes in their lives, or they wouldn’t have hired me for personal training. However, if I sense I cannot help, I urge them to get the best treatment they can find, perhaps by going to a doctor or getting professional therapy.

When I teach ballroom and Latin dancing with my partner, Jim Wallace, we demonstrate leading and following. As the leader, he knows he must keep me safe, comfortable and entertained, in that order. As the follower, I know his leads are invitations, not commands, so I don’t have to do what he leads. In personal training, I am your leader. You never will be pressured to move in any way I might lead. Part of your role is to communicate with me if anything I’m training you to do for strength or flexibility makes you feel uncomfortable. We work as a team to help you feel better in a fun and entertaining way. I help you find movement you like to do to help you have a more abundant life.

I can do personal training in all my areas of expertise. I am fully certified, and I keep my continuing education credits up to date. I also keep my CPR lifesaving certificate current. I have handheld weights, resistance bands, balls and other props for building strength, but I often train clients in a way they can repeat the exercises at home without extra gear.

My home studio in the Edgewood/West Side area of Charleston offers a private space for personal training that is much more comfortable than a gym you must share with others. I also can provide personal training in your home, but I do have to charge extra for my travel time and gasoline. However, if that is best for you, I have a heart to help you find joy in movement, so I am willing to go the extra mile. Virtual training through Zoom is available, too, but most clients prefer to work out with me in person.

Personal training sessions are 50 minutes long. The cost is $45 plus 7 percent sales tax for a total of $48.15. The price per session is the same if you bring a buddy or two to share the cost, although individualized sessions are more effective. Customers who come weekly with a steady and reliable commitment for at least six months can ask for a discount or free lesson occasionally.

I would love to help you find joy in movement and all the wellness benefits that come from it.