I started
with Breakthrough over a year ago around March 2015, I believe, based on an ad that offered a free trial.
I was looking for a small gym that met the hours I needed. I came in and met with Chris who inquired about my fitness goals which were the typical: lose weight, tone up, and get fit.
But what struck me as different was he put me through the functional testing to gauge my physical limitations so that I wouldn’t get hurt when working out.
What I found out was just how out functionally out of shape I was. All the things I thought I could do, I couldn’t.
I knew this in the back of my mind because I had been struggling for over 8 years with bad knees, having had multiple arthroscopic surgeries and now my hips were also failing but until the testing I had brushed it aside.
My orthopedic doctor said I needed hip and knee replacements as soon as possible or I would eventually not be able to walk.
Shortly after joining Breakthrough, I had a left hip replacement.
I came back after 6 weeks and Chris modified my workout to accommodate newer limitations while encouraging me to do as much as I could.
The 4pm workout team was very supportive and as I grew stronger, I could do more things but was still limited because of my knees.
In 2016, I took time off from Breakthrough to have both knees replaced at the same time.
I came back after 8 weeks and again, Chris modified my workouts to help me increase the strength in my legs.
When I went back to the orthopedic doctor 6 months later to have a mid-year recheck he was very pleased with my progress of being able to do squats and have more functional movement in my legs.
However, he also felt that I would not improve much more than where I was at.
That set me on a mission and I have been determined to get to the top of my game in with my lower body, so I now not only do corrective exercises at Breakthrough but at home too.
I am not where I want to be, currently working on hip flexor and shoulder movements, but I am a long way from where I was when I started with Breakthrough thanks to Chris and the Breakthrough team.
I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Breakthrough.
Chris, Karen, Krista, and Jim have been extremely supportive as I have embarked on this journey to be able to move like a normal person.
I am so grateful for the 4pm team that consisted of Patty Shirey-Pierson and several others, as well as the 6am team of Kim, Jane and others.
We encourage each other while improving our individual selves.
Breakthrough offers a lot: fun personalized challenging workouts, community service, nutrition, various challenges, and they even send birthday and Christmas cards to each person.
Breakthrough is definitely not your normal gym.
Breakthrough is a family that I look forward to coming to see and be with a few times a week.
-Nina Graves
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