If anyone had ever told me that I would start working with a personal trainer at the age of 58, I would have said, “Absolutely no way”. But that is exactly what happened, and it has reaped rich rewards. 
Gyms have always been a little mystifying for me. How do I use all the different equipment, when do I increase the weights, is my form correct, am I exercising safely – these were some of the uncertainties I used to have when I worked out on my own.
When I first joined Excel Fitness about four years ago, I began watching other members work out with a personal trainer. I started thinking how much I might benefit from such an experience. So I decided to try it, and I’ve never looked back. It’s been great. It helps me keep healthy – both physically and mentally.
For the last three years, Heather Claflin-Coy has been my personal trainer at Excel. She creatively plans routines that accommodate my medical limitations. She works diligently with me to identify areas of weakness, and she coaches me through exercises that have increased my strength and range of motion. Her consistent feedback helps keep me motivated. When I flub an exercise, she knows just the right cue to correct my form. She encourages me to do my personal best, and she knows the sweet spot between too easy and too hard. She keeps it interesting.
Recently, I experienced a milestone. Last month I vacationed in California where I went to the hotel gym on my own. The equipment was a little different, but I had the confidence to figure out the machines and weights by myself. That would never have happened before I became an Excel member. I’m grateful for all the progress I have made in my physical fitness with Heather, and I look forward to the future successes that await me at Excel Fitness.
Excel Fitness personal trainer Heather Claflin-Coy adds, “Over the past two and a half years, Sarah has shown consistent improvement in strength, self-motivation, and physical capacity. We chose to honor Sarah as a Spotlight Member for her dedication not only to her own health and wellness but also for her humanitarian work, helping to improve the lives of those less fortunate around the world. I look forward to our continued work together!”