How Can I Help You?

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has been an antiques dealer. In addition to my own natural interest in strength training, there was a not-insignificant amount of formative training in the lifting and carrying of heavy things when I was young. (it is not lost on me that there is some poetry in the fact that I now teach people to lift and carry heavy things) His profession, though not mainstream, was easily described: he sought out and purchased exceptional examples of early American furniture, then sought to re-sell the pieces to other dealers or collectors who were seeking the same. 

When I was younger, particularly just after I moved from New England to the Midwest, it was hard for me to describe my work to my Dad. I'm pretty certain he thought I was wiping sweat off machines and folding towels just for the free membership. I do remember the day it changed, though.

Four or five years after moving to Illinois, I was back on the east coast, visiting my Dad. He had some errands to run, and a couple of visits to make, and potentially needed help should any treasures be found. One of the stops was to see Cory, another dealer I knew. (I knew many of the dealers in my dad's circle, which parlayed itself into a great two-day gig moving furniture into and out of a show in New Hampshire every summer. Good story for another time) 

In the course of conversation at Cory's, it came up that he had bought this new exercise machine - a Soloflex - and that his back was bothering him quite a bit. My ears perked up. 

"What exercises are you doing?" I asked. 

"All of them," was the response. 

"Show me what you're doing."

Cory took me into the next room where the Soloflex stood. (no lie, it was very cool at the time; one of the first non-traditional home gyms available, and I wanted one desperately) On the wall, Cory had taped the poster with every possible exercise one could perform with the machine. 

"You're doing all of these?"

"Yes."

"Can I write on your poster?"

"Umm, sure, I guess..."

"Do you have a red marker?"

Cory left the room and came back with a marker...and my Dad. I proceeded to cross off five or six exercises that could cause, or exacerbate his back issue. I then taught him two or three alternative movements that would help him strengthen his midsection without discomfort. 

Cory thanked me, and, once his business with my dad was done, Dad and I hopped in the van and headed out. Dad was quiet (even for him.) 

"You ok, Dad?"

Quietly, he said, "I just realized what it is that you do." 

"What did you think I was doing?" (as if I didn't know)

"I don't know; but not that.'

That day changed a few things between my Dad and me. In addition to no longer feeling like he'd wasted his money paying for my first personal training certification, he seemed to gain a bit of respect for me. (always nice, right?) He'd actually call me when he was having activity-related pain, and ask my advice. So rewarding. (and in order to help him feel better about his investment, I told him that, when people ask what his son does, he can simply say 'Applied Physics and Human Biomechanics.' 

SO - what DO I do? I help people regain and / or improve movement function so they can do what they want to do at an optimal level and without pain. I've had post-surgical clients who were rehabilitating rotator cuff repairs, spinal surgeries, tears to the labrum of the hip, and ACL repairs. Clients who had (or were told they had) scoliosis. Athletes who want to be stronger, faster, and more powerful. Golfers who want to hit further without back or knee pain. 

It all starts with a conversation. We discuss what you're feeling, and what you'd like to accomplish, short-term and long. We assess your movement, to illuminate any challenges that are limiting you. We develop a plan to move you forwards, then begin to implement the plan. Simple, and effective. 

So, think for a moment about where you are, and where you want to be, then tell me - 

How can I help you?