Joanne was looking to make changes to her health and quality of life. She wasn’t able to reach her shoelaces to tie them, stand up from the floor on her own or get through the day without pain medication. She stumbled upon Queen Street Fitness by happenstance, and 8 months later happily finds herself in a very different place. Her story really does speak for itself, please enjoy:
My name is Joanne, and I had never heard about Queen Street Fitness. On my day off I was going to a meeting on lower Queen Street and there was construction, so I found parking on Clergy St. by Queen St. and walked down to my meeting. One of the only healthy choices I was still making was parking at the end of parking lots to get a few more steps in. Walking back up hill after my meeting was a bit more challenging than I expected. Then to my surprise I saw Queen Street Fitness and was curious. Why had I not heard about this before, I should check it out. I “have to” start somewhere, but where?
In the back recesses of my mind, I knew I “should” take care of my health better. Doctors had been monitoring my blood, concerned about the possibility of developing diabetes, fatty liver, thickening of the left ventricle of the heart, obesity and I was also celiac. The doctor said “Diet and Exercise” were the only options to arrest these conditions and/or improve. But where do you start? I had done these things previously, but nothing stuck for any length of time or consistency. I was now working full time for the first time in a long time and feeling overwhelmed and in a rut.
I thought, this place is worth looking into. I had been a member of a numerous gyms previously and had worked with personal trainers twice for only 6 weeks each time. I walked in and I could smell the sweat, so I knew they meant business. I was met by a lovely lady and she told me about the place and had me sign up for a discovery call. Storm called and we had a brief conversation, and I scheduled an in person consultation with him, he accommodated my time constraints.
As I reflected on going, I told myself “don’t drink the Kool-Aid”, meaning wait 24 hours before deciding whether to sign up or not. I had extreme limitations during the movement assessment, more than I expected. I’ve had both hips replaced, scoliosis, osteoarthritis in the spine, and osteoarthritis in the left knee. I was most surprised by the limitations on my right hand. I knew it was painful using the mouse at work and had brought up my concern about having carpal tunnel syndrome with my family doctor but there were so many other factors going on there was no follow-up or testing.
Throughout the consultation I learned about the unique approach they take to fitness and personal development at Queen Street Fitness. Storm spoke about supporting the person as a whole, for their particular goals, far from a standard formula built for everyone. Most of the time was spent by Storm asking questions, getting me to think about how I would like my life to be like. I did not feel judged or ridiculed for having such a low starting point.
There was the thread of fear that reached into every area of my life starting with my newly diagnosed heart condition. I felt heard. He asked me what 3 items I would like to focus on, and I said to be able to sleep with less pain and less dependence up over the counter pain meds (this would also help with the fatty liver). Then to walk with more strength and stability and to reach down and pick things up. He explained that I would work with a coach one-on-one, and every 6 weeks there would be a progress report and an opportunity to re-evaluate the goals or set new ones, if I was ready to move forward in other areas. I felt comfortable and at ease and believed that my pain level could improve and that I could become stronger and more flexible which would allow me to be more independent as I was about to turn 60.
I was getting excited about the possibility of getting a better quality of life. I had been in pain most of my life but in severe chronic pain for the last 12 years. I had hope for the first time in a long time: but I did still have some worries around the logistics- time, money and scheduling. As we continued chatting it sunk in for me that the contributions I’ve been making into investment for retirement are only helpful to me if I can live a good quality of life as I get there. I chose to invest in myself for a better tomorrow. By the end of this meeting, I officially “drank the Kool-Aid”, and happily haven’t looked back since.
I am surprised and excited at the accomplishments I have made and at the pace I have made them. Remember, I started at step zero.
After my first session I walked out more confident, stable and upright.
At about the 6 week point I no longer needed to take pain meds and could do assisted squats.
I can now pick up items from the floor.
I can now get up off the floor using either leg.
I now can tie up my shoes, which I had not been able to do for the last 12 years.
I took the train on vacation this summer and it’s the first time in 8 years I didn’t book the wheelchair lift because I previously tweaked my back just getting walking up the steep train steps. This summer I was able not only to get on the train with ease I managed to get my 34 lb luggage onto the train as well, though with more effort than I’d like. I’ve since added the goal of being able to easily lift my 34 lb luggage with 1 hand. Hand being the operative word.
The progress has been consistent, and I have been meeting most of my goals even before the 6 week point. As I discover daily activities that would enhance my quality of living, we just add them to the list, set our priorities and develop a plan. My latest goal discussed at our last session together with the marvelous and supportive Laura (who has just begun her maternity leave), was to be able to sit on the floor comfortably, so that I could eat freely and would not look as if I was in pain or awkward.
One of the key benefits of training with Laura has been the tremendous mental health support. As I’m on the bike for warm-up we touch base. I have had a lot of additional challenges, stressors this year, changing departments at work and living with my aging mother, with her in and out of the hospital. Again, Laura never tells me what to do but asks me the questions. She is a sounding board and provides a different perspective. She always brings it back to me and my responsibility in the situation.
I have a newfound confidence not only in my body but in my mind and know that the best is yet to come. I can now see myself living my best life well into my 80’s or 90’s instead of my 70’s. Between my mom and sisters and myself, I used to be the most physically dependent. Today I am the go-to person to pick up something off the floor, even if that means getting down to the ground. I am now able to stand on a step stool and reach those high items just in time for the holidays, with confidence.
I am living a life that I didn’t think possible, it was not even on the horizon. I am beyond grateful for being part of the Queen Street Fitness family, not only are the staff friendly but so are the members that welcomed me and made me feel at home. I do not regret the past as it led me to Queen Street Fitness at just the right time for me.
P.S. My favourite movements are pushing the sled and doing deadlifts.
Joanne’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. While she began with a long list of challenges that would keep most people away from gym-type settings, Joanne had the courage to reach out, explore something new and focus on what she could do to overcome the obstacles in her way. By consistently making herself a priority, being open to sharing, reflecting and learning, Joanne has crushed every goal she has set so far. Our coaching team couldn’t be more thrilled to work with clients who are as eager and hardworking as Joanne.
