Healthy LivingY StoriesYMCA Health and Fitness

How Lopa surpassed her fitness goals

07 September 2016 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Lopa’s career as a dancer, instructor and choreographer came to an abrupt halt when she endured a car crash that left her with severe pain in her neck and back. It was her resilience, determination, and long hours spent hard at work with her personal trainer that eventually allowed Lopa to become a happier and more confident dancer than ever before. Here’s her Y Story:

I was a super active person and always considered fitness to be a central part of my life, until I got into a car crash. I went from being athletic to being in constant pain, and I didn’t know how to get back to my pre-accident “self.” I felt stuck, like I’d hit a wall I couldn’t break through on my own.

My main issues were neck and back pain, which not only got in the way of my everyday life, but also inhibited my ability to push my workouts to the level I wanted them to be. I felt very unhappy and dissatisfied with my lack of progress.

I decided it was time to get a personal trainer. I thought the one-on-one attention I’d get from a trainer could improve my stamina, strength, and overall fitness levels, but I also wanted help from an expert who I could trust to work safely around my pain and other limitations.

My personal trainer helped me accomplish all of that and more. She pushed me beyond what I used to think were my limits, and showed me that my body is capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. I know that every workout I do with her has been tailored to meet my specific, unique needs — especially when I’m in pain, because she finds ways to help me work around my injuries so I always feel safe and comfortable.

Getting a personal trainer literally changed my life. I had given up after my car accident; I thought my fitness dreams were over, but my trainer showed me that was far from true. With her expert guidance, I’m happier, more confident, and in better shape than ever before. Now, I know I’ll not only accomplish my fitness goals; I’ll surpass them.

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