MY STORY - by David Lukov

I was about ready to turn 60 years old.  Most birthdays never seemed to affect me one way or another.  But the idea of 60 did.  I was recognizing that my physical life would be going downhill, and I would begin to experience new aches and pains.  ​My future, for the first time, seemed limited.  I was becoming easily depressed and wanting to sleep a lot more.
 
It was about the same time that the business I worked for offered a business discount to join Riverside Health Club.  I had been members of health clubs in my 30's and early 40's and would enjoy some activities.  So I signed up, and even decided to pay for a personal trainer.  I had never had a personal trainer.  I feared that the trainer would either work me beyond my limits, get frustrated with me, or laugh at the condition I was in.  I often considered trainers to be “drill sergeants.”
 
But I decided to take a risk and sign up to work with a personal trainer.  My initial trainer was Kate Hillmon.  Kate was absolutely amazing.  She listened intensely to my goals, and began to work a pattern that helped with cardio and muscle tone.  I was learning to do planks for over one minute.  I was able to do sit-ups and push-ups again.  She had me do some running up and down stairs (to warm up), and a lot of other physical activities. I was surprising myself at some of the things I could accomplish.  Kate seemed to know the right buttons to push for me.  She was an exceptional motivator, and had a very encouraging manner.  I began to lose some weight and had a much happier disposition.
 
Kate encouraged me to join her Pilates Class.  I did and found Kate to be a very encouraging instructor.  I had not been in any fitness class for years, and found the class enjoyable.  In fact, I would hardly miss a class.  The Pilates Class helped stretch all my muscles, and I felt very relaxed at the conclusion of each class.
 
When Kate moved on, I was paired up with Rachel Wright as my new trainer.  I had known Rachel when she filled in for Kate several times as my trainer and was very comfortable with her.  Rachel was amazing.  She, like Kate, pushed the right buttons to motivate me.  She helped push my cardio even further as well as gain more strength in my legs and arms.  Rachel also taught a Core Class, so I attended that and surprised myself at how well I did.
 
Both Kate and Rachel were pleasant to work with.  Sometimes I would vent about my frustrations of the day (and life itself), and Kate and Rachel were very empathetic.  I enjoyed the relationships I had with my trainers.
 
As the Pilates class was disbanded, I began to attend the Centurgy Class led by Abbey Baeslack.  I began to enjoy the balance of Pilates and yoga, and even got more cardio than the Pilates Class.  Abbey is incredibly encouraging and supportive, and has a way to help each participant feel comfortable within their skills and limits.
 
And what are the current results?  I have lost 40 pounds.  I gained core strength.  I feel much happier.  I gained more confidence in my physical well-being. The depression is nowhere near as severe.  I have a much more hopeful way of looking at life.  Now at age 65, I look forward to the next adventures and journeys through my relationship with Riverside Health Club.  

-David Lukov

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