My 3rd Act…
… realization began in my early fifties, when I started to contemplate retirement. What would I do each morning to provide a purpose to replace 45 years of fulltime employment?
I explored several interests, but ultimately, my single biggest passion was my personal health and fitness. I felt there was an opportunity to learn about my own body, its abilities and ailments, and use the training to further my journey. After enrolling in the MRU Personal Training Degree program, I realized that my personal journey, and struggle to find solutions, coupled with my formal education in personal training should be used to help others with their stories.
My Health Timeline
- Age 8, I was hit by a car, spent a month in traction and another month in a full body cast.
- Age 17, I had my first knee surgery for bone spurs, causing damage to the knee cartilage.
- Age 30, I had Spinal Fusion of L4, L5 and S1.
- Age 35, I was 70 pounds heavier, prescribed High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol medications. Had two young active kids, working a high stress job, sleeping and eating poorly and not performing formal exercises.
- Age 50, I had another knee surgery that resulted in Osteoarthritis (complete loss of the medial cartilage & meniscus). For several years following this surgery, I received knee injections to assist with pain management.
- Age 60, I am the strongest and healthiest I have ever been, and my journey continues.
I began my fitness journey at 35, joining a small gym. Without formal instruction nor organized training in a gym setting, I was lost, intimidated and held a feeling of being judged. I generally worked out in odd hours when I knew the gym was emptier. I didn’t talk to anyone, I just wanted to hide away on a treadmill in the back. Within a few months, I lost several pounds and inches off my waist.
During this time I watched others, and tried to figure out what I could add to my routine. Again, not knowing, not planning, just thinking anything was better than nothing. So, I tried lifting weights for the first time. I continued to replicate other people’s movements without truly understanding what I was doing and why. Ultimately, I plateaued for nearly 14 years with minimal physical adaptations.
Following my last knee surgery at 50, unable to run, leg exercises were nearly impossible to perform due to pain, I was lost again. Others I spoke to about Osteoarthritis made comments that the pain was too great to even walk some days. For me, the heel strike of every step hitting the floor was a jolt of pain up my leg, often unbearable.
While at Mount Royal University, I had the opportunity to learn and speak with many individuals on their fitness journeys. I’ve learned Human Physiology, Anatomy and had the opportunity to research many health-related topics, including Osteoarthritis. This research profoundly changed my outlook on pain and aging. From my research, and the practices I experimented with, I have increased leg muscle strength, allowing me to perform tasks that were previously unthinkable.
I understand the struggle of weight management, the feeling of being lost and intimidated. I held the belief of uncertainty of waiting too long to start changing and not seeing the benefits of hard work, and now know it did not need to be this difficult. I believe my own wellness experiences can benefit you and your story. I want to assist you living the next chapters of your life.
3rd Act Fitness is an opportunity to change your functional wellness and transform yourself to your desired future. Whether you are closing in on the end of your career or already living your best life in retirement, 3rd Act Fitness is here to help.