65 YO AND ON BOARD! A good friend invited me to train with her at Hygieia with Shaun while I was back visiting Singapore 6 days ago. I said yes, but was apprehensive because I have a fusion in my upper spine, had recently done rehab for a lower back injury, and have degenerative disc issues and arthritis.
Seeing my friend for the first time in a long while was an eye-opener as she is now beautifully fit and strong, as well as capable of lifting and squatting what I consider to be a great deal of weight, having belonged to many a gym when I was younger.
I had two sessions with Shaun and they were just excellent. He has years of experience and is the soul of patience, makes one feel welcome and at home no matter age or shape, and the whole atmosphere is congenial, other clients friendly and happy to share information about their obvious progress.
I was embarrassed at how much strength I have lost over time, but Shaun is skilled at reading a person’s abilities and how to modify to move them forward without over-stressing. One is sore afterwards perhaps, but feels just the soreness of exercise, and in my case, none of the normal daily joint pain from degenerative disc disease and arthritis which is a first. When the 2-day interval was up and I went back for session 2, he modified the workout yet again to work through the initial, residual soreness in my thighs, yet added some new upper body workout. Afterwards, I had NO pain for the first time in many years and was able to spend a busy day on my feet and travel a long distance, not needing an anti-inflammatory for joint pain even once. He trains so that the muscle takes the workout, not the joints. Today has been the same.
My back stopped hurting for the first time in a few years as well. It has not started again and this is the end of day 2. I had persistent, alarming discomfort from the medical physiotherapy I received from the back injury two months ago, but none after this second workout, instead feeling stronger in the back. While it seems impossible to react so soon to two workouts, as I used to work out a lot, I am always amazed when my body snaps back, just have been having less success with the “snap” until this workout with Shaun. I just never had it happen without painful joints and spine before and it is a revelation.
Shaun located a gym which teaches this exact same method of training where I live. What I wouldn’t give to be able to join Hygieia and train with Shaun, but as that is not possible, he ensured that I know where to go when I get home.