Yesterday's Session

Yesterday Michelle and I had a great session. Even though her muscles were fatigued, she was showing clear signs of improvement. My goal for Michelle in the first couple of months is to gain upper body strength. This will improve her mobility and allow her to lift herself out of her own chair eventually. Once we've established her upper body strength, we will move on to strengthening her core and her legs. 


Of all of the amazing clients I work with, Michelle has proven that she has true determination and character. She doesn't complain or say no. She never tells me she can't (although I may have heard her nearly mutter an "I can't" yesterday, but I doubt it) and she is always ready and willing. I think I ask her, "you ready?" about every two minutes. She just smiles and obliges. 


I know this work has got to be tough on her, but she knows that hard work will pay off. To see someone like Michelle in here is inspiring not only for me, but for all of my clients and for all of you readers. For Michelle, it's not just getting fit to look better, it's getting in shape to one day gain her independence back -- to walk, to take care of herself and hopefully one day, take care of a family of her own. If this blog does anything for you, let it inspire you to take your own health into account. Let it give you perspective on your life and what you may take for granted. One thing I have learned so far from Michelle is to smile. Despite all the tragedy in her life, she smiles. She's funny. She is an open book. She is amazing.


Let's see if her account of yesterday was as uplifting as mine...


From Michelle:

Today was a doozey! I got to the B.Z. (Burn Zone) at 4:30 and, like always, Nicole got me started right away. We started with arm warm ups...raising/lowering arms, twisting imaginary doorknobs, etc. Then Nicole had me doing various exercises that worked my chest...those muscles right above your boobs! Instead of doing exercises that were "pull-up" style, I pushed the resistance band from my back to the front of my chest. Also, I did an exercise with my arms held straight above my head, and holding the resistance band I bent my elbows down towards my head...if that makes any sense! ;) It burned!

After that, Nicole had me work my core. I pulled the resistance band, with my arm straight, across my body. I did that on either arm. That sucker hurt! Nicole put her hand out  as a goal for me to reach with the r.band, and that helped me to stay focused and keep going!

The next exercise was a killer! But I loved it! Nicole had me press up against her hands and arms that were gripping my feet. Talk about the B.Z.! My thigh muscles and calves were working like crazy!

Following the leg burners, Nicole messed around with my ankles...She said they were super tight. That was not the first time I've heard that...Oh well. Something to work on.

Lastly we did the pull-up dealies, from the last session, with the fatter r.band. This time my right arm seemed to be stronger and more in control than it did in Tuesday's work out! (Except for the one time I lost my grip on the right hand, and the burley r.band shot violently at the ceiling! lol. Oops.)

Awesome, tiring session today...Thanx Nicole!