Congratulations to our Client of the Month - Michael Clarke

It's that time of the month when we get to celebrate our Client of the Month!  This month we are celebrating Michael Clarke.  Michael started training with us in 2019 when he was preparing for an endurance leadership event where he and his team mates were put through a battery of challenges that you only read about.  I was so impressed by Michael's commitment to his preparations and to completing this incredibly challenging event.

Michael was a first responder at The World Trade Centers on September 11th, 2011, and takes nothing for granted. The dust and other contaminates has become a fear for many. For Michael, his goals are to push himself out of a comfort zone everyday.

Michael always shows up early to warm up.  He says that his motivation to do so is out of respect for the trainers, something that we appreciate, but at the same time I know that this commitment prepares Michael to push himself harder, get the most out of his training sessions, and overcome injuries.
During the endurance event that he participated in back in 2019 he sustained some injuries including a severely torn rotator cuff that kept him out of the gym for several months.  

Michael followed all of the guidance of his doctors and physical therapists and returned the gym as soon as he was allowed.  Once back in the gym he took the guidance of his trainers seriously, stayed well within the boundaries that his doctors set for his shoulder range of motion and appropriate weight, and in time rebuilt both strength and mobility.  He refused to accept that he could not fully recover and set out to prove it.  He achieved his proof through smart and consistent care for his body, never pushing beyond reasonable limits, but also not using limitations that the doctors put upon him as an excuse.

"We all need to know our bodies, and learn to know when to listen to them. By taking the "advice" from the Trainer's, incorporating what we can, we'll see results, learn about ourselves, and learn new techniques to become better, both in body and mind".

Michael embodies the mindset that we strive to teach our clients.  It is so important to listen to your body, be willing to push outside of your comfort zone but never at the sacrifice of staying pain free.  Michael has pushed himself to just the right level, defying injuries and working to become stronger and better every day, all while creating a welcoming and supportive environment in every training session that he attends.

Michael is now preparing for another endurance event later this year and we are so happy that he's fully recovered, strong and ready to face his next challenge.

Congratulations Michael.  You are an inspiration and we are honored to support you in your health & fitness journey.