Christina Montalvo & Marie Zvetina
HOW EXERCISE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE:
One Patient’s Inspiring Journey and Practical Tips
for Everyone
A Body in Motion Stays in Motion
You Can’t Choose the Path
But You Can Choose the Journey……
MARIE’S STORY (THE READER’S DIGEST VERSION)
• Diagnosed in 2000Initially Affected My Hands and NeckGradually Affected My Ability to Bend My Head or Walk Without Tripping
• Told Not to Exercise, but Was Afraid of Becoming Unable to Walk
• Leg and Neck Pain/Tingling “Backed Off” in Late 2004
• Joined Curves in 2004• Joined a Gym in 2006• Started with My First Personal Trainer in 2011
• Started with Christina in 2012
STARTING WITH MARIE
• Previous trainer introduced Marie to me • Perspective- fear vs. optimism • Focus on what Marie can do vs. what she cannot do
• Communication • Trust • Realistic expectations
CHRISTINA’S THOUGHTS ON EXERCISE
• Truly is for everyone• Intentional movement• Be patient• Managing expectations• Working with your physical limitations• Get creative
FINDING A PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU
• Preferably a degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology • Extensive initial assessment • Building trust• Feel comfortable• Team effort• Honesty, integrity
WORKING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER
• Expectations from trainer for client: Effort, communication, trust, work ethic, determination, goals
• Expectation from client for trainer: knowledge, flexibility, trust, realistic expectations, client-focused goals
• Deviation from this will dilute your success
REALISTIC MODIFICATIONS
• TRX straps• Handles• Ankle Weights• Bands/yoga straps
LEG STRENGTH
• Squats with modification
• Raising the heels helps Marie gain a better Range of Motion
CORE
ARM STRENGTH
ARM STRENGTH
ARM STRENGTH
ARM STRENGTH
FLEXIBILITY
• Yoga strap• Sitting cross legged stretch
MARIE’S IMPROVEMENTS
• Arm strength• Leg strength• Core strength• Increases in flexibility
…What does all of this really mean?
A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
• No Longer “Stuck” in a Sitting Position
• Can Board a Bus, Van or Anything with a Stair
I Am Not Afraid• I Can Go Through a Drive-Thru
• I Can Experience Yoga, Zumba or Go On a Beautiful Hike
I Can Choose My Journey…..
WE ARE ALL IN DIFFERENT PLACES….A FEW CLOSING
THOUGHTS…..• I Am Honest with Christina – I Will Not Do Anything I Feel Is
Unsafe, but Will Try Almost Anything (Even If I Don’t Want to…..)
• I Respect My Limitations, But Do Not Let Them Define Me – We’ll Find Another Way to Do It!
• I Consistently Believe I Can Be Better – But “Better” Has Changed Over Time, and Still Does…..
• Look Towards the Future - It Is the Only Journey We’ve Got!
• Make Your Own Choices – Don’t Allow Scleroderma to Make Them For You!
A Body in Motion Stays in Motion
You Can’t Choose the Path
But You Can Choose the Journey……
QUESTIONS?