About Bethany

My interest in the the fitness industry began with curiosity, I thought if they have something I want what's holding me back? I started in group training classes, I heard a few cues s on form but I had no idea what they meant let alone how to apply them. I started to build connections with fellow class members, a few gave me great advice. I kept showing up, I built friendships. I started to look forward to class..
Once I felt confident enough, I started to apply this new knowledge from class and implemented it to strength training in the main gym. I knew nothing about machines! I figured I watched people for long enough I could put it together. A few people would correct my form, and give me suggestions..
As I started to gain the lay of the land I started to add in new arsenal to my exercise list. Deadlifts, squats, leg press, lat pull downs, rows.. I used those ques I learned in class, guess what? One size does not fit all!
Little did I know I was a disaster waiting to happen.. It started with a little tweak in my hip, then my low back.. to full on blown L4/L5 I ignored the subtle warning signs and pushed through.. guess how that ended up?
I took a year off and couldn't find the help I needed to get back to what I wanted to do. My back was so bad some day's I couldn't get off the couch. I couldn't lift my kids, I couldn't bend over.. I was in so much pain! Why couldn't they find the answer? I saw spinal surgeons, physical therapist, sports med doctors, I even paid a doctor outside of the practice cash to give me answers. All they wanted to do was treat the injury.. surgery, cortisone shots?? There had to be another way!
I gave up, went back to the gym and worked around the pain.. A personal trainer that had been suggested to me multiple times finally approached me.. He was tired of watching me I'm sure! He suggested a plan, a free session and an assessment.. I had nothing to loose at this point, I was desperate to get back! I had fallen in love with training, it was my release, my time for me and I was addicted to how it made me feel. All I wanted was to get back!
Day 1, I learned mobility and stretching.. I walked out in less pain! I convinced my husband to invest in training sessions.. I started out with 4 weeks, after the 4 weeks I was still doing floor exercises and stretches.. I wanted more, soon we phased into strengthening, I wanted more.. as I got stronger and learned how to que my own body, I could address form, I could unwind tightness, I started to become AWARE!!
I look back today, almost 5 years and know it was the only thing that got me where I am today. I went through my fitness journey, I got to the point where I wanted to share it. I went to school, studied, interned with that trainer, grew respect for the industry and became immediately humbled by it's intricacies..
I am grateful for the friends I made, forever grateful for that trainer that reached out and forever passionate about this industry. Too many people start out and are lead to quit for these same reasons! Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek guidance and always stay humble.. that's what I learned.
Pass it on,
-B


Trainer at: B STRONG, LLC