Don't Let Your Past Hold You Back!

Karla Wagner

Why did you make the choice to start working out?

I had always been fit and active until I completed graduate school in 2005. I quickly found myself swamped with responsibilities. I felt pulled constantly between raising a family, commuting to work full time, and completing the necessary tasks of life. I allowed everyone else to be my focus and ignored my own health needs. So my weight started to climb and my energy dipped.

Then, I had an accident in 2007 that left me with chronic back and neck pain. Since that time I have had a few surgeries, undergone many rounds of physical therapy, received numerous nerve blocks, and tried nearly all other conservative/alternative treatments available. No matter what I tried nothing helped. I only was able to go to work and function but I was never able to truly enjoy life. This accident robbed me of nearly everything in life that had been a hobby or sense of pleasure. Gone were the days of riding horses comfortably, running, softball, and living an active lifestyle. I slowly gained weight and fell miserably out of shape. Finally, one day, I woke up and thought enough was enough. I had to do everything in my power to get better as I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired".

Why did you make the choice to get a personal trainer?

I knew that with my medical history that a trainer was going to be very valuable as I needed someone with the expertise to guide me thru the exercises. I had lost a tremendous amount of muscle strength and I realized that gainging this back was going to be the key to not only sustaining weight loss but also relieving the stress placed on the body from the injured areas.

How have you benefited from having a personal trainer?

I have gained not only a ton of strength (and the start of some definition) but also a huge amount of balance improvement. Ashley has worked opposing muscle groups in a ratio that I would have been unable to do without her expert knowledge.

Who is your personal trainer?

Ashley Vernon

What have you learned from training?

I have learned that there is hope. I feel and act 20 years younger! My energy has tripled, my size is dramatically reduced, and I'm able to live and enjoy my life again.

Any tips you want to share from you experience?

Keep on fighting and give recovery every ounce of strength that you have left. It is not an easy battle to win but it can get better if you regain your health. I will never be "normal" again but I have reclaimed what was taken from me and I am not giving a bit back without a struggle.

How has your body progressed or has your body made any changes since beginning personal training?

I feel amazingly different than I used to at the end of the day. I have energy, hurt less, and do more than I have done in years. I'm in size 4 jeans and working at getting stronger. My goal has always been to be healthy and fit but the constant flow of compliments on my appearance has been a welcome benefit :-)