Today I am back to showcase another amazing client of mine. Alanna came to work with me this past summer and I was so happy she did. Alanna has come so far in her fitness pursuits in such a short time and deserves to be recognized.
Deanna: Thank you for being my spotlight today Alanna can you tell me your entry point into fitness and sports?
Alanna: I played rec sports as a kid, but it wasn’t until I started tennis lessons at my community courts at age 7 that I really fell in love with a sport. I was obsessed and would rally against any wall, garage door, or backboard I could find. Many years later I ended up playing on the U of A tennis team and playing competitively in the NAIA. Tennis has been the foundation of my fitness journey throughout my life and I now realize how important it is to supplement with strength training.
Deanna: that is such an important point, we know that targeted strength training exercises will help with injury prevention. Strength training makes the player more resilient, less prone to injury and help you be able to smoke the ball past your opponent... aka Colin? LOL Can you talk about a struggle you have overcome with your health or fitness?
Alanna: I went from being very fit and playing tennis 4 times a week to not doing anything much more than walking for around 2.5 years because of an unlucky health year and then having a baby the next year. Was super difficult to get back to even a baseline level to start training. I was so out of shape and weak. That was a difficult rut to dig out of!
Deanna: Thank you Alanna, so many women will be able to relate. When we met you were so coachable and patient. You wanted to do every exercise slow and controlled. You didn't get previous expectations get in your way. I knew before long you would notice how much your body would adapt. Consistency and patience! I am glad you are here.
Why do you value hiring a personal trainer?
Alanna: Because I don’t have a lot of free time to train in this phase of life, I want the best workout possible for the amount of time I have to spend on it. I don’t want to waste time doing inefficient exercises or doing them wrong and I appreciate the immediate feedback as I have lots of previous athletic/sport experience but barely any weight training experience.
Deanna: I will admit when I knew your athletic history, I assumed you would have very advanced strength training experience, but looking deeper into the world of tennis, I see that formerly coaches believed all forms of strength training were detrimental to sports like tennis where one needs finely-tuned skills. Now we know a well-designed strength training program can work wonders-those myths are busted.
What are your current goals?
Alanna: To be able to do 10 perfect military style push-ups!! To get stronger and be consistent in training.
Deanna: WOO HOO! I love this for you. You are well on your way. I love watching you get stronger every damn week. And I will have you know your overall confidence in your movement is fabulous! Anything else you would like to add!
Alanna: Uhhh I love training with Deanna!! Hehe
Deanna: GAH I love training you... your smile and your laugh is contagious. And you also give really good dating advice!
Bodies are made to change, to be athletic and to have babies. Alanna allowed her body to rest when she needed it and that is why she has been so resilient in her strength journey! No rush back into training right away. We are here for the long game!
