First, I have been training with Maria since April of 2017, so in April of 2028, it will be 10 years. This indicates to me, at least, the value of her program. And I am currently 71, soon to be 72. So, if you are interested, age is not an issue. Start anytime, and sooner is better than later.
I participate through an online platform (Zoom), allowing both of us to see and hear each other real time. I use my guest/weight room as my “gym”, where I can be private, and working at home, I don’t need to drive downtown so it saves additional time and gas. In our sessions online, Maria often (and always if it is new to me, or I don’t remember well or correctly) demonstrates the technique, as well as what to focus on, and when to breathe.
At some time since I’ve been working with Maria, in my “off hours”, I, somehow, managed to lift and twist moving a box, injuring my right hip, while helping my husband. Although still an on-going issue for me, Maria always asks about my physical state of wellness/injuries, and she adjusts the exercises, weight, and tempo, accordingly, so the muscles and body get their workout, get strengthened, but don’t exacerbate the problem(s). And my hip is improving.
Additionally, Maria always watches form and technique, correcting as necessary, which I really appreciate, as I learned in yoga years ago that correct form is everything, as it is in this training as well. She is also very aware of osteoporosis, and includes plenty of weight, and (correct) body stress to both strengthen the bones as well as the muscles, and “burst” training to get the heart rate up, for fairly short periods of time, to strengthen the heart and lungs as well.
Additional values to this program for me, include that each session is different from the last, giving me many choices of what to do, or focus on, in my independent sessions. Maria listens to you and watches you, so if you notice something doesn’t feel right, or is too painful, or your form is showing the weight is too heavy during that session, then she will either adapt the exercise, the weight, or substitute something you can accomplish. Maria is also a great person to work with – very high energy, knowledgeable, and works with you, treating you holistically.
During the time we have been working together, the weight, the duration (for, say, a plank), or the complexity of what I can do has increased and improved. And, I found I had muscles I didn’t know I had (lol!). I wholeheartedly recommend Maria and this program. If you do it, you will improve!
– Jane Bolz, Certified WSU Master Gardener, Retired
