Like a lot of middle-aged women who have struggled for a lifetime to overcome emotional eating issues, obesity, and lack of regular exercise, I have often found myself in a bind: I've wanted to improve my strength and stamina, but felt too ashamed of my poor level of fitness and body image to sustain the effort at a regular gym where the "fitness scene" increased my sense of alienation. A local yoga instructor with deep respect for the body referred me to Conditioning Specialists where I have been working with personal trainer Viju Mathew twice a week for the past six months; I have recently signed up for another 36 sessions, which is a miracle for me . Each week I have had to face huge resistance to showing up and awkwardly moving through the workouts; half the time I feel like a retarded fool! It takes immense courage to choose a new identity, to imagine oneself physically fit, to fight the habitual, negative thoughts: "Face it - it's just too late. Fitness is beyond your reach." The truth is this: Viju and Doug and the Conditioning Specialists team are excellent trainers, role models, and skillful motivators who offer intelligent, expert, individualized, respectful, and compassionate guidance along the way to recovered health, wellness, and vitality. They are great people who inspire the faith and confidence that keep me showing up. I am stronger already and making steady progress. The truth is: it's never too late. read more
