Testimonies

When I was growing up, I was a gymnast and played softball. I never had any problems being in shape and staying healthy. Over the last decade, I’ve had several health issues and was hospitalized in 2020 with pulmonary embolisms. Several months later, I decided that if I wanted to be around to watch my kids and grandkids grow up, I needed to make some changes. In early 2021, I found a trainer – Amber! I started training with her once a week, plus my normal cardio that I do. This past December, I decided to try something new and give group training a whirl, even though it was out of my comfort zone. I fell in love!!! I now train twice a week with both Ashley and Amber, while continuing my one-on-ones with Amber. They push me to be a better me and I feel better than I have in years!

While recovering from a rotator cuff repair in 2019, I found what would be my cancer. On March 15, 2019, I was officially diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer. Life moved quickly after that, with 8 rounds of chemotherapy (4 of those were the “red devil”) and a bilateral mastectomy with 15 lymph nodes removed. I was cancer free after surgery but still had 18 rounds of radiation to complete my treatment. I am now 3 1/2 years cancer free and work hard at managing my lymphedema. I’m more than grateful for the New Dawn program which provides a place to discuss cancer and cancer issues, attend educational programs, exercise and thrive with a community of amazing friends.

Running has always been an on again, off again workout for me ever since I had my first child 21 years ago. When Covid happened in 2020 and everything shut down, I kept up with running for a little while but the stress of it all got to me and I simply quit doing it. After much weight gain, I knew I had to do something. I discovered strength training — in a group setting! Never, ever would I have thought that a group class would be what I needed to get me back in shape and be a happier, healthier version of myself. I’m extremely grateful for my classes at Just Move with trainer Ashley and my 5am pals. I’m able to do so many more activities with my kids and on my own. As an added bonus, I’ve learned so much about health, working out, nutrition, goals, etc. Strength training will now be a part of my weekly workout routine, thanks to Ashley. She’s made me whole again!

I began training with Ashley 5 years ago at the NW YMCA. I was 69 and wanted someone to assist me with balance, strength training and developing my core. Thus began a partnership that spanned 6 heart stents, 2 back surgeries, and various minor surgical procedures. Fast forward 16 months. I’m lifting more than I have ever lifted, I’ve recovered my balance and it’s been 13 months since I last fell. Walking has returned to normal and climbing stairs is no challenge now. I play several games of Pickleball each week and flyfish as often as I can. I wouldn’t have done any of this without her knowledge and drive. As a bonus, I have made a great friend.

I grew up as an athlete and for as long as I can remember, I've been in a sport. During my pregnancies, I gained weight and stopped working out consistently over the years. I needed to find somewhere I felt safe to workout since I was starting over. At Just Move ICT, I found my tribe!!! We lift each other up, celebrate victories and give each other a hard time. Over a year later and I'm still going strong with no plans of backing down. These women are my inspiration!