Christina Montalvo & Marie Zvetina

HOW EXERCISE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE:

One Patient’s Inspiring Journey and Practical Tips

for Everyone

A Body in Motion Stays in Motion

You Can’t Choose the Path

But You Can Choose the Journey……

MARIE’S STORY (THE READER’S DIGEST VERSION)

• Diagnosed in 2000Initially Affected My Hands and NeckGradually Affected My Ability to Bend My Head or Walk Without Tripping

• Told Not to Exercise, but Was Afraid of Becoming Unable to Walk

• Leg and Neck Pain/Tingling “Backed Off” in Late 2004

• Joined Curves in 2004• Joined a Gym in 2006• Started with My First Personal Trainer in 2011

• Started with Christina in 2012

STARTING WITH MARIE

• Previous trainer introduced Marie to me • Perspective- fear vs. optimism • Focus on what Marie can do vs. what she cannot do

• Communication • Trust • Realistic expectations

CHRISTINA’S THOUGHTS ON EXERCISE

• Truly is for everyone• Intentional movement• Be patient• Managing expectations• Working with your physical limitations• Get creative

FINDING A PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU

• Preferably a degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology • Extensive initial assessment • Building trust• Feel comfortable• Team effort• Honesty, integrity

WORKING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER

• Expectations from trainer for client: Effort, communication, trust, work ethic, determination, goals

• Expectation from client for trainer: knowledge, flexibility, trust, realistic expectations, client-focused goals

• Deviation from this will dilute your success

REALISTIC MODIFICATIONS

• TRX straps• Handles• Ankle Weights• Bands/yoga straps

LEG STRENGTH

• Squats with modification

• Raising the heels helps Marie gain a better Range of Motion

CORE

ARM STRENGTH

ARM STRENGTH

ARM STRENGTH

ARM STRENGTH

FLEXIBILITY

• Yoga strap• Sitting cross legged stretch

MARIE’S IMPROVEMENTS

• Arm strength• Leg strength• Core strength• Increases in flexibility

…What does all of this really mean?

A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

• No Longer “Stuck” in a Sitting Position

• Can Board a Bus, Van or Anything with a Stair

I Am Not Afraid• I Can Go Through a Drive-Thru

• I Can Experience Yoga, Zumba or Go On a Beautiful Hike

I Can Choose My Journey…..

WE ARE ALL IN DIFFERENT PLACES….A FEW CLOSING

THOUGHTS…..• I Am Honest with Christina – I Will Not Do Anything I Feel Is

Unsafe, but Will Try Almost Anything (Even If I Don’t Want to…..)

• I Respect My Limitations, But Do Not Let Them Define Me – We’ll Find Another Way to Do It!

• I Consistently Believe I Can Be Better – But “Better” Has Changed Over Time, and Still Does…..

• Look Towards the Future - It Is the Only Journey We’ve Got!

• Make Your Own Choices – Don’t Allow Scleroderma to Make Them For You!

A Body in Motion Stays in Motion

You Can’t Choose the Path

But You Can Choose the Journey……

QUESTIONS?