
Frequently Asked Questions...
What do I do?
I work as a personal trainer, balance coach, and movement consultant helping people move and function better for their everyday lives. More specifically, I do this by helping people with mobility, balance, and functional strength with a specialty in adults over 60 years of age. I've worked and helped people up to 98 years old! Whether you want to get back to skiing and hiking, decrease fear of falling, or just feel empowered to regain some basic strength for household chores, traveling, charity work, or playing with your grandchildren. I can help facilitate that. What do you want to accomplish in your life?
Do you have parents or grandparents that have trouble:
-Getting off the couch
-Use furniture to "walk"
-Have had falls
-Been discharged from Physical Therapy but their strength is still poor?
-Moving a lot more slowly and/or not wanting to participating in life anymore because they are afraid, or weak, or....
All of the above are things I can most certainly help address and would love to meet you or your loved one to discuss! Click here if you want to discuss
How do I do this?
This is 100% mobile. I come to you. If you, or if you have aging parents/grandparents who want to increase their strength and balance and they don't want to leave the house, then I'm one of the only specialists in the area experienced, capable, and qualified to perform this personal training service and I love my work! I'm double vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 and I'm happy to wear a mask in your home if that makes you more comfortable!
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PLEASE NOTE!
This is NOT a Physical Therapy practice!
If you need medical attention, you must first be seen by a medical provider and cleared for exercise by your medical provider. This could also mean your provider recommends Physical Therapy which I do not do. There are many wonderful Physical Therapy clinics in the Albuquerque and East Mountain area from outpatient, to rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing, to home health physical therapy! Once you are discharged from Physical Therapy, then we could re-visit sessions with me. Once again, mobile PERSONAL TRAINING visits ONLY! I will not hesitate to refer you out to a Physical Therapy clinic if your needs are beyond personal training.
Please reach out if you are a Physical Therapy clinic as I'm always looking for great clinicians to refer my clients, family, and friends to that are close to their homes. Also, if you are a PT clinic and would like to chat about cross referrals, please reach out. I think we should all help each other out!
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Common Questions:
Can you help me with my balance?
-Absolutely, balance training is a specialty of mine based on over two decades of experience. I have a lot of equipment and techniques based on sound scientific principles to help improve your dynamic balance and potentially decrease risk of falls.
Can you help me with my flexibility and mobility?
-Of course. I have over 20 years of experience helping others improve functional mobility.
Can you help me work on improving getting on and off the floor?
-Yes! Getting on and off the floor is crucial and also a sign of disability and 5 year mortality. Getting on and off the floor takes a mix of balance, mobility, coordination, strength, and pushing through fear.
I've had knee/hip replacement surgery and was discharged from physical therapy. Can you help me?
-You bet! I can help improve your strength, balance, and mobility so that you can do the active and fun things you did before needing surgery while respecting your surgeons/therapists post surgical precautions. By the way, did you know I had my hip replaced in May of 2021! We may have something in common!
Again, this is not a physical therapy service so please work hard with your Physical Therapy team!
Can your method of training help improve brain function and memory?
-The brain is quite adaptable (neuroplasticity) especially if someone is motivated to improve. So yes, we do complex
and novel movements which may continue to challenge your nervous system and brain. Often, memory improvements
are a great side effect of exercise!
How long have you been doing this?
-25 years!
What is your background?
-I'm a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) with an undergraduate degree in biology and psychology. When I'm not working in the Physical Therapy clinic, I work part time as a personal trainer for those aged 60+. I'm keen on listening to your story and your goals while creating a plan to help get you get stronger and improve your balance so life is easier, more productive, fun, and so you can regain independence.
Are you certified?
I'm currently certified through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and FAI (Functional Aging Institute).
Where do you work with your clients?
-I come to your home! I've been working with people in their home environment for over two decades!
Will you come to my adult group/community home?
-Unfortunately, I do not go to group/community homes at this time.
Will you meet me at my gym?
-Unfortunately, I can't go to gyms to work with you as most gyms do not allow outside trainers. If you live in an apartment complex that has a gym, please inquire with the apartment complex manager to see if outside trainers are allowed in the gym facility with tenants. With that said, I can accomplish a lot in your home with very little space!
Will you work with someone under the age of 60?
-Yes, I will make the exception especially if it's a complex case! In the past, I have worked with all age groups/abilities but I have a passion for working with the senior population. So yes, if you are under the age 60 I'd be happy to work with you especially if you have post rehab needs.
Do you work with clients who are bed bound, wheelchair bound, or who use assistive devices?
-Yes i do!
What techniques to you use?
-I have a lot of educational resources that I pool from. I've created my own style of yoga that feels amazing and is quite
functional. To me, technique is secondary to principles that form from a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology,
and psychology. I use many techniques including ideas from Feldenkrais, pain science education, intrinsic motivation techniques, The Gray Institute, Tai Chi, kettlebells, ViPR, heavy duty tubing, sandbags, suspension training, medicine balls, and plain old gravity! We can of course use the equipment you already have!
What do you need to know from my Medical Provider or Physical Therapist?
-What ever you would like to share that is relevant to helping you. I'm happy to work with your Medical provider or Physical Therapist with
answering any questions.
Are you vaccinated against Covid-19? If I ask, will you wear a mask in my home?
-I'm double vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, and I'm happy to wear a mask in your home if that makes you more comfortable!
Can you work with someone remotely/virtually?
-Yes, I can. I do have access to Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and even FaceTime. If safety is an issue, it might be best to have someone with you while we perform sessions. Safety is always my top priority.
Do you take wellness insurance or take VA insurance?
-No, I do not. You may see if your insurance company can reimburse you but that is something that you will have to investigate and pursue.
How long are your sessions:
-Session length is approximately 45 minutes. I do have an adjusted rate for 30 minute and 60 minute sessions, but I find that 45 minutes is perfect for most people.
Can you work with two people at the same time:
-While it is possible, generally I've found it is not ideal. I take care to be very observant, and I can zero in on areas of weakness that we can work on much easier and faster if I work one on one versus a small group. In the past, when working with a couple, I will generally work with them one at a time so each gets individualized attention and we can address needs more efficiently.
Can you teach a basic balance and body-weight strength class to our group:
-That is a possibility and I do have experience with that at the JCC. Please inquire here to discuss.
How long will results take?
-Please know that optimal results take time, planning, expertise, hard work, dedication, and patience! With that said, a time commitment of 3-6 months will pay in dividends versus those who dabble with one or two sessions here and there.