TESTIMONIAL

The third time is the charm! I had joined 2 other gyms in the area and they were just too impersonal. I joined Gibsons because I was having a total knee replacement in 6 weeks and knew I was going to have a difficult recovery, since I was overweight and out of shape. Little did I know it would be one of the best decisions in my life!

When I joined they offered a personal training session. Since nothing has motivated me in the past I thought why not give it a try. I figured if I hated it I would be done in 6 weeks anyway! So once a week I met with Mike, the trainer, and came a few days a week on my own. At the beginning, it was intimidating to just show up. One of the things that sets Gibsons apart, from those other gyms, was the culture at the gym. I can’t tell you how many people came over to me to offer a word of encouragement or advice!

In six weeks, I was amazed by what I achieved! I felt like I was ready for surgery and recovery. When I started I could only do about 20 minutes of the 30-minute session. Even standing that long was a problem. Mike really helped me to increase the strength in my legs and arms and helped with my endurance.

Surgery did not go well and one surgery turned into four. A year off from work. Weeks on crutches. Months with a cane and at times, I could barely walk. During that time, Mike and Gibsons were wonderful! They froze my membership when my doctor said I could not exercise. I started seeing Mike twice a week when I realized that, not only did it complement my physical therapy sessions, I was getting more individualized attention at the gym. Mike was knowledgeable about my condition and increased my exercises when appropriate. He even held on to my training book because I was having trouble getting up and down the stairs! I credit Mike with helping me to walk again without a cane and to really help me with my balance!

It’s been almost two years since I started and I can’t get over how well I feel! I have lost 60 pounds in that time and have been the healthiest I have been in years! I have started to take some of the classes that Gibsons offers and the instructors are incredible!! They are very encouraging and offer alternative exercises for people like me who have a bad knee!

I want to thank the staff at Gibsons who have encouraged me along the way! Even with all my “complaining” I really enjoy coming here!!!