Vertex Fitness Puts The PERSONAL In Personal Trainer – Linda Garfield, Testimonial

On June 4, I was at a training session at Vertex Fitness with Dwayne, my personal trainer, when my cell phone rang. I told Dwayne I had to take the call. I walked away from the machines to sit on the sofa and hear the breast biopsy results -there was cancer. I had invasive lobular carcinoma. I came back after quietly crying for a few minutes and being very shook up but somehow pulling myself together enough to finish the session saying I needed to be strong to face what I would have to face in the immediate future and who knew how long I would be able to exercise with what I had to face? I had no idea.

Dwayne and Kelly said they were behind me and would work with me whatever I needed. I went as often as I could on my regular routine until June 18, my last visit, when we went on vacation and then I had the surgery on July 11. On July 20 at my post op doctor’s visit, I was surprised that Dr. Sataloff said I could return to exercise and weights. Monday, July 23 was my first day back to Vertex Fitness. I was really scared. I did not sleep well the night before. I was worried that I would hurt myself (which I worry about anyway) even though Dwayne is very careful that no one hurts themselves while doing training or strengthening exercises. I know that but still feel fear. What if I pull a muscle? What if the stitches rip out? What if? What if? What about my back which I am having problems with? I am getting an MRI and x-ray to check on it.

Kelly started with me and Dwayne took over. They eliminated some regular exercises and modified others to be sure that I had a successful session. I was huffing and puffing so it was not easy but it was not overwhelming. It was just right for coming back after surgery and a long hiatus. I knew I was in good hands. The session was personalized with my issues in mind.

If you are looking for a personal trainer, I highly recommend Vertex Fitness in Bryn Mawr. They’re the best as far as I am concerned.

Next week I will be back to complaining about reps!!