“I’m doing things I never thought I could do.”

— FRANCES, AGE 78

I grew up with a very different definition of strength.  To me, strength was overly developed muscles—Charles Atlas, body-builder style.  I did not have a fitness background.  I wasn’t even interested in the topic.  About my mid-60s, I started walking, which made me feel better all around.  Then, I had back surgery, which made me very aware of how much my body was in decline.  Medical insurance only paid for the surgery and very limited hospitalization and rehab.  I soon realized that, if I wanted to maintain my lifestyle, I would have to pay for a more robust program, to keep doing the things I love like travel.

Now, after working with Schmid, I realize that you can have a strong body without looking like a body builder, and you need a strong body for feeling good.  The process has made me more aware of my body, how the pieces are connected---or disconnected.  Even better, you can do it do it no matter what your age.  I now understand how various movements affect different parts of the body and how correct form when doing an exercise is far more important than the number of reps you do.  I am in better condition now than I have ever been in my entire life. And I continue to improve.  I’m doing things I never thought I could do, and every day things like walking stamina and carrying bags are vastly improved.