When you start to see the downward slope of getting out of shape and chronic injuries on the horizon what would you do? Would you let the gradual decline take it’s course? Or would you fight back and take ownership for your health and fitness?
Sheilagh McLean has always prioritized her health and fitness. As a yoga instructor who works primarily with retirees, she teaches others the importance of putting health first in our later years. With an extensive background in fitness, Sheilagh "walks the walk". She’s been involved in pilates, yoga, dance, running and had experience with weight training as well. Things have always gone pretty well for Sheilagh when it comes to her health.
One day after overcoming a flu (which was not typical of her) it came to focus that she didn’t like the downhill slope she saw ahead of her. She'd stopped dancing due to a foot injury and was uncertain as to whether or not she would need to have surgery in the winter.
It became clear that she would have to fight back to avoid the slope that included chronic injuries and getting out of shape.
At 68, being able to take care of herself and others is her main goal. She noticed that what she was already doing helped her to a point, but in order to reach her goals she would need something different to maintain her independence.
Over 6 months later, Sheilagh has received the benefits of being an Evertrain member. Sheilagh has gotten stronger throughout her body, her clothes fit better, she has become more resilient (both physically and mentally) and has re-newed confidence to take on challenges that she may have never considered before.
Sheilagh “gets it” now. Training in the gym is training for life. And it goes far beyond the physical sense of well-being. It’s an all encompassing thing. By training a minimum of 3 times per week, once with her coach and twice at home, she has been able to create a routine that is sustainable. “It’s not too time consuming, but I am always held accountable to doing things daily.”
The decision to join
As a Manor Park resident, Sheilagh noticed the studio that Evertrain works out of. One day she decided to walk in to gather more information. She learned about our speciality of working with people over 50 and how we emphasized injury prevention. The focus on training for people 50 plus was what prompted her to take the next step.
After an initial consultation, Sheilagh determined that there was a great fit. For her goals Sheilagh’s coach recommended committing to the 12 month LeanAfter50-VIP program with in-person training once per week.
Sheilagh works to regain strength in her hips with a single leg deadlift.
At first, she hesitated. 12 months of anything is a big commitment. After having a few questions answered, she realized that this was a commitment to her own health and future. She knew that Evertrain was a good fit for her and she was excited about getting started.
Working the plan
Sheilagh would have to commit to revisiting nutritional and lifestyle changes (even though she was already in a great place starting out). She would commit to fitting in 3 weight training sessions per week (one with her coach) and going for walks or performing her yoga practice on other days.
When Sheilagh first started with us, she was dealing with some lower limb issues. Both the toe and knee were areas of concern and we had to start slow. Her program focused on total body mobility and basic movement mechanics with an emphasis on hip and core strengthening exercises.
Working towards a strong upper back has helped improve posture and increase upper body strength.
She makes sure to “show up” every day to get in her workouts and to work on whatever habit she is currently focused on.
She stayed focused on the big picture and was determined to be consistent. Days became weeks. Weeks became months. Before you knew it, Sheilagh was feeling great about herself, her abilities, she had lost 6lbs and her clothes were fitting better than they had in a long time.
She felt like Superwoman! Everything was going great with this new routine and new found strength and energy.
Set backs over the winter
Over the winter, Sheilagh faced a serious set back. A close friend of hers passed away and she was left with a major role in dealing with the estate. Her part in clearing the apartment involved lots of heavy and awkward lifting, carrying upstairs and across icy driveway. With the fatigue and strain that came with this, Sheilagh’s back went out. She was experiencing allergic reactions, exhausted, overwhelmed, and injured.
“Having the accountability of the program helped me to keep things together at a higher level than I would have on my own. It would have been very easy to fall into bad habits if I wasn’t on the program.”
During this time, Sheilagh and her coach scaled back expectations and had her follow the program in a slightly modified way. She wasn’t “perfect”. Instead she did what she needed to do to stay on track, until she could build herself back up.
What success looks like
With determination and guidance from her coach, Sheilagh has proven to be one of the most consistent members we’ve had. In spite of whatever set back may come around, Sheilagh finds a way to take action.
Being able to take consistent action, although imperfect, is what it’s all about. Sheilagh gets that.
Today, Sheilagh feels more confident. She feels by and large much better and people who she hasn’t seen in a while have been complimenting her. After a recent doctor’s visit her blood tests are all normal.
“I see new possibilities that are connected to a younger self. The program helps me to be optimistic of what is possible.”
Sheilagh is planning to take on new challenges in the future as she becomes more involved politically and in her community.
Future outlook
About half way into her program, Sheilagh’s future is bright. Overall, she feels capable, resilient and well equipped with the right tools to take on the challenges of the future.
“I feel confident about my ability to enjoy life and be resilient with challenges. I feel confident in my ability to inspire others to take care of themselves.”
The biggest take away from her experience as an Evertrain member
Accountability and personal coaching have been the biggest factors for Sheilagh. She loves having something to do every day. Although not too time consuming, the daily tasks keep her grounded and on track.
Her coach is helping her to learn things about healthy living and exercise that she may have never learned.
“My coach is able to see things and personalize my program in a way that I think is so important for women over 50. The persistence, consistency and personalized feedback have allowed me to learn.”
Advice for someone like her
“Seriously think about investing in personal coaching. In terms of long term benefits it really pays off. I tell people, if this save you one month in a seniors’ home, it’s already paid for itself. Take your well-being seriously and get real support for yourself. Recognize that changing habits takes real support. It’s the sanest investment you can make.”
If you would like to learn more about a coaching program like the one Sheilagh is on, simply click the link below. We would love to speak with you on how we can help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals.
