“My daughter, Angela, was right. Monarch Fitness Coaching has what I am looking for: a welcoming training space, with knowledgeable personal trainers, small group training, and community.”
Goals: Develop a base level of fitness that allows for traveling with her daughter, Angela, and Angela’s travel company, Rome and Gather. Improve overall health and fitness, and be active, feel strong, and feel good.
Age Group: 75-79
Challenges: Initially, developing awareness of movement patterns and fully understanding the importance of improving gradually
Training Plan: Cecelia has a Fitness Coaching Program and attends five small group training classes as well as a semi-private personal training each week. She also completes active and passive flexibility training and cardio independently.
Q and A with Cecelia
Cecelia has a Doctorate of Ministry, Masters in Education and Divinity, and a BA in business administration with a focus on finance. She is the published author of a book, Manna Moments: A Journey From Captivity to Liberation, and has been featured in Rotary Magazine. As an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and a coach, Cecilia has helped numerous people live more fulfilled lives. Cecelia is married and has two children.
How did you get started at Monarch Fitness Coaching?
My daughter, Angela, recommended Monarch Fitness Coaching to me. Angela passes the Evanston studio on her way to the train. She looked at the website and encouraged me to schedule an In-Depth Consultation and Training. I have been active all my life and prior to moving to Evanston, had worked with personal trainers. I had tried other spaces in Evanston, but wasn’t finding what I was looking for. I want a welcoming training space, with knowledgeable personal trainers, small group training, and community. My daughter thought Monarch Fitness Coaching would be the right fit for me.
What made you decide to participate in a Fitness Coaching Program?
A Fitness Coaching Program was recommended to me during my In-Depth Consultation and Training. I really like the structure of the program and believe participating in the program is the best way to meet my goals. Monarch Fitness Coaching is a space where I have been able to build community. I found this especially beneficial after covid, and because I was new to Evanston. I am a writer and writing often leads to isolation and separation. I get in a zone and just write, and write, and write. A Fitness Coaching Program gives me the structure I need to get out of the house, attend small group training and semi-private personal training and engage with other people. My daughter was right, Monarch Fitness Coaching has what I was looking for.
How does a Fitness Coaching Program work?
I pay a monthly fee and receive many benefits:
Coaching Software: The coaching software is amazing. I can pull it up on my computer and right on the phone. I can communicate directly with my coach about any problems I am having. I see my entire training program including workouts I do at home and in the studio. There are videos, written instructions, sets, and reps. I put in notes and reminders of things that were advised to me. I love checking off the boxes indicating that I have completed the exercises. Using the software helps keep me motivated, disciplined, and consistent with my training.
Independent Training: The coaches give me homework. I don’t think I would progress the same way without the homework. Typically, I complete the mobility work (active and passive flexibility) early in the day. I have noticed that I have more energy. My cognitive ability has improved.
Semi-Private Personal Training: I use semi-private personal training to work on my individual exercises and homework. I receive feedback and make adjustments that help me improve. It’s nice to have individual attention included as part of the monthly fee.
Group Personal Training: There are many classes offered each week. I attend the ones that work with my schedule and align with my goals. The small groups provide an opportunity for me to form connections. I enjoy being with like minded people who are all working to improve. If I ever can’t make it into the studio, I love that there is a Zoom option.
Open Training: Occasionally, I come to open training. It is a nice option for me to leave my home and complete my independent training. There is a personal trainer in the studio who gives you general feedback. Coach Heather has encouraged me to use the treadmill, when I don’t want to walk outside.
Monthly Meeting: I appreciate being able to set up a time to chat with my coach. I have found the monthly meeting very useful when I have wanted to update my program either in preparation for travel or after returning. The monthly meeting is an example of the personalization included in the Fitness Coaching Program.
Unlimited Rewrites: Last year I needed to adjust my training program for personal health challenges. I appreciated that I was able to have as many changes to my program as I needed. After I felt better, my training began at a slow pace with a steady build up. I was encouraged to keep going. It really helped to know my coach was looking at what I was doing each day and ensuring I was right where I needed to be.
What does your training make possible in your everyday life?
The training at Monarch Fitness Coaching makes traveling with my daughter, Angela, possible. We have gone to many places: Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Costa Rica and more. Recently we traveled to Portugal and then Paris. In both places the streets were not even, and in Portugal, the streets were very hilly. Thanks to the training, I found I had the balance to walk on the cobblestones and the stamina to keep up with my daughter and her tour group. During a trip to Italy with Rome and Gather, a woman in the group fell and broke her foot. I thought, “Oh my god. She doesn’t work out. She doesn’t train.” I was very thankful that my daughter guided me to Monarch Fitness Coaching. When traveling, it is extremely important to know how to manage walking.
What advice do you have for people considering training with Monarch Fitness Coaching?
Monarch Fitness Coaching is an organization that puts you first. They provide you with the opportunity to work with professionals who know what they are doing. The personal trainers help you set goals, help you understand your body and how it ages, and develop custom programs that allow you to continue doing the things you enjoyed doing when you were younger.
Anything else you would like to add?
It’s very important if you are engaged in any health challenges, to get support. Community is essential, and it’s important to work with professionals. I am very grateful that Angela encouraged me to come to Monarch Fitness Coaching!
