“I haven’t found another personal training studio that offers this many options.”
Goals: Follow a sustainable training program which results in the ability to stay fit and active. Utilize strength training as a keystone habit that improves physical and mental function, and maintain mobility—focusing on shoulders, hips, and knees.
Age Group: 55–59
Challenges: Highly variable work schedule
Training Plan: Tamra has a Fitness Coaching Program and attends three group personal training classes each week. She also independently completes active and passive flexibility training and cardio training.
Q and A with Tamra
Tamra is a language pedagogy specialist in English Language Programs at Northwestern University, where she works with international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to improve their English proficiency. She also works privately as an English Language Coach with clients all over the world.
In Tamra’s free time, she takes lessons and plays bass guitar with a group at the School of Rock. She also has two rescue dogs who get her out walking regularly. Tamra lives close to the lake and has recently taken up open-water swimming. If you see someone out in Lake Michigan in the winter months, it might be Tamra!
Why Monarch Fitness Coaching?
I had been a member of a small gym, which I really loved, in Berwyn. When I moved to Evanston, I knew that I wanted to keep working out, and I also knew that I do better working with a personal trainer who can guide me and make sure I have good form and am safe in my workouts.
I searched on Google and looked at several places online and then stalked the Monarch Fitness Coaching videos that were on social media. I liked what I saw in terms of personal training and small group training. Monarch Fitness Coaching uses personal training software, and I knew that the accountability that the software provides would be helpful. I also really liked the flexibility offered by the remote training option on Zoom.
What sets Monarch Fitness Coaching apart from personal training studios, physical therapy/rehab facilities, and gyms?
Monarch Fitness Coaching vs. personal training studios: I haven’t found a personal training studio that offers this many options. I didn’t want to do only personal training. I really like to workout in small group classes with others. I also like having the accountability and support that Monarch Fitness Coaching offers through their personal training software for my independent cardio training and passive and active flexibility homework. I prefer to have occasional personal training sessions with Monarch Fitness Coaching to work on my individual work points as needed. I like the fact that Monarch gives me the option for small group training, homework, and personal training.
Monarch Fitness Coaching vs. physical therapy/rehab facilities: I have occasionally seen a physical therapist for injuries or flares, but these sessions are not regular workouts. The physical therapy sessions focused on exercises for an issue with the possibility of extending the exercises to improve functionality for daily activities. At Monarch Fitness Coaching, I get the benefit of working short-term and long-term goals with my personal trainer, not just recovery or rehabilitation.
Monarch Fitness Coaching vs. gyms: I was looking for a place to work out that would be inclusive for all bodies and abilities. I haven’t found that to be the case in larger gyms I have visited. The personal trainers understand my fitness goals—both short and long term—and I am excited by the plan that I have and how it supports my goals. I feel included and also feel that the workouts are scaled well to my ability. And it is fun!
PLUS Monarch Fitness Coaching offers Virtual Training: Monarch Fitness Coaching’s Zoom offering has been such a critical part of my ability to be consistent with my workouts. I have a busy, and often unpredictable, schedule. I don’t always have enough time between teaching classes and private clients to get to the in-person group personal training classes that I love! Also, there is an early group workout on Sunday morning that I really enjoy, but I always feel a little lazy on those mornings and don’t feel like leaving my cozy home and snuggly dogs—so I stay home and join the workout on Zoom. (My dogs often “help” with the workout, too!)
I also really appreciate the virtual training option when I’m traveling or if the weather’s not great. And I’ve found that attending group personal training on Zoom is almost like being there in the studio—the interaction is very natural!
The personal trainers are attentive to the Zoom attendees and give the same amount of attention to both those in-person and on screen. That helps me feel safe in my workout—I get form corrections and advice just as I would if I were there in the studio. The personal trainers also have good tips for modifying exercises for those of us at home without equipment.
How has Monarch Fitness Coaching coordinated with your health and wellness team?
I found a great chiropractic and soft-tissue therapy doctor through Monarch Fitness Coaching. It has been super helpful to have my lead personal trainer, Coach Heather, and the doctor coordinate my care—especially the mobility and rehabilitative exercises that the doctor recommended. The exercises were even added into my plan in the coaching software, which made it easy to make sure I got them done!
I also connected my weight-management psychologist with Coach Heather. Having them both on the same page with my goals and my progress has been key to my success in losing 82 pounds through healthy eating and increased activity over the past year.
Anything else you would like to add?
When I started training at Monarch Fitness Coaching, I was not moving well and was in pain while just going through my day-to-day life. Through working with the personal trainers at Monarch Fitness Coaching, I’ve developed a systematic approach to my training that I truly enjoy. I was able to build my fitness and get to a place where I was doing more than just surviving each day—and that further enabled me to successfully work on my weight. I’ve counted on my mobility (passive and active flexibility) training, cardio workouts, and accountability for my independent work to lose weight while building strength. I’m moving much better now and feel proud about what I can do in my workouts—and I’m able to get through my days pain free! Plus, with Monarch Fitness Coaching’s support, I have goals for the future and a plan for achieving them.
What Advice do you have for people considering training with Monarch Fitness Coaching?
I would encourage you to come in for a consultation and give it a try! The personal trainers are very friendly and they will answer your questions. Training and workouts can be scaled to your ability and the people who work out at Monarch Fitness Coaching are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! But you won’t make progress if you don’t take that first step.
