Featured Client: Jeannemarie Sierant

“Being injured can be really discouraging. It’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever get back to normal. At other studios, you might get lost in that feeling, but at Monarch, there’s a lot of positivity that isn’t performative. They really care about how you’re doing and are constantly checking in to see how you’re progressing. Their exceptional expertise and commitment to helping you achieve your goals enables you to move forward no matter what your challenges.”

Goals:

• Maintain overall health and fitness
• Return to an active lifestyle
• Improve balance and stability, endurance, and strength including core
• Ride e-bike to the barn and go horseback riding

Age Group: 60-64

Challenges: Staying motivated amidst difficult setbacks

Training Plan: After completing her initial In-Depth Consultation and Training, Jeannemarie enrolled in Monarch’s six-week Health and Wellness Fitness Coaching Program. The program provided her with the necessary foundation and personalized attention to start her on a path of sustainable growth. She has recently transitioned to the Fitness Coaching Program. (Congratulations to Jeannemarie on her progress so far!)

Jeannemarie came to Monarch Fitness Coaching after being hit by a car, which left her with a knee injury and resulting pain in her leg. Her goal was to return to an active lifestyle that included riding her beloved horse, Faith.

Jeannemarie has been working closely with her personal training team to improve both her passive and active range of motion through daily mobility work. The team has also gradually increased the amount of activity she has on a daily basis including walking and cycling duration. Jeannemarie participates in weekly group personal training programs designed to safely improve her strength and balance.

Q and A with Jeannemarie

---

What brought you to train with Monarch Fitness Coaching? 

Well, I actually got hit by a car while biking and injured my knee. Thankfully, I didn’t need surgery, but after a couple of months of physical therapy, I hit a plateau. The physical therapist focused on only my knee, but by that time, I had already compensated for the injury, so I was limping and walking on the side of my foot. My whole body lacked mobility, especially my ankle and hip. I was still riding my horse, Faith, but I couldn’t do the subtle leg movements required for horseback riding. 

So, I talked to my wife, who was a trainer for many years, and she recommended Monarch Fitness Coaching. She said they were the only ones she trusted with my recovery, and I’m overjoyed I took her advice.

What are some of your goals? How has Monarch supported you in achieving them?

My first goal was just to get to a point where I could be fit and exercise again. I had been horseback riding for eight years, but after the injury, I was so weak on the side of the injury that I couldn’t even ride my horse comfortably or bike. I just wanted to get back to normal. I also saw this as an opportunity to get stronger, more agile, and age well. Most importantly, I wanted to be able to do my sport better.

I started with two days a week of personal training and then gradually tapered down to once a week as I added shared personal training and group personal training to my routine. My personal training team has been incredible in creating a daily plan for me that includes mobility work. The mobility plan is re-evaluated every week. The personalized attention and thoughtfulness that they bring to each session has exceeded my expectations. Unlike at other gyms I’ve been to, they’re not doing their own workouts while I’m there. At Monarch, they observe closely and give me feedback to help me get the most out of my workout. 

How have you and your personal training team navigated challenges during your fitness journey?

Being injured can be really discouraging. It’s easy to wonder if you’ll ever get back to normal. And the exercises themselves can be mentally challenging, like trying to get my foot to do something, but my brain just doesn’t seem to know how to do it. At other studios, you might get lost in that feeling, but at Monarch, there’s a lot of positivity that isn’t performative. They really care about how you’re doing and are constantly checking in to see how you’re progressing.

One thing I really appreciate about my personal training team is that they offer different work points that allow me to feel successful and like I’m growing. They make sure that the small steps I’m taking are both challenging and accessible, which has been helpful in keeping me motivated.

What are some hopes you have for yourself in the future, as you make the transition to the Fitness Coaching Program?

When I first came to Monarch, my goal was just to get back to feeling normal. But now, after working with my personal training team, I think I might actually end up better than I’ve ever been.