young person, and I was determined to stay that way!   I did not want to become a frail old person who could not lift packages or move well when walking around.  I didn't want to have those flabby "chicken wing" arms which so many women get, even when they are thin.  Another thing, osteoporosis runs in my family, and I know that increasing muscle strength helps to prevent bone loss.  I was never an athletic person.  I know I' never go to the gym.  I am intimidated by the equipment.  I work full time and have a young daughter, and I know I would never be motivated to go out to the gym once I get home.  I won't want to go on the weekends either.  I always hated gym class as a teen.  I used any excuse to not participate.  I needed to have someone come to me.  I needed to have someone motivate me.  I needed to have someone make sure that I exercised correctly to help strengthen my back, not injure it further.  I also needed to be shown a few exercises that I could easily do every day on my own, in between the longer sessions. 

I have been working with my trainer, LINDA since the end of January.  I also do a few exercises every morning, and my friends see the difference.  My waistline is narrower (although I still need some more work!) and my arms are noticeably stronger and look better.  Most importantly, my back feels great.  It rarely bothers me.  I don't get what I described as "random" pain, that would come from just leaning sideways when sitting on my couch or just lifting or bending.  If pain occurs, I usually really did something to it like, and the pain stays localized, and disappears quickly, without the need for medications.  I have really seen the difference!

Jody Wanchel-Leonard