Before coming to Jose/CM, I was frustrated with my workout routine. I was stuck in a cycle of workouts & injury and not getting any results physically or mentally. My workouts were not fun and were not helping to reduce stress. As new aches and pains surfaced during training, I was feeling overall dissatisfied with my body & not very hopeful about the prospects of getting older. I am in good health, but knew I needed to stay active in order to maintain my weight, which was becoming more of a challenge every year. I needed a plan and a new mindset.
The first day I trained with Jose, I immediately felt accepted, welcomed and encouraged. With Jose’s training, every person can move and make progress and have success no matter the
size, shape or age of your body. It was a total mind shift for me. He treats our bodies with reverence and movement as a way of life, not a dreaded task. The training includes pushing ourselves to work very hard, increasing the quality and intensity of our movements, but also rest and celebrating the small progress we can make each day by showing up and being consistent. Almost immediately I felt better about working out. Jose & the entire CM community are very encouraging, sharing in each other’s successes and frustrations, offering tips when learning new exercises. As the weeks and now months have passed, I have experienced many positive changes in my body – less aches and pains, more flexibility and increased strength. I am having fun, exercising in a way that engages my mind and body. The playful aspect of the workouts has really helped reduce stress/anxiety that I was experiencing prior to coming to CM.
Jose is very knowledgeable and experienced in his field and yet is very humble and continues to be open to learning more. He truly cares about every client and really listens and observes, which allows him to provide very personal programs. He is flexible and patient.
Jose helped me eliminate chronic tennis elbow that I was dealing with. Through manipulation and rehab exercises, it has virtually disappeared. If I ever feel any soreness returning, I can go back to the stretches & exercises he taught me and get back on track within a day. I also had soreness in my shoulder with certain movements, due to the muscles being weak. Jose adjusted my workout to strengthen that area. I have been able to continue to progress and am working toward fixing the issue for the long haul.
Since coming to Chicago Movement and working with Jose, I am excited to workout, always looking for ways to be more active outside of the gym. I am enjoying the ability to do everyday activities without pain. I am hopeful that I will be able to age well and maybe even do a handstand on my own!