For a long time, I was afraid to work out.
I’ve had back pain since I was 16, along with knee pain, plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and neck pain. But in my 20s and 30s, it became really bad—sometimes debilitating. I wanted to move my body, to stay active, but every time I pushed myself, I seemed to pay the price.
It wasn’t until I truly understood movement—how to move well, with proper alignment and stability—that I could approach exercise with confidence rather than fear. It takes repetition, practice, and good queuing to learn how to move well. That’s something I emphasize constantly in my work.
Now, I’m no longer afraid to work out. I’m better equipped with knowledge and strategies. I know when I need to back off, and I know when I need to spend extra time on my structural health to keep my body functioning well.
I pursued a lot of great treatment over the years. I was diligent about mobility and stability work, and I learned my limits. But when I pushed those limits too far, I got into trouble.
For a long time, I wanted to put more weight through my bones—to truly challenge my body in a way that would build strength, lean muscle, and confidence. I dabbled in different classes, but I guarded my movements to protect my back. Knowing the importance of strength training for metabolism, brain health, bone density, and overall well-being, I hired Maeve Willis, a professional weightlifter, Olympic personal trainer, and sports performance counselor.
In the beginning, there were movements I flat-out refused to do. I had been hurt before, and I wasn’t about to risk injury again. Over the past four months, though, we have broken down those movements into their components, focusing on motor control and strengthening areas that had been weak for a long time. It has been amazing to feel strong and to trust my body in ways I hadn’t before.
But then, we started a new block of training, and I went a little too hard, a little too fast. I slipped back into old movement patterns, and I strained my disc. When my disc is off, it changes the way I walk, which strains my knee, drives my bunion, and even affects my bladder control. This was a powerful reminder that everything is connected. Proper mechanics in the low back aren’t just about the low back—they influence the entire body.
It was also a lesson in being cautious and not pushing too fast or too hard. And when setbacks happen, it’s important to analyze what’s going on, correct what needs to be corrected, and return to the strategies that keep our bodies healthy and aligned.
I had to back off weight and repetitions, focusing instead on executing my form with precision. This actually takes just as much brain work as muscle work.
In my Power of Core class, I teach all about healthy, efficient alignment, mobility, and true core stability. Over six weeks, you’ll receive the guidance, cues, and encouragement to practice and master the fundamental skills that keep your body strong, flexible, and resilient.
If you’ve ever been afraid to work out because of pain or injury, know that you’re not alone. Learning how to move well is a process—but once you do, it changes everything.
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi (Civil Rights Activist and advocate for peace and equality)