Timo was a slim, fit-looking man in his early fifties when a doctor’s visit revealed that he had advanced heart disease. This is Timo’s story of how he ended up at the gym—via the hospital—and became a personal trainer’s client.
From the Hospital to the Gym
Seven years ago, Timo underwent major heart surgery; due to complications, he was on the brink of death and had to be resuscitated twice. By the end of his rehabilitation, exercise had become part of his daily routine. At first, Timo focused on endurance activities, such as walking, biking, and swimming.
During his rehabilitation, the physical therapist recommended that he focus on strength training rather than endurance exercise. The physical therapist’s advice stuck with him, so Timo decided to take advantage of a special offer at the EasyFit center near his home and became a member of EasyFit.
A personal coach helps you move forward
Early in his membership, Timo took advantage of a free fitness consultation, during which he had the opportunity to talk with a personal trainer. Timo and personal trainer Minna hit it off during the consultation, and so Timo began working with Minna as his personal trainer.
Timo lavishes praise on his coach: “Minna has been able to guide me into the diverse world of gym training in a stylish and smart way. It feels like she was able to assess my capabilities down to the gram right away. At the same time, I’ve learned from the very beginning to do everything technically correct.”
Right now, Timo works out four times a week. In addition to strength training, Timo cycles and swims. With his personal trainer Minna, Timo trains in “cycles” of four sessions and focuses on independent exercise between training sessions. His training results have been improving steadily. Timo says he’s still seeing results even at an older age.
Exercise Helps You Stay Energized
And how have weight training and exercise affected Timo’s life? “Working out has helped me cope. Exercise has been a source of emotional support, both for my personal struggles and during the pandemic. I’ve taken out a lot of my frustrations on the weights at the gym or drowned them in the pool.”
Timo says he hasn't experienced any challenges with his gym workouts. The pandemic may have been the only challenge Timo can think of. During the pandemic, his personal trainer has also been a big help.
A coach you know can tell you when working out might not be the best idea: “Last winter, I was really tired for about a month. Minna told me I shouldn’t come to the gym right then. Don’t come until you feel like it. The worst thing you can do right now is come to the gym when you’re tired and find the workout unpleasant. After that, you won’t feel like coming back, so don’t come until you actually feel good.”
Workouts for the Rest of Your Life
Why is it worth working out with a trainer? “It’s easier with a professional. On top of everything else, personal trainer Minna is top-notch both as a person and as someone to talk to,” Timo says with a twinkle in his eye.
Timo feels that his coach has been a source of help and support in everything. “It’s been easy to ask questions and ask for help. Minna also follows me on social media, where she can keep up with my life if she wants to. My coach has become an important part of my life.”
In the future, Timo plans to keep exercising and hopes that physical activity will make the rest of his life as physically easy as possible: “A basic healthy lifestyle is enough.”