jim’s Story - hip & Knee Pain & tendonitis
Before Align
I have been fly fishing since my mid-20s and especially enjoy wading streams to fish for trout and steelhead. Before Align, I realized that wading was becoming more challenging, both from a balance and strength perspective. My hips kept coming out of alignment, resulting in an awkward gait and knee and hip pain. I was also suffering from tendonitis in my elbows from casting a lot.
I’ve always walked consistently, which has helped me take part in outdoor activities as I’ve grown older. My goal is to keep wading and hiking well into my 80s, but I found that walking was not enough to give me the strength and stamina needed. I also intermittently worked out in gyms on my own without knowing what I was doing, but I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I’d go to the chiropractor to get my hips adjusted, but the adjustments never held.
A friend told me about the Align program. He was a client and shared how it had helped him stay involved in outdoor activities, including fly fishing. So after hearing about Align for over a year, I finally signed up.
The Journey
I started out with the in-person program at the gym. My coach and the staff were very encouraging and walked me through stretches and exercises that helped my overall condition and addressed the weaknesses that concerned me. Within three or four months, I could tell that my leg strength and balance had increased, which made it easier for me to wade.
Align gave me a very positive environment with workouts developed for my specific needs. The coaches provide both encouragement to push yourself and gentle accountability to keep you on track.
Transitioning to the Online Program
I continued working in the gym for about 15 months, but I realized that my schedule was making it difficult for me to make my regular gym times. I switched to the remote program to work with Andrea, my online coach, and completed exercises at home. This has worked very well, and I continue to make progress.
Life Now
Through Align I discovered that I’m capable of doing much more than I imagined possible. I can wade and hike with greater confidence than before. I am stronger and better able to tackle outdoor activities and chores around the house. I am very excited to continue fly fishing and wading the way I want to, and I consider myself to be on a journey to becoming stronger and more fit.
Pass It On: What would you say to someone who is considering starting their Align journey?
Don't wait so long to get help tackling your physical limitations. I could not have improved my physical condition without the help of the Align coaches and program. It is difficult to know what to do when you only work on your own. They provide the expertise and accountability to allow you to improve.