Michelle’s story - Low back & hip pain

Before Align

Growing up, I was always active. I did gymnastics for eight years at a high level and stayed consistent with exercise into adulthood—hiking, walking, aerobics, and eventually dancing. I also became a mother to five children, including twins, so staying active was always important to me.

Over time, I began noticing low back pain, especially when I was tired. Eventually, that turned into constant daily pain that started affecting my everyday life.

I was introduced to dancing later in life and eventually began teaching Zumba. But as my low back pain worsened, I had to stop teaching. My walking and hiking came to a complete stop.

I continued to dance and teach in pain, but I wasn’t able to go for the same length of time as before.

I’ve always wanted to be strong and healthy, and I could feel that slipping away. I knew I needed to make a change.

Coming to Align

Once I realized that the movement I loved was being taken away by my low back pain, I decided to look for a program that could teach me how to care for my body.

Before Align, I had tried stretching, resting, shortening my workouts, and even going to a chiropractor—but nothing really solved the problem.

After coming in and getting started, I felt like this was something different—something that could actually help me long-term.

The Journey

From the very first day, I felt relief in knowing I was surrounded by people who understood the body and were going to guide me step-by-step in a new way of caring for myself.

Within about 2–3 months, I began to notice less low back pain. That was a big moment for me—it showed me this process was working.

One of the things I appreciated most was how kind and helpful everyone was. They didn’t just tell me what to do—they explained how my body works and how to do the movements properly. It made a huge difference in how confident I felt.

I always knew the body was connected, but I didn’t realize how connected everything really is. Learning how to properly cool down and use tools like a foam ball or roller to help with muscle recovery was something completely new for me.

The progression was gentle and steady, which made it feel manageable and sustainable. It never felt rushed or overwhelming.

It also felt like being part of a family—supported, encouraged, and surrounded by knowledgeable coaches who were always there to answer my questions.

Life Now

Today, I can hike long distances without pain. I can dance for extended periods and actually enjoy it again.
And if I do feel any discomfort, I now know exactly how to take care of my body.

I feel like an active, older woman again. I truly enjoy the physical activities I choose to do.
Even more importantly, I feel confident trying new activities without the constant fear of getting injured.

I feel excited and confident going into the second half of my life.

Pass It On: What would you say to someone who is considering starting their Align journey?

Trust the journey.

Take the time to learn about your body and allow yourself to progress slowly. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen.

Stay consistent, and trust the process.