Between the stresses of work and family life, many find it challenging to work out consistently and stay fit. Erika Engbrecht says she was in this camp for a very long time, and though she managed to stay active by playing sports, swimming and running, she struggled with injuries, work demands and family issues that made staying in shape quite difficult.

“In 2010, I retired at age 60, after having worked in high stress position in the financial services field,” Erika said. “Between managing a team, teaching courses, and doing fieldwork for over 42 years, there were also some additional challenges that added stress. I was a single parent, eventually got remarried, and looked after my mother, all while working full time.”

“I also experienced a lower back injury when I was 21,” she added. “That injury, as well as others sustained in a car accident, dogged me for all my life. Although I had gone for the commonly prescribed chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, lifted weights and stretched, these actions never really solved the basic problem of core strength.”

To help amend this problem, Erika made a promise to herself: after she retired, she would find a skilled personal trainer to help her get into great shape and realize her personal goals. According to her accounts, she was looking for someone who “would help her get into good physical condition and trim down, with specific emphasis on her core and balance.”

And Erika found just what she needed when she began working with Mary Ann at Higher Level Fitness.

“I don’t remember exactly how I found out about Mary Ann, but immediately, I liked that she applied her nursing knowledge and background to all of the workout solutions,” Erika commented.  “She also kept in mind my specific medical circumstances. That’s what really made up my mind.”

Along with several injuries Erika had suffered throughout her life, she’d also been diagnosed with hypertension some years earlier and had surgery on her ankle several times. With these challenges in mind, Mary Ann worked with Erika to better herself in all aspects of her life. Erika says what she really enjoyed was Mary Ann’s “holistic” approach to fitness.

“I really admire and respect what she does,” Erika said of working with Mary Ann. “I appreciated her knowledge about food, lifestyle choices and staying active. Immediately, I started with an overall feeling of well-being and felt stronger and confident in my body.”

What’s more, Erika’s work with Mary Ann yielded an incredible physical transformation—and many of the injuries and issues that had plagued her before working with Mary Ann started to get better. The more Erika worked with Mary Ann on managing her diet and exercise routines, she says, the more her life outside of the gym started to improve.

“First, I noticed that I no longer had lower back pain, and could now spend many hours bending over and gardening,” Erika added. “My blood pressure started to get better, I lost body fat, and overall, I felt great. At the same time, I felt personally exhilarated and empowered, and more in charge of my emotions. I was better equipped to manage more of life’s challenges.”

Erika says that Mary Ann is truly special because she works with her clients to improve health in all facets—she focuses on nutrition, physical well-being, and stress management. Mary Ann’s advanced medical training is also extremely helpful in creating customized training plans, Erika noted.

“Mary Ann’s medical training and holistic approach really set her apart from those who only look at one aspect of a person’s life, like nutrition or training alone,” Erika concluded. “Those that are privileged to train with her will benefit from her experience and expertise. She also understands how to motivate, encourage and push you past what you think possible, with excellent results.”

Want to learn how Higher Level Fitness can help you reach YOUR goals?  Contact us today to get started.