Being diagnosed with a heart disease was probably the best thing that ever happened to me! With my blocked artery, my cardio was so poor I couldn’t walk 1/2 a block. Luckily, the doctors were able to patch my blocked artery, but it was up to me to fix the cause. Bye-bye over-weight, sedentary lifestyle! From the day I joined Movati, I knew I wanted to learn to strength train, and knew the smartest thing would be to work with a trainer to teach me how to use the equipment safely. And thus began my journey with trainer Amanda Sirio. I always look forward to my twice weekly sessions with Amanda, not only because I know I will learn something, but because she makes them so encouraging and fun. And I know that Amanda will push me out of my comfort zone. I love how she always seems to know what I am capable of before I do. Working with Amanda, she has given me such confidence and positive self-esteem. We were able to set some goals, and training plans, and only 9 months after starting at Movati, I was able to complete an incredible 4 day, 42km hike in the Andes mountains on the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu! I still cannot believe how far my fitness had some in such a short period of time, and that I was able to complete this trek. I thank Movati and Amanda for motivating and inspiring me along the journey. I continue to train with Amanda and feel very lucky to have her working with me. I now feel like a healthy, fit individual.