CLIENT OF THE MONTH

Terry is relatively new to Portland, and made a positive impression on me during the first weeks of our winter running program with his great attitude and hard work ethic. A nurse practitioner who provides medical services to rural and underprivileged community members, Terry joined Mount Tabor Boot Camp as a means to jolt a plateau with new activity as a supplement his existing workout routine. His enthusiasm and solid decision making (he chose a track workout over a Timbers game...nuff said) even provided some motivation for yours truly as I struggle to find time for my own workouts. Terry is proof that you can make it work (he's already lost 30 pounds on his own) despite a busy lifestyle, through his dedicated bike commute to work, rain or shine, commitment to healthy food choices (even providing tips for other students in my class), and mental toughness. It is a pleasure to have him in class and I look forward to watching him make even greater gains this summer. Especially as he trains for a number of century bike rides this year.

What does exercise mean for you? Why did you decide to hire a personal trainer?
Exercise is a great release from the stress of my job as a nurse practitioner at a busy county clinic. It lifts my spirits and I feel so much better emotionally as well as physically. I chose to work out with Natalie and Mt Tabor because I wanted to do more during winter after starting last August with changing how I approached exercise.

What is your favorite way to work out?
I used to hate running and now after working at it for the last 7 months I enjoy it and look forward to my runs. I think Natalie teaches you some new ways to approach your runs making it more enjoyable.

What is your greatest challenge?
My weight and body type are a challenge but I'm overcoming that. With riding my bike to work and for workouts as well as my runs and training sessions I'm slowly changing this. I plan to expand my workouts in the next 6 months. Its nice to have Natalie's input on how to do that.

How often do you do cardio vs strength training?
I'm doing cardio about 6 days a week 2-3 runs of 3-5 miles per right now with daily bike rides of 12 miles to work and twice a week rides of 25-50 miles per. I am doing strength workouts Natalie has given me 1-2 times a week which is an area I need to work on. I was a power athlete in college playing varsity and football so I associate strength training with weight gain so I am learning how to use it to get leaner.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting an exercise program?
Starting out I recommend low and slow as injuries derail and frustrate and can stop your plans. This has stopped me dead in my tracks before but this time I was able to overcome it with a better plan. I was able to overcome a foot injury with Natalie's help and I am back to my pace before the injury.

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