John’s story · Seattle client
John’s story: balance, strength and everyday confidence.
How one-to-one personal training with Jacqui Miller in Seattle helped John work on balance, strength and the confidence to stand from a chair independently.
John Wendt · Seattle client
John’s experience
What helped John make progress.
Building trust around a real concern
John was in his early seventies and living with cerebral palsy when he began training with Jacqui. He had recently been advised to use a walker consistently and was concerned about falling, particularly after an earlier experience with a trainer who had not fully understood that risk.
Jacqui began by listening and learning what support John needed to feel secure. His concern was taken seriously, but it did not define every session. His humour, enthusiasm and willingness to try helped them create a positive working relationship.
Building from what he could do
Training focused on balance and strengthening the movements John used in daily life. Jacqui used carefully supported squats and progressive balance work, staying close enough to help if he became unsteady.
Rather than concentrating on what John could not do, she built sessions around what he could already manage. New elements were introduced gradually, until he sometimes realised that he was doing something that had previously felt out of reach.
Standing independently
One goal became especially important: standing up from a chair without pushing through his hands. They practised it regularly, reducing the level of support over time.
The day John stood up independently, the change was simple but significant. He repeated the movement several times, delighted by what he had achieved and eager for other people to see it. It was a practical gain in strength—and a powerful moment of confidence.
In John’s own words
73yoM. I started working with Jacqui a few months ago. I have cerebral palsy involving my legs and torso, with weakness and spasticity, and now at my age using a walker, classifying me as a “special needs” client. I had worked with a personal trainer previously, which was okay, but Jacqui is special. She is very attentive to my particular needs, which involve core and leg strengthening and conditioning, as well as improvement in balance and endurance.
As a neurologist, I am familiar with muscle anatomy and physiology but not particularly conditioning. I am pleasantly amazed over how Jacqui is familiar with nuances of various positions, tensions and stretches that target specific muscles, plus she does ongoing research in an effort to even further improve our sessions. She teaches in a gentle, caring but still firm manner accompanied by stories and a great sense of humor.
She has written detailed instructions for home exercises as well. Today’s session again was very pleasant and productive, and I look forward to what Jacqui has predicted, namely sore abs tomorrow.
Begin with your own goals.
Jacqui now offers personal training in Heswall. Have a question? Send Jacqui a message. It is just a conversation, with no obligation to book.
Talk to Jacqui