I’ve never been one to make posts like this, but here goes.

I’ve always gone to the gym at 4-5AM, citing that it’s more convenient for my work schedule when the truth is more strategic (and pathetic) than that: I went early in the morning because of the low occupancy at such an early hour; I didn’t want people to see me fumbling with the free weights before inevitably resigning to the machines and leaving insufficiently early because of my ineptitude.

Then I met Timothy Hilleythe first of four consultations that I had scheduled with trainers and gym owners in town—and after that meeting, I canceled the subsequent three because I knew immediately that Tim was the right trainer for me.

During my first session, mid-December, he worked with me to ensure that I had correct squat form (since my previous attempt at squats sent me to an orthopedic specialist and a prescription for 6 weeks of twice-weekly physical therapy sessions).

After that, he asked me to go and grab the weight that I was most comfortable with in order to do the goblet squat. I picked up a 35 lb. dumbbell. Shortly after, he asked me to pick up a 55 lb. dumbbell, and I groaned, fearing that it would be too much to handle and that I’d hurt my back again. Shortly after that, he asked me to grab a 75 lb. dumbbell, and I thought he was a crazy man. But he spoke belief into me that I could do it. So I did it.

Today, I managed 100 lbs. in dumbbells (see his clever use of a strap to fasten them all together, 75+15+10) and four 45 lb. weights on the Smith Machine.

In addition, until recently I was afraid to even jog—I have sprained my ankles several times each, plus knee problems (torn cartilage + surgery, years ago), plus an Achilles injury—for fear of having a relapse. I have no fear of that anymore (thank you, Bosu warm-ups!); in fact, Tim and I went jogging the other day, and during that session, he helped me to understand ways to maximize my cardio time (up until this point, I’d only stuck with the machines because they have that nifty “calories burned” gauge. Now I know better).

It’s been less than two months with Tim.

And I know I have a long way to go—I still have to think very intentionally about my form because it’s not second nature to me yet. But today was a kind of hope-giving day, knowing I don’t have to be someone who will always “struggle with my weight.” I am on the path to overcoming that, to building physical strength, to creating a better future for myself in which I learn to use my body to its optimal capacity.

Thank you, Tim!