When training any client, there are always setbacks. This is especially true of, and more damaging to, persons with special needs. This was particularly highlighted when C and I met our own share of challenges (as mentioned in the previous article). However, luckily, we got back on track and were ready to try new things.

One of the good things about starting back, even after months, is that the foundation is already there. I found that, even though C’s strength wasn’t the same, she remembered how to do the movements and was able to get into the groove a lot easier than when I first started training her. Additionally, because she was doing the moves correctly, we progressed a lot faster. We increased reps, varied exercises and even introduced weights a lot faster than our “first time around.”

We started off training movements, and then moved on to working on a schedule. We stretched on Mondays, did muscular development two days a week (calisthenics and/or light weights), worked on the stationary bike one day and she took a rest day. Weekends were her time to unwind. This seemed to be working pretty well.

Even though our approach had changed slightly, it was important to keep at it. We were, once again, seeing results. Her balance, strength, endurance, stamina and coordination were all improving. This made me hopeful. However, some changes in her life meant that she needed to change her focus. I’ll talk about that in the conclusion of this series next week.