Weak Knees to Weight Lifting
An inspirational journey away from injury and to a new perspective.
My client Raymond in Death Valley
Raymond, a talented carpenter from London, was 55 when he entered a gym for the first time. With a physically demanding job, he had never really considered working out before – until his partner convinced him to give it a go.
For some time, Raymond had been experiencing worrying aches that seemed to be getting worse. Luckily, his partner had first-hand experience of how a gym routine can help with reducing muscle and joint pain. So, after hearing the potential benefits of exercising in a structured way, Raymond set his tools aside and stepped into the gym.
A gym environment can be a daunting space filled with frowning people and confusing equipment. For Raymond he had absolutely no idea where he should start or what he should be doing. So Raymond asked for help and we began planning the shape of his fitness journey.
Raymond head-standing by Lake Tahoe
Raymond was suffering with knee pain. He recalls feeling his “knees were shot”. He was concerned about them worsening, and how this might affect his work. So we began to develop a focused training plan, with the aim of alleviating the pain by strengthening up all the supporting muscles around his knee and improving his flexibility.
With each new exercise and training regimen Raymond became more and more enthusiastic about his time at the gym. About the experience, Raymond says, “Building a routine gave structure to my day to day and led to setting goals and following a process to achieve them. I started to learn and develop a passion for the process”. As Raymond’s perception of what he was capable of broadened, he started to actively enjoy strength training.
From powerlifting to gymnastics, Raymond has become quite the strength athlete, improving his conditioning year on year. All of Raymond’s favourite exercises seem to involve picking up very heavy things…
RAYMOND LIFTING 170KG
But most importantly, through building strength Raymond has effectively reduced his pain levels, and has safely been able to continue his work as a carpenter.
During Raymond’s impressive fitness journey, we also explored nutrition, discussing how different foods could facilitate his training and work life. Having experimented with veganism, high fat, fasting, high protein, high carb – you name it – Raymond came to realise how much of a choice he had in taking control of his body weight and energy levels. As a result of this exploration Raymond has lost an impressive 20KG of bodyweight.
With knee pain and fear of decreasing physical ability a distant memory now, Raymond says he feels, “Chuffed with where I’m at physically. I didn’t think I’d be fit to do what I’m doing now when walking into a gym for the first time. I’ve discovered movements that where never on my radar, and I’m keen to keep learning more about my body.”
Raymond’s dedication and passion for exercise even led him to become a certified physical trainer himself so he could help other people understand their bodies in his spare time.
Raymond continues to produce impressive woodwork – and headstand selfies from around the world when the opportunity presents itself. Drawing energy and positivity from his fitness, he continues to enjoy learning about the body, and exercises regularly. With a goal to deadlift 200KG on his 65th birthday, and a passion to help others discover their own physical potential, Raymond doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
As someone who has now experienced coaching from both sides of the bench press, Raymond reflects: “If I didn’t have a guide I would have injured myself or given up a long time ago. It’s good to be coached – it’s hard to be guided by someone else, but if I hadn’t let myself I wouldn’t have discovered the place I find myself today.”
Happy training!
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