By Nicole Tarkoff

The Becoming Center

For Hank Stoebenau, who used to deal with constant back pain and other arthritic joint issues, exercise has done more than simply maintain his physical health. Since choosing to utilize The Becoming Centers personal training program, Hanks back issues have virtually disappeared and everyday tasks like climbing up and down stairs that used to be a challenge, are just another part of his daily routine.

Hank, who has been a member of The Becoming Center for more than a decade, began utilizing their personal training program after his success in physical therapy at Artmans Rehabilitation Center. The personal training virtually eliminated my back issues, which were largely addressed by the work the exercise physiologists did with me, especially their core strengthening exercises.

As Hank began noticing improvements with his weight control, energy levels, and overall physical health and well-being, he decided to continue with his personal training program and has been utilizing this beneficial service ever since. As Ive aged, my back issues have been related to arthritis and other arthritic joints that you just cant avoid when youre as old as I am, he reflects.

Hank, who is currently in his late 70s, notes that one way to maintain mobility, strength, and energy while living with these arthritic conditions is to practice appropriate physical exercise. Thats exactly what I do in personal training at The Becoming Center, he adds.

Prior to coming here, there were times I couldnt even walk up right, and now theres basically no issues, Hank says proudly. The strengthening of my core muscles that Ive done with personal training has maintained my spine and the proper configurations have allowed me to basically do whatever I want. Im not going to run marathons, he laughs, but I have no problem going up and down stairs. Before, that was often a problem.

As a pilot who flies private airplanes, Hank believes that personal training has helped him a great deal in terms of maintaining his physical and mental dexterity. Piloting an airplane is a unique combination of physical skill and mental ability, he says. Youre multi-tasking. Youre controlling the altitude of the airplane. Youre responding to air traffic directives. Youre doing mental calculations, he says running down the list of various tasks.

These are all challenges that I dont have any problems with. I believe, that the personal training helps me maintain those abilities. It certainly helps me maintain the physical reaction time I need to make a split second decision when controlling the aircraft in turbulent conditions, he explains.

In addition to how personal training has benefitted Hanks profession, he says that what he enjoys most about being a member of The Becoming Center is the way they personalize their services to each members needs.

I notice the way the exercise physiologists pay attention to and care for all of the people who come here and utilize their services. It isnt just going through a workout routine. Theyre not just having you lift weights, or do Pilates. Theyre making sure that youre feeling well, and that youre doing the right exercises in a safe way so you dont hurt yourself.

In terms of challenges along his health and fitness journey, Hank says that the biggest obstacle can often be himself. I know that left to my own devices, I would not push myself and do the kinds of exercises that are most beneficial to keeping me in good shape and good health. With personal training, they make sure that I meet those challenges without overdoing it.

Hank currently works with Exercise Physiologist at The Becoming Center, Hana Gmariam, and she certainly motivates him to rise to any challenge. Sometimes Ill joke with Hana when shes teaching me something new, and Ill say, how long did you stay awake last night thinking of this exercise? he smiles. As each personal training session is different, Hana always manages to keep Hank on his toes. Its never boring, he admits happily.

Hank notes that while Hana is constantly pushing him to rise to new challenges, she is especially attentive to any pain hes feeling or physical issues hes enduring. Every session before we start, Hana will ask me how Im feeling. Whether I tweaked my neck while sleeping, or whatever else is bothering me, shell work on it, he says.

Whats great about The Becoming Center is that the staff here have been trained to work with the kinds of health and physical issues members are dealing with. Theyre really treating the person and not just going off of a physical fitness manuscript. Its personalized. I dont know if you would get that at other places.

Hanks wife is also a member of The Becoming Center, and she enjoys utilizing their wide variety of daily exercise classes. I believe that youre better off taking advantage of everything they have to offer here. Its really a fun place, he says. As Hank and his wife take advantage of all that The Becoming Center has to offer, they look forward to continuing their healthy and active lifestyles while rising to new challenges along the way.

Explore how The Becoming Center can help you reach your health and fitness goals. Visit our website at http://www.becomingcenter.org or call us at 215-643-9908.

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Senior Life: Private Pilot Continues to Fly with Remarkable Success in Personal Training at The Becoming Center - The Delaware County Daily Times