The other day, someone asked me if there was a member’s story that really stood out to me. As I thought through the many stories I’ve been blessed to take part in, one kept coming back to me.
We had a mom who was dealing with severe back pain. If I remember right, she came to us after enduring one of the longest stretches of pain she had ever experienced—over a month. It had gotten so bad that she even had to miss a family vacation, and she was just tired of missing out on life. She didn’t have a weight loss goal or any interest in aesthetics; she just wanted the pain to stop so she could get back to her life.
She did everything I asked of her. We focused on building strength in her lower back, gradually working her out of pain. A year later, she was sitting in a nutrition consultation with our coach, Theresa, when another person walked in, clearly struggling with back pain. She recognized it, by the look in his eyes and how he was walking. Without hesitation, she paused her consultation and said, “He needs to be here. He needs your help,” and immediately stepped aside.
This story sticks with me because it shows what we’re about at Penance Gym. It’s not just about fitness or hitting specific goals; it’s about helping people reclaim their lives. Her journey from pain to strength—and her willingness to help someone else in the same situation—is what makes our community special.