Eleven years of training

I have been training with Ruth Gordon on and off for the past 11 years. I first began training with her at a gym. And, most recently began home training with her in 2007. Ruth is a person who does not let you give up on yourself. Beginning early in 2006, one of the worst periods of my life began. My mother passed away in March of 2006. Then in October 2006 I retired from the federal government and began working as a contractor. Then to complete the year, my husband left me in December 2006. I was probably the lowest I have ever been.

I began home training with Ruth mid 2007. I had decided that it was time for me to take care of me, and to get healthy. I guess it should be noted that I suffered with severe arthritis in both knees, but did continue to push through. In September 2007 I saw a surgeon and he determined that I needed both knees replaced. So, October 2007 I had my left knee replaced. I followed-up the replacement of the left knee with having the right knee replaced in January 2008. I knew at this time that I had to workout to ensure that I regained my strength. I contacted Ruth, and made arrangements for her to come over and meet with my physical therapist. He and Ruth determined the best path for me. Also during this period, I reconciled with my husband, although living apart. He became sick in May of 2008 and I took care of him, taking him to appointment, fixing him food and just being there. After a surgery on July 11, 2008 he developed complications and passed away on July 16, 2008.

I have been training twice a week with Ruth since August 2008. I still struggle with losing the weight, but I know that I am healthy and I am stronger than I have ever been. On June 4, 2009 when Ruth measured me my BF was 36.57% and the last time it was checked on October 1, 2009 it was 28.62%. This was a 7.95% loss of BF in a 4 month period. This calculated to losing a total of 22.11 lbs. of BF weight.

With all the adversities that I have endured over the past 3 or 4 years it would have been very easy to crawl into a hole and not care. But, I have been lucky enough to know Ruth, and she would never let me, or anyone do that. Even on the days I don’t feel like working out…she is able to get me motivated.

Not only is she an awesome trainer…but I am also lucky enough to call her my friend. I feel that anyone who is fortunate enough to be able to train with Ruth Gordon should consider themselves to be very lucky

Cathy Mains