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We started so slow that I wasn't sure I was really working out. Over time, however, I've been amazed at the progress I have made, not only in the gym but the freedom and confidence of movement I have recovered in daily life.

In our time together, I transformed in ways I wouldn't have believed if I had read them off a website. I not only squatted without pain for the first time in years, but through Mark's creative programming, I got the strongest I'd ever been by a long shot.

I'm able to run again (which I thought wouldn't ever happen without pain,) and I'm excited to explore more ways my body can experience the world given my new strength.

What I brought to The Retreat was a body that felt pretty broken after two sports injuries, back and shoulder surgery a month apart, and pain that I could not resolve. I was coached through recovery, out of pain, and I am stronger than I was before my injuries. With their coaching, I competed in my first powerlifting meet and trained for firefighter fitness testing. I also get to play hard without hurting.