Meet our community member!
April Client Profile: Amy
It’s common during our warmup and mobility prep for people to share good news or a recent win. Not too long ago, with just a tiny hesitation, Amy Salamone shared that she had her annual physical the day before. Her physician reported that Amy is the healthiest she has ever been! This meant a lot to her, especially since he has cared for her for more than thirty years.
Amy is almost 66 and is a retired High School English teacher. In her fourth year of retirement, she has made strength training a regular commitment. Exercise was not at the top of her priorities, but with some encouragement from a good friend (LIFT AND BREATHE community member), she tried our Learn to Lift (LTL) program in September of 2025. This 4-week program was led by Coach Kristen and provided a lot of helpful information to get started. This program is a great precursor to our signature LIFT sessions, which move at a quicker pace and require some experience. Learn to Lift offers a small group setting (class caps at four people), a supportive, welcoming environment and every class includes mobility, balance and strength training.
Amy was initially encouraged by her friend after sharing concerns that her DEXA scan revealed osteoporosis. The doctor suggested she begin taking the drug fosomax, but Amy had read about potential side effects of the drug. Amy also heard strength training could help improve her bone health.
When Amy and I talked last week, she told me that she was athletic as a kid and enjoyed swimming and running. Yet in the heart of her working years, she became more sedentary. As a teacher, she didn’t have a consistent routine. She was heavier at that time and carried shame around her body. One thing she loves about LIFT AND BREATHE is that it’s a very supportive, affirming environment without any body shame. This is different from other gyms she attended in the past. She says, “It’s the attitude of the coaches. There is a lot of joy here. Good health is in our bodies, but we celebrate community and humanity.”
Amy shared that “We can be who we are. Mind, body and spirit.” Her body feels so good and she is committed to live a healthy, full life.
When people haven’t seen her in a while and ask her what’s different, she says it’s her confidence. She knows she can do things. Amy said strength is a mindset shift. This is a great example of how building strength carries over to all areas of our lives!
These days, Amy cannot wait to go to the gym, which she never felt before! Her goals for the year ahead are:
Improve her hang from the pull up bar
Do a military press (this is pressing the 45-pound olympic bar overhead!)
Increase core strength and balance
Join us in cheering Amy on! If you can relate, please reach out. We’d love to be part of your strength journey.