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FITNESS

Athlete of the Month

By Michelle Dwyer Linda Newson – Personal Trainer: Michelle Dwyer

Linda Newson learned a lot in 30 is very concerned about my safety. She giving up. “Knowing I’m on Michelle’s
minutes. researches muscle groups and exercises schedule helps me to get up and out and
that will help me strengthen and improve into life…and now I can proudly say I can
That’s how long it had taken Linda the weaknesses.” Linda also states that get out of my bathtub.”
to get out of her bathtub one day. It was she feels better after a session, but that This makes it that much easier for Linda
in that moment she realized something MS can wreak havoc on her energy level. to go grab that coffee and good pastry
had to give. “Despite the fatigue, I show up and do she loves to indulge; just don’t tell her
the best that I can. Just knowing that I trainer…oh wait…yeah, too late.
“I had exercised my whole life, but had have this connection helps me navigate
slipped a little bit in recent years due to the relapses with this disease.” Michelle Dwyer, Personal Trainer
my schedule. I knew that I had gotten Michelle holds certifica-
somewhat weaker after my knee surgery For Michelle, her workouts with Linda tions from the National
in 2014, but had no idea how much until I mean more than training because of Academy of Sports Medi-
couldn’t do something as simple as getting Linda’s determination and commitment. cine (NASM). She has a
out of the tub.” “Honestly, Linda inspires me more than passion for helping oth-
I think she realizes. Every time I see her ers achieve their goals.
For many, something as simple as stand- walk into the gym, fighting her knee from
ing comes easy. But for Linda, she’s had caving in, or pushing her walker and then – NASM Certified
to try a little bit harder since being di- getting on the machines, it drives home Personal Trainer
agnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I found the point that there are absolutely no ex-
that pain and mental laziness directed cuses for not exercising.” – NASM Certified Corrective Exercise
my actions from day to day.” Specialist
Linda’s determination in staying strong
Linda was determined to shake off these stems from childhood to recent years. – NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition
feelings and not take her diagnosis lying From dancing to running to having a Specialist
down—literally. “I called for a physical daughter who is a personal trainer and
training consultation appointment and head coach, this retired State of Texas – NASM Certified Weight Management
was placed with Michelle Dwyer.” employee and mom of two has lived a life Specialist
of activity that she has no intention of
After that, she hit the machines with For an appointment with Michelle, call
Michelle. 737-704-9422.

Michelle credits Linda for sharpening SEPTEMBER 2017 SUNRAYS | 31
her skills as a trainer. “When I first met
Linda,” Michelle says, “I knew she was
going to keep me on my toes. She wanted
to get stronger, and she was going to get
stronger. She made that clear.”

Linda trains with Michelle twice a week,
and has been for two years. They have de-
veloped a collaborative approach to Linda’s
training, both sharing ideas for Michelle
to research and apply to Linda’s training
regimen. “Linda often comes up with ideas
for us to try. If I feel they are safe, we
try them!” Michelle smiles enthusiasti-
cally. “Linda often starts herself on the
machines that have become comfortable
for her, and this frees up time for us to
advance her workouts.”

Linda appreciates Michelle’s determina-
tion in keeping her safe. “Michelle has
taken the time to know me and my limita-
tions. She pushes those limitations from
time to time to see if I’m improving (which
I usually have), but most importantly she

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