Although 4 months may not sound like a long time, I have been really happy with the changes I have noticed. First, I have stronger muscles that allow me to get up and down easily…so leaving the sofa no longer requires pushing up with my hands. I found the other day that I could easily operate the crank that propels a little car full of kids at the playground. No longer do I say, "grandma can't do this!" With some help from physical therapy, my sciatica is gone and Kim has helped me keep it that way. Gardening has gotten easier, both because of my increased strength, but also because Kim has helped me learn better ways to get up and down. Working with Kim has also increased my overall energy and body awareness.
Kim has had years of experience working with all kinds of folks. She is especially good, I think with those of us who are not top athletes, but nonetheless want to stay fit and healthy. Her approach is to look at the whole person, not just the muscles. When you work with Kim, you will get a written program of exercises and stretches that can be adapted to home as well as gym use. She pays attention as you work out so that exercises are performed correctly. Working with the correct form and staying injury-free are high priorities. In addition to her outstanding professional qualifications, she has a great sense of humor. The entire experience is a real pleasure.
We started out slowly and gradually with strength and resistance training. Kim's knowledge, experience and expertise with the issues of non-perfect bodies enabled me to trust her completely. With Kim's sure and steady encouragement and ever evolving workout program customized to my needs and limitations, I was able to reduce my insulin to 75 units per day, drop my A1C to 5.9, and improve my core strength to the point where I could start moving again - with much less pain.
But still my life was severely limited.
So it was time for my partnership in health with Kim to move to a new level. I made the decision to have R-N-Y Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery. I was home from the hospital in only 2 days, pain free and had zero surgical complications. There are two equal reasons why I had such smooth sailing for my surgery. One, was the fantastic surgeon I had - Dr. Jeffrey Hunter of Virginia Mason Hospital. The other reason was my drastically improved health and strength pre-op which was directly due to my personal training with Kim.
My post-op weight loss success and health improvements are also a result of my continued personal training with Kim. I no longer take any insulin at all, my A1C number is 5.7, my other meds have been drastically reduced, and I no longer need a handicap sticker for my car!!
Needless to say, the quality of my life has been transformed. And Kim has been there with me every step of the way -- adjusting my program at every step to match my body's new capabilities. Her ability to read the body, no matter what state it is in, was especially critical to my being able to start exercising safely again at only 3 weeks post-op.
Kim has been able to help me accomplish this transformation because she has extensive knowledge of the human body -- in all its forms, abilities and limitations. And continues to expand her knowledge base at all times. Kim chooses the type and level of exercise according to what is appropriate for the individual. And she maintains detailed records. This enables her to continuously vary the routine to fit the client's ever evolving needs and goals.
In addition to the depth and breadth of expertise that Kim brings as a personal trainer, she also listens, explains, encourages and is kind. Even on the days you might not feel like exercising, you will still look forward to your time spent with Kim.
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The following picture is the transformed me, trekking in the Japanese Garden section of Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.  |
and gastric bypass surgery came into my life!  |
Kim focuses on an individual’s needs and goals, and varies the routines often enough to keep them fresh. She takes into account the whole person, with attention to balance, coordination, strength training, and engaging one’s core.
When I started working with Kim, we had weekly sessions. With her support, I’ve developed the confidence (and discipline – a new thing for me!) to work with her once every other week, and work out the rest of the time on my own. She gives good direction and coaching, and manages to (gently) hold me accountable. I feel very lucky to have found this level of expertise and support.
Many years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue. After trying several forms of exercise, I would usually end up exhausted. Now, after my sessions with Kim, I have more energy and I love doing my exercises.
Thank you, Verlin, for contacting Kim for me.
Kim also worked with me to customize a strength/resistance training program that I can do at home. She instructed me about what equipment to buy, how to use the space I have, and went through the routine with me to make sure I had a thorough understanding of it. Now I can train at home a couple of times a week without having to travel to a gym.
Kim is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher who always provides feedback and encouragement. I highly recommend her yoga classes and personal training services."
Working with Kim has improved my performance in each of my athletic endeavors, and has helped me stay away from injury. Kim is motivating in a quiet and strong sense, she is candid and honest in her approach and her feedback, and has lots of tips and tricks about nutrition to keep me healthy and competitive. She's an invaluable asset to my physical and mental fitness.
If you're looking for someone who will take your personal goals and physical abilities into account, and who will work with you to create a fitness program that challenges you and fits into your life, contact Kim Williams-Brinck.
winter sports: running, snowboarding
spring/summer sports: triathlons, mountain biking, rollerblading, wakeboarding
other: yoga"
Kim also introduced me to yoga, and I've been taking her yoga class for about two and a half years. Kim is an excellent teacher. She pays attention to every single detail! I trust her, so I'm confident trying more difficult poses in class. I have recommended her class to several close friends. Like me, they now are addicted!
I would highly recommend Kim as both a personal trainer and a yoga teacher!"
Kim has also worked as my personal trainer, and that's been great, too. She got me doing things with strength training -- like working with stability balls -- that were unlike anything I'd done in weight lifting before, and I saw very satisfying improvements. She also made me more aware of form and technique, and taught me things that I carry over into all of my strength-training activities.
Kim's very approachable, and fun to interact with. You also figure out very quickly that you can trust her. She believes in what she's doing, knows what she's talking about, and practices what she teaches. It's a great combination. I wholeheartedly recommend her."