When I suffered my 500th injury in August 2022, a deep realization dawned on me: 'With the current level of physical strain, I cannot reach the age of 45 in a fit way.' That really hit home, because sport is extremely important to me, and that is why I quickly translated this observation into an action: I am going to hire a personal trainer.'
With appropriate enthusiasm I googled 'personal trainer Den Bosch' and saw that two weeks earlier a new personal trainer had started working; dear Mr. Raoul van Ooij. I called him and did my best to appear pseudo-intellectual by using some PT jargon: 'I am looking for someone who wants to increase my resilience so that I can ski, hike and play sports without pain. Someone who can approach this from an anatomical and physiological point of view and is also willing to look at my chains.' Actually, I didn't know exactly what to do, but I was in pain in many places and had become afraid of doing a squat. Raoul replied calmly and cheerfully, "That's what I do."
One symbiotic introduction later, it was clear to me that Raoul was the PT I was looking for. For example, with a 1kg weight, he clearly showed me that I had done the wrong thing and that some chains were completely unloadable. A 1kg weight had never been so heavy, and sweating never came so quickly. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I recognized a small smile from Raoul at this observation. One thing was clear: there was work to be done.
And so the journey to the 'Promised Load Capacity' took place. Raoul quickly showed his expertise by being able to translate my physical problems into sustainable exercises. Raoul's knowledge culminates as soon as you indicate that you experience more pain or discomfort just before a training session. At that moment he can change the entire training ad hoc (it takes him 10 seconds) to take this into account.
But the journey didn't stop there. If you have suffered so much injury, the mental relationship with your body changes and pathological beliefs are formed. There are also beliefs that you bring with you from your private life. Raoul knows how to recognize this flawlessly and, based on your character, he anticipates a workable form to tackle it in collaboration.
I am writing this piece a year and a half later after that first call and consider myself fully taxable. Last week I put maximum strain on my body for the first time without fear. I hike without pain and tear on the slopes. I have gained a friend and enjoy the training with the Enforce members.
I see it as the best investment of 2023.
Thnx Masta-Masta!
Greeting,
Quint
