JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Debilitating injuries and medical conditions can physically and mentally alter our lives at a moment’s notice, but a personal trainer at the Lakewood Anytime Fitness gym said people should not use those setbacks as an excuse to avoid daily exercise.
Aviola Miraka is a certified personal trainer and former professional volleyball player who moved to Jacksonville from Albania 14 months ago.
She has a passion for working with clients who have had cancer, heart disease, dementia, and other medical conditions that have life-altering effects.
Miraka said her biggest challenge when taking on a new client is convincing them not to give up on themselves or their potential to get physically stronger.
“I really want to make them believe as I do, that exercise improves quality of life no matter what medical challenges they have or what age they are,” Miraka said.
Training people with life-altering medical conditions is not easy which is why Miraka says her approach is to first have empathy for the client.
“I always start being a supporter for them emotionally and then focusing on physical working,” Miraka said.
Clients whose bodies have atrophied from cancer and cancer treatment hit close to home for Miraka for a very personal reason.
“My father died from cancer, so If I had another opportunity, I would have helped him have a second chance at a better life,” Miraka said.
Cathe Gray, 72, of Jacksonville is one of Miraka’s clients.
Gray is a breast cancer survivor. Her cancer and cancer-fighting chemotherapy took their toll on her body.
“Chemo is tough on you. You can get through it, but it leaves you with some side effects. I have neuropathy in my feet and fingers. It throws your balance off, so I must be careful,” Gray said.
The cancer and chemo also caused her muscles to atrophy and her strength to decrease. She’s been working with Miraka and a Pilates instructor to improve her quality of life.
“We work on balance and strength and try to get my muscle tone back because that will help my balance,” said Gray who also said Miraka has been relentless in helping her stay positive. “She encourages me. ‘Be strong. Be strong.’”
Some may argue that being strong-minded can be a challenge when a person suffering from a debilitating injury or illness feels their condition is too great to exercise.
“I really encourage them to not give up and ask for help,” Miraka said.
“If you want to get back to your life, you have to get out there and try and you have to get out there and push,” Gray said.
Fitness experts say that if you plan to hire a certified personal trainer, make sure the trainer has the expertise to help you with your goals. Experts also advise making sure the trainer is a good fit for you.