Read Part I of this article here.

The next stage in my journey involved performing corrective exercise under the guidance of a personal trainer (not Minet) at our gym. After an in-take session, this trainer explained that the low-grade pain I experienced on a daily basis was not an inevitable companion to aging, but rather the side-effect of muscle imbalances. He told me that he could design a regimen that would help correct these imbalances, minimizing my aches and pains while at the same time improving my posture and gait. I said: “Sign me up!” The routine worked. I couldn’t believe how much better I felt: stronger, younger, and literally more balanced. I began to enjoy going to the gym.

When this trainer left our gym sometime later that year, I started working with Minet, a world-class Olympic weightlifter and nationally-ranked Figure and Bikini model. Now that my muscles were working together more effectively, I was ready to lift heavy. I loved it.

My body started changing more dramatically than before. I was achieving fitness goals I didn’t know I had had. I had thought that I merely wanted to be stronger and feel more comfortable –– both physically and psychologically. I was definitely stronger. I could dead lift my own body weight! I definitely felt more comfortable. I no longer needed to carry Ibuprofen in my purse! Shopping for clothes became fun again.

I loved how it felt to lift heavy weights with good form. I loved being able to do real push ups and even chin ups. I loved how it felt to walk with my core engaged. I loved how much more flexible I had become. I loved that I could dance for one and a half hours without wanting to stop. I loved that taking walks along the bay had become a delightful way to spend time with my friends and husband.

Manuel had helped me make friends with food. Minet helped me make friends with my body.

Minet and I started talking about these transformations and our passion for strength training. These discussions led to a brainstorming session about a blog that would motivate women to strength train and help people, both men and women, identify and meet their own health and fitness goals. That brainstorming session led to SanelyStrong.com!