| "I have been very fortunate to have
been using Accessible Fitness for several reasons, I’ve been able to develop
all my muscles by increasing my weights, which have made my muscles stronger,
and now I can bench more than my body weight, which feels great especially
at 65 yrs old. Accessible Fitness has also helped me with my coordination.
I am not falling as much and not tripping over tooth-picks anymore. I feel
much more flexible and I have less muscle spasms. Now for the first time
in many years, I can touch my toes, and I can also balance standing on my
toes or on one foot, Thanks to Accessible Fitness." |
Angelo Cortopassi
Diagnosed
with MS in 1978
San Jose, California
|
Fred
Diagnosed with MS in 1985
Saunnyvale, California |
"I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
in 1985. The last seven years have been very difficult. I was
no longer able to work and could only walk very short distances using crutches.
I relied on a wheelchair for any extended distances. I had tried physical
therapy, acupuncture and a variety of recommended MS medications for many
years. My condition kept deteriorating. I was always told "don't
exercise too strenuously. If I did go to the gym or worked with a physical
therapist, it was with light or no weights. Nothing seemed to change. It
was discouraging, and I stopped exercising. So I gave Paul a call. His approach
was different. His philosophy was much more proactive. He also knew
what I was experiencing with the disease. Something 'clicked' within
me mentally and emotionally. His approach made sense to me and took
a positive rather than passive approach. Under his guidance, I've been lifting
weights twice a week for the past two years. Paul encourages, persuades,
and pushes (and pushes). "OK, one more set, this time let's increase
the weight". Paul's patience, understanding and positive attitude
has made a definite impact. I've seen an increase in body strength, stamina
and most importantly an improved mental outlook towards my MS. I am not
looking to Paul for a 'cure'. What I am getting is a mental boost
to help take advantage of what I am able to accomplish. I feel so
much better about myself and have a better outlook regarding life with MS." |
| "I have had MS since I was 16 years old.
However, it was not diagnosed until I was 34. Since 1996, I have knocked
my front teeth loose twice by falling. My doctors assured me that compared
to most with MS, I should count my blessings that I was not in a wheel chair.
They said there was nothing they could do and recommended I slow down my
activity and take it easy. The only relief I could get was from my chiropractor
in Michigan. I then moved to California, and up until now, just dealt with
fatigue, and stumbling. After seeing an MS special on The Montel Show and
hearing Montel’s testimony about a personal trainer, I began to seek out
one. A friend recommended Paul and before I could meet with him, I got a
flyer from the MS society announcing his grand opening of Accessible Fitness.
For the past 2 months, I have seen Paul twice a week. I have gained 80%
of my upper body strength and my balance is remarkably better. My quality
of life has improved 100%. In April of 2003, I was able to walk the 6-mile
at the MS Walk. Paul cannot cure MS, but he certainly has provided me with
the tools so that MS doesn’t control my life. MS is now just a part of who
I am." |
Marty Corcoran
Diagnosed with MS in 1966
San Jose, California
|
Chuck Beeson
Diagnosed with MS 1990
Cupertino,California |
"My disability had progressed to wheelchair
status. I could hardly sit-up or roll over in bed. The physical therapists
with my HMO would give me a paper handout with exercises that just increased
the anxiety. I had given up.
I met Paul and two of his trainers at the Abilities Expo in San Mateo. They
all had MS. They all had great attitudes and had very buffed, strong bodies.
Their stories were inspiring. I visited their Wellness Center and
signed up.
During my first training session I could hardly lift 10 pounds. That was
6 months ago. My weights quickly increased. Today, I had my training
session with Paul. For the first time I 'curled' 100 pounds. I am
now sitting up in bed. My life has improved dramatically. I'm not walking
yet. But the muscle tone in my legs is returning. I was at the pool the
other day with my shirt off. The attention I got from several pretty girls
was fantastic. I recommend Accessible Fitness to anyone with a disability." |