Name: Joe Safirstein
Length of time with Hyatt Training: Since fall 2005
Age: 46
Goals when he started: I was recovering from micro-fracture surgery to treat arthritis in my ankle and I desperately needed to get in shape. Most notably my goal was weight loss and fitness. Initially our sessions consisted of weekly weigh-ins and tough talks about diet and lifestyle choices — a rather painful process!
Goals today: Maintaining my general health, wellness and physical fitness.
Biggest areas of improvement: I’ve undergone the equivalent of a major physical remodel. However, the biggest improvement for me is mental. I lived over 20 years feeling uncomfortable in my own skin, including significant body image issues and chronic pain from 50 pounds of excessive weight on an arthritic ankle. Today, I enjoy a physical confidence and an acceptance of my body that didn’t exist in my youth. Almost every bit of the chronic joint pain disappeared with the weight loss — what a difference that makes in life.
Favorite thing about Hyatt Training: Tough question! I suppose the best thing about Hyatt Training is, well… Jeremy Hyatt! Short of family, I’d say it’s not possible to feel more supported, motivated and encouraged by another person. A decade into the process, having regular sessions three-times-a-week, I’m constantly amazed that our routines are always changing and evolving. An excellent coach knows how to motivate his athlete. That’s a real talent of Jeremy’s.
Proudest achievement: My proudest achievement happened the day I walked into the gym and did a series of unassisted pull-ups. Perhaps he’d tell it differently, but as I recall, Jeremy stood behind me over the years with his hands on my butt lifting me as I unsuccessfully attempted even a single pull-up. One day, it just happened— I did several of them and it was an incredible feeling of accomplishment. More importantly, I see that Jeremy now advises his clients to use bands to assist with pull-ups. I can only assume there was tremendous shame and trauma associated with lifting me all those years!
Hyatt Training success stories feature our amazing clients and their inspiring achievements. If you’d like to participate (or know someone who should), email us at Go@HyattTraining.com.
