Anonymous Testimonial

Often, our clients feel that their personal training program and health journey are very private. They may not want to share photos of their progress or share their name. Of course, Swamp Fitness wants to respect and honor their wishes. However, one of our clients who feels this way still wanted to share their experience!

When I decided to look for a trainer, it was about more than just feeling out of shape and overweight. I have always struggled with depression and anxiety but was feeling at an especially low point. I didn’t know where the depression and anxiety ended and the miserable feelings about my overall physique, lack of strength and tiredness began. It was all feeding into the same loop and I wanted to stay curled up on my couch, watching Netflix and avoiding the world. I was at such a low that I had to decide if I was going to choose to give into that despair or value myself enough to try and find a way of coping in a more constructive way. I knew first-hand that exercise makes a critical difference in mental well-being but I didn’t want to join a gym and I felt so lousy about the condition I was in that I didn’t feel like I could or would stick to a plan on my own. I typed in personal trainer Gainesville Florida into a computer search. "In-Home Personal Training- We Travel to You" popped up with the www.swampfitness.com link. I liked the idea of meeting with someone one on one that would allow me to embark on my own personal wellness journey without the intimidation of going to the gym.

I contacted SWAMP FITNESS by email and Jarred reached out to talk about where I was and what my goals were by phone. After talking, we scheduled an in-person conversation to discuss options. I immediately felt at ease and really had the sense that both my physical and mental health wellness goals were valued. For my income level, the cost was somewhat considerable but I had decided to invest in myself and try a 3-month plan. Jarred was thoughtful in matching me with a trainer he thought would best fit with my goals and personality. Rachel really was the perfect trainer for me and was key in my success. She was so genuine and met me where I was in my physical health. She also met me at places that helped me to relax - we met at parks, small gyms, pools. She encouraged me and continued to challenge me in just the right way to build confidence and make me aware of the strength I was gaining. Rachel helped me to set and achieve goals and then make new challenges for myself. The accountability of meeting with her and sticking with a plan and the endorphins from regular workouts offered me a better way to cope.

I made significant progress in the first 3 months but I didn’t feel I was ready to continue on my own. I wanted to be realistic with myself about whether I had given myself enough time to make working out a consistent part of my life in the long term. I was feeling much stronger, more confident, and less depressed and anxious. I stayed until it no longer felt like an option not to work out because when I didn’t, my mind and body suffered. I think that amount of time will be unique to every person, for me it took about 9 months and then I stayed on a bit more. SWAMP FITNESS staff checked in with me throughout the year to reassess personal goals and help me to recognize and celebrate accomplishments. I was treated like an individual and it was always clear that my overall wellness was of the utmost importance.

This year-long investment was well worth the funds and time. It has helped me to find more balance, energy, strength and confidence, and to lose weight. Most importantly, I gained a healthy way of coping with my depression and anxiety that has vastly improved my quality of life. To say that I am grateful to Rachel, Jarred and SWAMP FITNESS is an understatement. Most testimonials about fitness include before and after photos but I wanted to include this anonymously for those of you that may be like me that are looking for a truly personal journey to better mental and physical wellbeing. You can do it; SWAMP FITNESS can help!