In December of 2018, I could barely walk. Two falls on my right hip hadn’t broken anything, but something was definitely not right. After four failed attempts at physical therapy (three said we’re not helping you, don’t come back and I told one he was making me worse and refused to return), including a six month stay in Houston receiving PRP injections and other specialized therapies, all with no success, an amazing acupuncturist in Austin said what I needed corrective exercise. What the heck is that I asked. And so my journey began! When I returned home, I got on the computer and googled corrective exercise San Antonio…SA Functional Fitness popped up, I read about Michael and his approach and was able to schedule my initial visit online and the rest is history!
That was in April 2019. I’ve learned more about my body and what it can do in the last two years from Michael and his extraordinary team than I ever imagined! Correcting fifty years of bad body mechanics is no small feat! Turns out I’ve got something wrong at every level of my c-spine and l-spine, bilateral si joint dysfunction, kyphosis, arthritis, had a tendon transfer on my left foot, two surgeries on my right shoulder and a pretty intense case of medial epicondylitis. With everything going on with me medically, there have been many times we would have to go off script and accommodate whatever issue was causing the most problems and go from there.
I also have a pretty remarkable trauma history and complex ptsd; in short I have more triggers than a gun club! I have never run into an issue with Michael or Juan. They are some of the most professional, compassionate people I have ever encountered! If that’s not enough, I am also neurodiverse! Michael and Juan have always gone out if their way to work with me. I’ve never felt rushed or belittled because I didn’t understand or couldn’t get something. I ask a million questions and while I’m sure they hear similar things all day long, they treat every question like it’s the first time they’ve had to answer it! They recognize that every client is unique and customize approaches to get the best results!
It’s now been two years since I’ve been working with Michael and Juan and can honestly say I still learn something new everyday! Their approach to fitness has me up and moving again and I couldn’t be happier! I work out with them four days a week and am able to walk 2 to 5 miles most days! A far cry from where I started!!! They have taught me tools that I can use at home to help on days when my body isn’t as cooperative. I now have a solid base and haven’t fallen in two years! I used to have to drive with my headrest reversed, but I’ve been able to put it back in the correct position and drive comfortably. I cannot say enough positive things about Michael and Juan over at SA...
Read moreI cannot recommend this establishment enough. Read on for more details or just call them up and schedule your first session NOW!
Over the past four months, my experience with SA Functional Fitness has been nothing short of transformative, thanks to the expert guidance of my trainer, Manny. When I first started working with Manny, I was dealing with persistent lateral knee pain that had plagued me for over a decade. Despite trying various treatments and exercise routines, nothing seemed to work—until now. Under Manny’s personalized and attentive coaching, not only has the pain completely disappeared, but I've also gained a deeper understanding of how to maintain joint health and prevent future issues.
One of the most remarkable changes has been in my marathon training. Before, recovery time after long runs was a major challenge, often leaving me sidelined for days. However, with Manny’s targeted functional fitness program, my recovery time has drastically reduced. I can now bounce back quicker than ever before, allowing me to train more consistently and effectively. This improvement has been a game-changer for my marathon prep, and I’m confident that I’ll achieve a new personal best in my upcoming race.
Beyond the physical improvements, the impact on my overall well-being has been profound. Manny’s focus on structural integrity and posture has led to a significant reduction in my perceived stress levels, particularly from work. By achieving a more structurally sound posture at rest, I've noticed that I carry less tension throughout the day, both physically and mentally. This has translated into better focus, a calmer mind, and an overall sense of balance in my daily life.
SA Functional Fitness, with Manny as my guide, has truly exceeded my expectations. The progress I’ve made in just four months is remarkable, and I’m excited to see how much further I can go with his continued support. I highly recommend Manny and the team to anyone looking to not just improve their fitness, but to make lasting changes that enhance their...
Read moreI started going here to improve my running due to joint pain, and to achieve goals of losing weight. I continue to go because these trainers are amazing and my body has never felt better! If your low back hurts after working out, like mine did, it shouldn’t!, and it hasn’t since I’ve incorporated this training. For whatever physical needs you have or want to improve this is the place to do it. The environment is wonderful, the trainers are caring and most importantly they LISTEN to you and make a plan surrounding your wants and needs. I’ve not had knee pain in well over a year, and no low back pain in well over 2 years now, thanks to SA Functional Fitness. You can’t go wrong with any of the trainers, I see them all depending on my schedule and they all know me, my body, and they work together to make sure their fitness plans are all tailored to me. It is also a comfortable environment, you get a lot of privacy with the way they are set up. And I know I mentioned caring, but I can’t overstate that. When I had any health issues arise (illness, blood pressure, stress/depression) they showed me they really cared for me as a person. Whether that was allowing me to move around my appointment if I was ill, or changing my planned workout to something that would feel better on my body and mind if I was going through a rough patch. There are a lot of reasons it’s been 3 years or so of me working out here, with no plans to leave. Do yourself a favor and check...
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