Hybrid PT + Strength Training Journey

My story: Struggling with chronic knee pain for about 2.5 years, initially caused by "return to running" way to fast, resulting in IT-band syndrome, followed by a minor meniscus tear on the same knee, lastly age related (60-y) knee issues, all magnified by R-leg muscle atrophy. Which all along, I should have focused on. But ... During the 2.5 y, I tried PT (following a home program), expensive knee gel injections (twice), and finally meniscus surgery, followed by PT sessions. One year post surgery and PT, I still struggled with knee pain and discomfort, severely impacting my active lifestyle. One day, having a coffee with a friend, he recommended to check out Zenith Performance and Wellness. My initial meeting with Jesse (great guy!) went extremely well, developing and outlining what my recovery path could look like. Initially, I set up 6 PT sessions with Mariell (such a gem). While executing the PT plan, we quickly realized that I needed strength, mobility and agility training. I met with Alex (such a great coach), for strength training evaluation. While I thought about just focusing on leg strength, he recommended a "whole body" approach, a personalized plan, updated monthly, incorporating PT recommendations. About 3 months into the program, I'm so relieved, 95% pain free!!!, are able to hike downhill without any pain, soon going back running again (yeah), my right leg muscle atrophy gone!!!, me feeling so much stronger, my overall mobility and agility significantly improved. The combination of PT and strength training, the small group sessions, working out with great folks, the vibe of the place, made a real difference. Everyone at Zenith is amazing, I would like to thank my team, Mariell (PT), Alex and Ropheka (coaches), Allie (admin). Allie you are so amazing, making scheduling and admin a breeze. All of you have a tremendous impact on my healing and recovery, my wellbeing. Is it expensive? I spent so much money on injections, surgery, braces, meds, etc., suffering through it with home sessions, with limited success. At Zenith, I'm on an unlimited small group plan (6-m commitment), do a monthly PT session, work out 5 days a week for 1 hr. I pay about $22/hr. The unlimited small-group session is about $16/session. A great investment for my health and wellbeing.

I have belonged to a number of gyms/fitness centers over the years and Zenith P&W is most certainly on the top of my list. I have been weight training for 6 months with a couple of trainers who have been top notch. Currently, I am working primarily with Ropheka Greshom and she is an amazing trainer! She truly listens, takes the time to understand my goals, and knows exactly how to tailor every workout. She's friendly, fun, incredibly knowledgeable, and always makes the gym a place I look forward to being. What really sets her apart is her ability to know when to encourage, when to challenge, and exactly how much to push each of us to help us grow without feeling overwhelmed or getting injured. She creates a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, motivated, and capable of more than they thought possible. I also love that Zenith Performance and Wellness is so much more than a gym. It's a full-service wellness center not only offering exceptional fitness training, but also physical therapy, and massage therapy—all under one roof. The entire team creates a welcoming, supportive environment where people of all fitness levels feel comfortable and encouraged. If you're looking for a place that truly invests in your health and well-being, I can't recommend Ropheka and Zenith Performance and Wellness enough!

Ropheka is an excellent trainer who cares about the whole person. She took the time to get to know me, my goals, and what I needed to succeed. She has helped me become stronger, quicker, and more confident by tailoring my training to meet my goals in and out of season. Although the workouts are challenging, she makes them enjoyable by encouraging you throughout. These workouts have been an integral part of preparing me to play Division 1 volleyball.