IFAST Client Spotlight: Kerry Dinneen

Today, I would like to introduce you to one of the nicest and hardest working person you will meet – Kerry Dinneen.

I have been working with Kerry for about 4-5 months and she has made huge strides.  I will let her tell you about that, but I am very proud of her accomplishments.

Kerry, can you start off by telling us a little about yourself?

I am 57 years old with 3 kids in college. My husband and I live on a farm with our 2 dogs, we take a lot of walks and enjoy making dinners out of local produce. We travel frequently because we love big cities, mountains and oceans…..all things we can’t find in our backyard.  I work as a fundraiser at the Eskenazi Health Foundation. This is the same kind of work I did in my 20’s which is kind of hysterical. I have a masters in business and have held many positions inside a big corporation. I have also served as a volunteer and board member for many nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis.

What brought you to IFAST?

My two sons have worked out at IFAST when they are home from college in the summer. They found out about IFAST because of its national reputation. My older son lives in Portland,OR and one day realized that those famous guys Mike and Bill lived in his home town! He was excited. Anyway, they convinced me to try it even though, because they are super strong, I figured it wasn’t the place for weaklings like me. But they kept saying, there are lots of people like you there, Mom (read: people with gray hair who don’t know what they are doing.)

How has your experience been so far?  Don’t be nice either – let us know the truth. 🙂

My experience has been remarkable. At first, I thought my program was pretty weird. I looked around and other people were doing weird stuff, too. It was hard to get used to and I didn’t like the traffic in that crazy Castleton area of town. But now I am almost addicted. The coaching is so caring, personal and professional. It seemed like everyone knew my name right away (trainers, other customers, owners, etc etc). I have learned so much about how all the little nuances that make such a difference in making progress and getting fitter.

What makes IFAST different from other gyms you have been to?

I have worked out at many other gyms and worked with other trainers. I have done yoga for years and years and recently started (and ended) pilates. Everything  was cookie cutter. This is the opposite. It all starts with the assessment – not the kind I have had with other gyms; this is a thorough assessment by someone with expert skills.  My programs are designed specifically for what my body needs. At my age, stability and functionality are so important. I have learned that lots of standard stretches and yoga moves that I used to do were really taking me in the wrong direction. IFAST has  found all the muscles that were weak or almost ‘turned off’ thereby putting strain on my joints  (in my case, mostly my neck and shoulder) and other muscles.  I could go on and on. The soft tissue work (instead of the stretches we learned in middle school gym class but seem to still prevail) is emphasized, so your warm up is the first part of any work out.

Finally, what do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment thus far?

I forgot to tell you that when I showed up, i had some chronic neck and shoulder pain. Those have improved tremendously. I can now do this exercise called ‘reach, roll and lift’ against a wall with no discomfort. I am amazed! I also can’t belief that I can deadlift 72lbs. When they first told me that if I stick with it, I will probably be able to deadlift my body weight, I thought they were crazy. Now I believe I will get there one day.

Thanks so much for the interview, Kerry!  And just so you know you are going to be deadlifting more than your bodyweight very soon:)