A patient's inspiring journey and practical tips that are applicable to everyone. Learn how to strengthen certain parts of your body as well as modify exercises to maintain physical health while coping with scleroderma.

1. Christina
Montalvo &
Marie Zvetina
HOW EXERCISE CAN
CHANGE YOUR LIFE:
One Patient’s Inspiring Journey
and Practical Tips for Everyone

2. A Body in Motion Stays in Motion
You Can’t Choose the Path
But You Can Choose the Journey……

3. MARIE’S STORY (THE READER’S DIGEST
VERSION)
• Diagnosed in 2000
Initially Affected My Hands and Neck
Gradually Affected My Ability to Bend My Head or Walk Without Tripping
• Told Not to Exercise, but Was Afraid of Becoming Unable to Walk
• Leg and Neck Pain/Tingling “Backed Off” in Late 2004
• Joined Curves in 2004
• Joined a Gym in 2006
• Started with My First Personal Trainer in 2011
• Started with Christina in 2012

4. STARTING WITH MARIE
• Previous trainer introduced Marie to me
• Perspective- fear vs. optimism
• Focus on what Marie can do vs. what she cannot do
• Communication
• Trust
• Realistic expectations

5. CHRISTINA’S THOUGHTS ON EXERCISE
• Truly is for everyone
• Intentional movement
• Be patient
• Managing expectations
• Working with your physical limitations
• Get creative

6. FINDING A PERSONAL TRAINER FOR YOU
• Preferably a degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology
• Extensive initial assessment
• Building trust
• Feel comfortable
• Team effort
• Honesty, integrity

7. WORKING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER
• Expectations from trainer for client: Effort, communication, trust, work ethic,
determination, goals
• Expectation from client for trainer: knowledge, flexibility, trust, realistic expectations,
client-focused goals
• Deviation from this will dilute your success

8. REALISTIC MODIFICATIONS
• TRX straps
• Handles
• Ankle Weights
• Bands/yoga straps

9. LEG STRENGTH
• Squats with modification
• Raising the heels helps Marie gain a better Range of Motion

10. CORE

11. ARM STRENGTH

12. ARM STRENGTH

13. ARM STRENGTH

14. ARM STRENGTH

15. FLEXIBILITY
• Yoga strap
• Sitting cross legged stretch

16. MARIE’S IMPROVEMENTS
• Arm strength
• Leg strength
• Core strength
• Increases in flexibility
…What does all of this really mean?

17. A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
• No Longer “Stuck” in a Sitting Position
• Can Board a Bus, Van or Anything with a Stair
I Am Not Afraid
• I Can Go Through a Drive-Thru
• I Can Experience Yoga, Zumba or Go On a Beautiful Hike
I Can Choose My Journey…..

18. WE ARE ALL IN DIFFERENT PLACES….A
FEW CLOSING THOUGHTS…..
• I Am Honest with Christina – I Will Not Do Anything I Feel Is Unsafe, but Will
Try Almost Anything (Even If I Don’t Want to…..)
• I Respect My Limitations, But Do Not Let Them Define Me – We’ll Find
Another Way to Do It!
• I Consistently Believe I Can Be Better – But “Better” Has Changed Over Time,
and Still Does…..
• Look Towards the Future - It Is the Only Journey We’ve Got!
• Make Your Own Choices – Don’t Allow Scleroderma to Make Them For You!

19. A Body in Motion Stays in Motion
You Can’t Choose the Path
But You Can Choose the Journey……

20. QUESTIONS?