Like many people, I found myself becoming increasingly out of shape due to COVID induced shutdowns and restrictions. The stress related to our changed world along with a deteriorating physical state was really wearing me down. We had moved back to the area a few years ago and when I saw the opportunity to reestablish my membership at the RVC, I took it. Previous experience taught me that my best results always came when I worked with a trainer.

This time is a bit different. I am now 66 and my body simply does not respond well to extreme workouts. I also had a desire to improve fitness around my golf game in addition to simply getting stronger, increasing endurance and losing weight. I had met Matt MacLean many years ago. I was happy to see that he was still a member of the personal training staff and especially happy to see that he has added certification in golf-specific fitness.

I signed up for a once per week, 3-month initial training regimen with him. That has proven to be one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.

Matt took the time to learn my goals and my physical limitations. He is very regimented in his approach to work outs, but always meets me with a smile and a great attitude. He makes the hour fun as he puts me through the widely varied sets of exercises, always checking on my form to avoid injuries.

Just two months in, I have already noted significant changes in my flexibility, stamina and strength. The weight is slowly coming off and I just feel so much better about myself. In addition, my golf game is  improving in noticeable ways – I am more consistently making solid contact on full shots, I am able to practice for an hour or more without my back aching and I am hitting the ball as far as I did 15 years ago.

I am very encouraged by these changes – even though it has meant some recalibration in my iron play! I have a long way to go until I reach all my fitness goals. But with Matt’s guidance I am confident that I can reach them – and have a lot of fun getting there.

~ Daniel Morrison (Returning RVC Member ’22)