My name is Michelle, and I am currently an interior design student. In 2009 I joined the Canadian Forces (CF) under the Regular Officer Training Program, which means that I had a subsidized university education and would work for the CF once I graduated. I was sent for basic training in 2012 and was unable to complete it due to a back injury sustained during training. I figured it would eventually get better, and the CF seemed to think so too because they did not send me home right away but moved me to a platoon for injured persons. After two months and little improvement however, I was sent back home. The injury continued to worsen. I was forced to stop my education, and two years later was medically released from the CF.

Throughout my time in the CF I had weeks of sick leave, countless doctor and specialist appointments, MRIs, and x-rays but no one could tell me the cause of all of the pain I was experiencing. Over the 8 years that followed my injury this would continue to be the case, and I had little to no relief from the pain.

After trying every specialist, practitioner, and therapist I could think of, I knew that what I was doing was not helping and I needed to try something new. The question was: what?

My original intention was to find a yoga instructor who would do 1 on 1 classes with me so I could at least gain some strength and flexibility. I was too scared to just join a class because of my low activity and high pain level. My search, however, came up with nothing (and I am so glad it did because otherwise I would never have found Ashley). Since I could not find a yoga teacher, I figured my next best bet would be a personal trainer. But not just any run-of-the-mill, works at Goodlife trainer, because I have worked with them before and I felt I needed more than what they could offer me. I happened upon Ashley while doing a “personal trainer” search on Facebook. I was intrigued by her Facebook page and went on to her website, which completely sold me. I knew she was the one when I read a testimonial from an older woman with pain. I figured, if Ashley can work magic with the elderly then surely she can do something for me.

Getting in touch with Ashley is probably the best decision I have ever made for myself. I was terrified to get started because of my past experiences with my back pain and appointments. I was sure I would leave the initial assessment and be flared for a week, or that I would be judged for how out of shape I was. I am happy to say I WAS WRONG! From day one Ashley has been nothing but understanding and supportive. The assessment was different from any other I had experienced to that point, and I did not get flared from it at all. I felt comfortable with Ashley right away, it was almost laughable that I was nervous because she was so obviously great.

I have learned so much in the few months we have worked together. She told me things about my body that I never knew, mostly because I had been so disconnected from it, but she helped me connect the dots and gave me hope for the future. I have learned that my body can handle more movement than I give it credit for, and that pain can be caused from inactivity as much as activity. I also learned about sleep and good sleep habits, breathing, grounding, working-in, and digestion. I’ve learned about inflammatory foods, the difference that whole organic food can make, what portions I should eat based on my metabolic type, and how frequently I should be eating.

My time with Ashley so far has helped me to get some of my life back. I’m no longer afraid to make plans because I don’t know what my back will do that day. I no longer have to sleep with my head and feet elevated in order to ease the pain enough to sleep. I no longer count down the hours until I can take more pain medication. My eating habits have completely changed since I started working with Ashley, and I generally feel so much better for it. The best part is I don’t even crave the foods I’ve stopped eating. I feel less exhausted and drained, and am generally more optimistic. I’m excited to be challenging my body again, and I feel safe enough to do so thanks to Ashley.

I think the biggest change I have noticed since starting to work with Ashley is that I now have hope. A few months ago, I was planning my wedding and thinking of what my future with my husband would look like. Would I make it through my wedding day? Would I be able to start a family? Could I care for a baby or child? What would my body do to me as it aged? My answers then and my answers now are completely different. Now, I have made it through my wedding day and was able to enjoy it in spite of multiple flares leading up to the day. Now I believe I will, someday in the not-too-distant future, be able to start a family and care for them. Now I’m not afraid of an aging body because I am getting stronger and learning how to take care of myself. I have hope that I can win the 8-year war my pain has been waging, and come out the other end a healthier person.

I highly recommend Ashley. For all the reasons above and so much more. She is warm-hearted, patient, non-judgmental, and understanding. She listens to what I have to say, which means a great deal to me as a pain-sufferer, and makes modifications accordingly. She helps with working past “bad days” and keeping up motivation and momentum. It is fun learning from Ashley. She is clearly so passionate about what she does and it really shows during our appointments. Her energy is uplifting and infectious, you can’t help but feel happier after your appointment.

- Michelle