After a severe fall left her almost bedridden, Stevie Ash was referred to the Ascension St. Vincent’s One Nineteen water therapy program by pain specialists Dr. Robert Nesbitt to address pain in her back, hips, neck and legs.
Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen is a health and wellness facility located in Shelby County, Alabama, that connects patients to medical specialties, outpatient surgery, a gym, a spa and a variety of wellness services.
While participating in the water therapy program, Ash’s physical therapist, Emily, encouraged Ash to also take advantage of the fitness center and personal trainers that One Nineteen has to offer.
Personal training to help meet fitness goals
“I’ve never been a gym goer,” Ash confessed. “Emily would tell me that starting an exercise program would really help all the work we had been doing in physical therapy, and I’d say, ‘oh ok,’ and not really think anything more of it, but after about the third or fourth time she said something, I decided to walk over to the gym and see.”
It was there that she met personal trainer Hannah. The pair started to train together twice a week, with Ash seeing vast improvements in a short period of time.
“Hannah is just the best,” Ash gushed. “I’ve gone from being in a wheelchair to walking around my house without a walker the majority of the time, and you just don’t know what that does to a person; to be able to do the little things in life that you couldn’t, like fold the laundry, it just means everything to me.”
Ascension St. Vincent’s One Nineteen personal trainers specialize in adapting fitness plans to meet each client’s individual needs.They take the time to get to know their clients to ensure a fitness regimen is safe, achievable and also sustainable, which is key for maximum benefits.
“When I first meet with a new client, I ask them a series of questions, like what are your goals? Are they overcoming an injury or illness? What do they ultimately hope to get out of this?” Hannah explained. “When I first met Stevie she was a little reserved and timid about being in the gym setting. She just needed little nudges of encouragement and she was well on her way.”
Because falls were a main concern for Ash, Hannah developed a regime that focused on core strength and overall muscle building. Hannah also worked closely with Ash’s physicians to ensure her fitness regime was in line with what Ash needed medically.
“There were machines that intimidated me and I thought there’s no way I will use those,” Ash admitted. “But I have, and not only that, I continue to increase my weight.”
Spa services dedicated to your whole self
Ash has been religious in keeping her twice-a-week workouts with Hannah, even scheduling doctor's visits and vacations around her time at One Nineteen so she doesn’t miss a step. Another thing Ash never misses: her bi-weekly Friday deep tissue massage at the One Nineteen Spa.
“Kevin has greatly helped my neck and my hip, which were the main things injured during my falls,” Ash said. “Had I not been pointed in the direction of One Nineteen, I know I wouldn’t be able to live my life the way I am now. I was about ready to give up and go into a nursing facility. But One Nineteen has given me my life back.”
Massage therapists at Spa One Nineteen are trained to provide an integrated approach to your health through wellness services.
“I just want people to know this facility exists,” Ash added. “For people who need help both mentally and physically, the work they do and the encouragement they give has so greatly helped with my mental and physical state; I can’t say enough about them.”
Personalized care for the whole person at Ascension St. Vincent's
At Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen, programs offer a comprehensive approach to overall health and wellness. Your care team will review your health history, make sure you understand your diagnoses and treatment options, and create a personalized care plan that helps you meet your goals.
To take part in the medical fitness program and nutrition counseling at Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen, call 205-408-6516. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 205-939-7248. Referrals are required and can be faxed to 205-930-2931.