As a person who had been active all of my life with sports and more recently in the running of marathons, I was devastated in 2006 when I received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). I interpreted this as a death sentence. One of the symptoms of PD is the deterioration of muscle mass in the upper body—chest, shoulders, and back.

By 2012, six years after my diagnosis, I was experiencing severe muscle atrophy. I began looking for a gym where I could receive individualized personal training in a setting where I felt comfortable. The “mega gyms” were not on my radar. This is when I found Gymbo’s. I began working on a training regimen with Jim Collins, owner of Gymbo’s. As a body builder, Jim understood exactly what exercises were needed for my situation. He developed a very personalized training program designed to rebuild the areas of my body where I most needed help while tuning up the rest of my body. When I first began, I could barely shoulder press 10-lb. Jim was very patient yet persistent in motivating me to reach my full potential. Within a short period of time, I could feel and see my upper body regaining the muscle tone that I had not seen for quite some time. Gymbo’s not only restored me physically, but it gave me the confidence in believing that PD will not conquer me! I now workout at Gymbo’s 3-4 days per week. Thanks to Jim Collins and Gymbo’s, I feel like a young man again!