Laura Coleman has been my personal trainer at Club Sport Oregon for (I think) eight years. She has seen me through good times and bad, not to mention 14 or 15 half marathons (I walk — I do NOT run, but the distance is still 13.1 miles every time).
I should also mention that I will be 61 years old this July. While there are many things to recommend getting older, it is also true that it is easier to injure oneself and it takes longer to heal as one ages. Balance, flexibility, and endurance all become issues to one degree or another.
Laura has been amazing, fun, supportive, and healing as the years and physical challenges have come and gone. She has helped me get over several bouts of plantar fasciitis in just a matter of weeks, when it had taken a doctor more than 8 months to accomplish that before I met Laura. She has made me stronger with her kettlebell workouts and introduced me to rock climbing, raquetball, and any number of weight workout routines using different equipment. Laura never lets things get dull or boring.
She is always ready to let you try something new. If one thing doesnʼt work for you, she wonʼt demand that you stick with it: she will teach you something that is more compatible with your needs and interests.
Above all, she is focused on keeping her clients in the best condition that they can or wish to achieve — and all with an inexhaustible sense of humor. I canʼt count the number of times we have laughed through an hour of what would have otherwise been torture. (I have often accused her of being the happiest sadist I know.) Still, at the end of every session I have always felt better, more centered physically and mentally, and ready to take on the next long, long walk.
If I have any complaint about Laura, it is that she might be a little too insistent on avoiding doctors, when in fact medical attention is required. Stretching and power plate work is good and wonderful, but sometimes a shot of cortisone is called for, especially when one has dealt with significant pain for several months.
That aside, I cannot recommend Laura Coleman highly enough for Personal Training, especially for those of us “of a certain age”. She is incredibly knowledgable, professional, and simply an amazing person.
