Do more!

Undergoing four major surgeries in less than two years (two knee replacements, a shoulder replacement and a hernia) was enough to knock Dave Humphrey off his game.

A-year-and-a-half ago, he had finished his last physical therapy session, but still wasn’t feeling quite himself.

The super-active 78-year-old still lends his valuable time to several nonprofits in the area and does a good bit of heavy lifting while working on his 65-acre farm in Columbia Station.

Not Ready for a Slow-Down

“I understand how our joints deteriorate as we age, but I wasn’t ready to slow down yet,” he says. “Even though I’ve never worked out with a personal trainer, after I read a story in Mimi Magazine that described the elite level of training at MaxStrength Fitness, with two 20-minute trainer-led sessions per week, it spoke to me.”

He says safety was one of the reasons he started the program, and results are why he’s kept up with it.

“That first session I left feeling a little rubbery,” he says. “Each session progresses based on the previous one.

My trainer Kayla is great at motivating me to do more than I’d do myself, while keeping the weights and form at an ultra-safe level. I slowly and surely gained muscle back in my arms and legs, and, important for balance, in my core and back.”

One of the things Dave likes about the studio is that it’s nonjudgmental, and that the trainers are committed and motivating.

“I enjoy being able to work the farm, as well as take care of the maintenance on the homes on the farm,” he says. “Now I’m able to do that with much more energy and stamina, as well as the muscle I need to remain active going forward.”

Are You Giving Your All?

Through the MaxStrength Fitness Mastery video series, trainers explore emerging research and data behind exercise science and how to achieve your best. It’s sent to members, but you don’t have to be one to receive it. You can sign up for it on the MaxStrength website.

A recent video by trainer Cassie Pryor explores the concept of Voluntary Activation Deficit. 

“When it comes to strength training, it’s easy to believe you’re giving your full effort, but research shows we often leave something on the table,” she says. “This is called Voluntary Activation Deficit (VAD), which means quitting before you’re done. It’s the difference between the effort we’re capable of giving and the effort we actually give.”

Turns out, VAD is in our nature, a protective instinct our brains are biologically hardwired with to avoid pain and strenuous effort.

“Our true potential lies in overriding this instinct and choosing to push harder,” she says. “As trainers, it’s our job to help clients understand their true purpose for wanting to get stronger. We help them develop the mental fortitude and resilience to avoid VAD and get the most out of each session, exercise and rep.”

MaxStrength Fitness is located at 4212 State Route 306 in Willoughby. Call 440-226-8080 at 2211 Crocker Road in Westlake, 440-835-9090 and at13500 Pearl Road in Strongsville, 440-467-0700 or for more information or to view more testimonials, visit MaxStrengthFitness.com.