Ivana’s Story: From Shortness of Breath to Strength and Confidence

This is Ivana. Her journey with Vintage Fitness began with a desire to feel just a little stronger and healthier. What she accomplished, with support from her personal trainer Tarang, is truly remarkable.

From Breathless to Brave

When Ivana first started training, even simple tasks—like walking across the street to get breakfast—left her breathless. She was recovering from two open-heart surgeries, managing chronic nosebleeds, and dealing with arthritis in both knees. Exercises like sit-to-stands and wall push-ups felt impossible.

But Tarang saw potential in her. With a personalized in-home personal training for seniors approach, he focused on what Ivana could do, slowly expanding that with each session.

Small Steps, Big Breakthroughs

Each time Ivana completed a new movement, it was a victory. She overcame not just physical barriers like knee pain and shortness of breath, but mental ones too. Exercises she once thought were out of reach—like push-ups against the wall—became part of her regular routine.

“I always believed she had more in her,” Tarang says. “Even if something was tough, I’d say, ‘Let’s give it a try. If it doesn’t work, we’ll work toward it together.’”

Ivana’s Words: A Journey of Trust and Triumph

I started working with Tarang in September 2024. The reason I asked for help was that I was seriously out of shape, short of breath even with the smallest effort. Tarang and I started slowly, he was very gentle and cognisant of my medical issues.

Tarang's style is to support and to remove doubt. Every time he tells me his plan, I laugh and say that I appreciate his enthusiasm. And then it turns out I really can do things he is asking me to do. For example, Tarang believed that I can do pushups, walk up 30 stairs without stopping, walk around steep streets of Quebec city for 3 hours. At the time I did laugh and told him I appreciate his enthusiasm. He shrugged and said we'll see. He was right!!! I did all those things.

Tarang now believes that the speed on my treadmill should be set at 6 miles during my walk. I said that means I would be running and it will not happen. Tarang shrugged and said we'll see.....

Thank you,

What’s Next for Ivana?

Today, Ivana is working on:

• Strengthening her quadriceps to ease knee pain
• Practicing how to get down to the floor and back up safely
• Holding a one-minute single-leg stand (she’s already at 20 seconds!)
• Building stamina to jog on the treadmill

Her biggest goal? Surprising her kids next Thanksgiving by showing them just how far she’s come.

Why Her Story Matters

Ivana’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right guidance and belief in yourself, transformation is possible—at any age. Her “never give up” mindset, paired with personalized support from a personal trainer for seniors Toronto, has led to a new chapter filled with energy, strength, and hope.

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With gratitude,

Leigh

Vintage Fitness

Vintage Fitness is an in home personal training company in Toronto, Canada. We specialize in energizing the lives of people over 50 with exercise.