In an effort to share more perspective on Lane’s recovery, here are some interviews from two of Lane’s trainers at SCI-FIT.
Your name and background?
Steve Nava. Went to Chico State, Played basketball and graduated in kinesiology. I was a previous manager and trainer at Fitness system in West Sacramento before coming to SCI-Fit. Currently also am a Personal Trainer at Kris Dim Fitness Rock gym. One of our own clients new gym.
Devin Newsome. Played football at San Jose State. Was a personal trainer and fitness manager at 24 hour fitness before starting at SCI-FIT 2 years ago.
Why do you do what you do?
SN: Well after graduating I always wanted to be involved in sports/athletics which is why I went towards that degree. I didn’t expect to be a Nuero Exercise Therapist as I am now but I love what I do. Working in this field is unbelievable and rewarding. Helping out the clients is the best and making them feel good and smiles across there face is just an amazing feeling to me.
DN: Because every day presents a new challenge to us and we are constantly working to solve new problems, that keeps the job interesting. But more than that, we get to use our skills to help people have better lives in ways that not everyone can do. We are lucky enough to form strong bonds with people (clients and caretakers alike) here that go beyond just working out at SCI-FIT, and not every place of employment is like that.
How long you have been training Lane?
SN: I have been training Lane for about a year and a half.
DN: I have been working with Lane for two years now.
What is he like when he works out?
SN: Lane is very consistent with a positive attitude when he works out. Always willing to try new things and different ways to improve. He has seen many improvements since he has been here so he is always confident in what any trainer has in store because he knows it will benefit him.
DN: He is extremely determined when he working out. Willing to try new things that may seem hard to him at first but can hold high value. He never stops working and comes in every day with a positive attitude that is infectious, and his ability to lighten a mood, regardless of the situation, is helpful to everyone in the building.
What kind of progress have you seen him make?
SN: There has been so much progress since Lane has been here. I have been here for a year and half and there has been so much improvement. So much that you know you just have to have faith and believe that anything is possible. From the Forearm walker to the hand walker to the canes unassisted has been a tremendous improvement for Lane.
DN: The first time I met Lane, he was using a sip and puff mechanism to drive his power chair around. Since then, I have seen him progress to using hand controls, unbuckling his own seatbelt on his chair, standing up out of his chair, and taking steps using only the assistance of a walker or canes.
What is he doing now that he was unable to do last year at this time?
SN: He wasn’t able to walk in his Canes unassisted.
DN: Taking steps using the canes with no assistance from the person working with him. He is continually working to get better use of his arms/hands and it is paying off, he is better able to grip certain objects and open his hands wide enough to let go of those same objects.
What is one of his bigger challenges?
SN: Mental state of mind when walking. For example when he knows your behind him he will do absolutely fine. But if he knows you have moved away, seems like he starts to think about a lot of things at once and it doesn’t go as smooth.
I know a lot of it is a mental thing for Lane and I know one day he will surpass that and will overcome that struggle.
DN: Taking steps using the canes with no assistance from the person working with him. He is continually working to get better use of his arms/hands and it is paying off, he is better able to grip certain objects and open his hands wide enough to let go of those same objects.
If you could use one word to describe Lane what would it be?
SN: Ambitious
DN: Ambitious