are you well balanced?
are you well balanced?
A Science-Based Approach to Musculoskeletal Health After 60
Strength
Balance
From the intensive care unit (ICU)… to the Pull-up Bar
Mark’s EMS Recovery Story
February 24th – my first 30 steps
June 9th – 10 pull-ups on my 72nd birthday
Jan 26th, 2024. I thought it was a bad flu, but wobbling into my doctor's office, the last thing I remember was hearing someone call out "AMBULANCE NOW"!!
2½ weeks passed before I became even vaguely aware of where I was and what had happened. I had contracted Leptospirosis, a rare bacterial infection. A team of doctors had battled as my body's organs shut down. Liver, kidney, lungs, pneumonia, blood clot, intubation, dialysis--ICU and a medically induced coma.
I was hospitalized 6 weeks as my body stabilized and began to function again. On March 4th I was released.
As a Certified Fitness Trainer I had been strong and fit going in. Now, I had lost 27 pounds. To say I had no strength doesn't begin to convey how weak I was. I remember a nurse handing me my phone at about Week 4 and it felt like I was lifting a 25-pound barbell. My arms were literally empty sacks of sagging skin.
10 days before I was to leave, a Physical Therapist helped me take my first steps. I managed about 30 halting steps (though I refused the walker). It completely exhausted me.
Of course, I asked about my recovery path and timeline. "Figure a week for every day in the hospital". 8 months!!!! No way, no way, no way, I vowed. "Trainer, train thyself!"
I began with gentle EMS and careful walking, building from there. I increased my EMS strength sessions in duration, frequency, intensity, and walked longer and longer. Three months later I hit my goal right on time. 10 pull-ups on my 72nd birthday.
EMS training and a structured fitness plan, challenging goals, and determination. I did it - let me help you do it too!
Testimonials
“I cannot recommend Mark, and time4ems.com, highly enough. I am a 71 year old professional with many orthopedic issues, including 5 major surgeries in the past 4 years. While in good cardiovascular health from swimming, I was weak and stiff… and unable to find the time to go to the gym every day to lift weights. With the benefit of twice-weekly EMS sessions with Mark over the past 2 years, I have tripled my upper and lower body strength. Now, my family, friends, and health care providers are all complementing me on my lithe and assured posture and gait. My arm, chest, and leg muscles are noticeably bigger and stronger. Many of my joint pains are better after strengthening the muscles around them. Mark has also helped me to focus on practical, real-world important skills such as balance, mobility, and core strength. To my delight I am now in the elite category for measures such as repeated chair stands and rapidly getting up from the floor – all skills we need to maintain as we get older! ”
Jeff G., 71“Best decision ever! When I agreed at age 77 to care for my grandson until he is 18 months, I knew I didn’t have the strength at that time to carry 30 pounds up and down stairs safely. I quickly signed up for individualized training with It’s About Time. I didn’t have much time to get in shape. Through regular fitness training (EMS and the YMCA, all supervised with Mark I am now stronger and more fit and flexible than I have been since my early 60’s. The weight, stairs and getting up and down from the floor are not an issue now. My children are truly amazed. I am turning back the clock on aging!”
Donna T., 77“I write to endorse -- enthusiastically -- the EMS exercise and strengthening program that Mark offers. I have been working with him for the past 18 months as my personal trainer using the EMS technology, and it has resulted in significant improvements in my upper and lower body strength and in my endurance. Mark's in-depth knowledge of the EMS technology, and more importantly, of the physiological body dynamics of effective exercise practice, have brought me great benefit. I appreciate that he doesn't simply rely on his current knowledge, but constantly researches and brings forth new exercise techniques that I can incorporate into my own routines for added benefit.
I am 73 years old, and while I was in decent condition when I began the program, he has given me new confidence in my body's capabilities as I continue to age. I strongly recommend Mark's program.”
David R., 73 3 Ways to work together
1. Comprehensive Initial Assessment
Complete evaluation across six assessment domains
Receive detailed report with age-specific benchmarks and personalized recommendations
Ideal starting point for understanding your current baseline
2. Quarterly Assessment with Goal Review
Regular reassessment every three months to track progress
Protocol adjustments based on objective data and evolving needs
Accountability structure without ongoing training commitment
3. customized Training and Coaching
Personalized programming based on assessment findings
One-on-one or small group sessions tailored to your preferences
Comprehensive approach combining assessment, training, and regular progress tracking