[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img] Setting my alarm earlier than I had in months, I began to doubt the rationale behind my impending trip to San Francisco. Why was it again that I was flying there and back on the same day just for a personal training appointment and lunch date with my sister?
I shrugged as I figured I could at least nap on the plane.
Thankfully, there were no unforeseen sigalerts or other catastrophes preventing me from arriving safely at 9 a.m. in the Oakland Airport. I took it as a good sign that there was an AirBus waiting for me and that a BART train that arrived less than a minute after I stepped onto the platform at the Coliseum Station.
(Have I mentioned that I love San Francisco?)
Walking to Erica’s 24-Hour Fitness gym on Montgomery and Sutter, I felt decidedly uncool with my old backpack and athletic shoes. Thankfully, she met me partway down the street, preventing me from ducking into the nearest Starbucks.
The Training
Five minutes into my training appointment, I reminded myself of my brilliance in scheduling this date. Within seconds, Erica had immediately gotten to the source of my 6-month old back pain. After 20 minutes of properly stretching my lower body, I couldn’t remember where my back had begun its protest.
That was only the beginning. She followed with a detailed analysis of the muscles I used in my cello playing and computer work. She began establishing a gentle strength-building program aimed at building the contrary muscles.
(Yes, she had the advantage growing up watching me perform. Still, her ability to break it all down into a comprehendible set of exercises amazes me.)
In the process of this program, she even helped me identify how I have improperly been using the shoulder and neck muscles on my right side to allow me an advantage in bowing my instrument.
She showed me how building my lats and rhomboids could alleviate my temptation to use these muscles that pay me back with severe tension headaches. This one realization alone was worth double every dollar and hour traveled!
After ending with some stretching, I looked at my cell phone clock. Two hours had passed like the drop of a hat. Incredible!
Definitely the Best
I may be biased, but I am convinced Erica is the best personal trainer in the world.
Not only is she a certified Master Trainer and the Personal Training Manager of one of the most elite 24-Hour clubs in the bay area, SHE LISTENS TO HER CLIENTS.
For someone like me who has tried multiple trainers and physical therapists only to end up frustrated or injured, this is, if I may quote Mastercard commercials, “Priceless!”
I look forward to seeing San Francisco – and my sister Erica – again soon.
(Contact me if you want to learn more about training with my incredible sister. Who knows? If there are enough of us, perhaps she will come this direction?)
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her latest album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
