Steve Hall knows what it’s like to be sidelined by pain — and to work his way back to health.
Years ago, while golfing with friends, he ruptured a disc in his back. The pain was constant.
“Doing nothing felt best,” he remembers.
But he didn’t want surgery or pills. Instead, he tried acupuncture, where he heard advice that stuck: “You need to stretch and strengthen your core.”
That wisdom changed everything. When Steve discovered small group personal training, the pieces clicked. Consistent exercise, guidance, and community support helped him rebuild his strength and confidence.
Recovery and Moving Forward
Injury or pain can make anyone feel defeated. But recovery doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love. The key is to start small, focus on mobility, and gradually restore strength in a safe, structured way.
Mobility is often overlooked, but it’s essential. Gentle stretching, dynamic movement, and balance drills can improve how your joints move and reduce stiffness that builds up with age or inactivity. Better mobility makes daily life easier — from getting out of a chair to reaching overhead — and it lays the foundation for safe, pain-free exercise.
Whether it’s a bad back, stiff knees, or shoulder pain, many people are surprised at how much improvement comes from the right combination of movement, strength training, and patience. Fitness isn’t just about looking better — it’s about reclaiming your life after setbacks.
Back in the Game
Today, Steve, 58, is not only healthy and active again, but also a world-class athlete. He recently competed with his dragon boat team at the International Federation event in Berlin, racing against crews from 30 countries.
Dragon boat racing is no small feat. Each 20-person canoe is led by a drummer in the bow, setting the rhythm as paddlers keep a furious pace — sometimes 70 to 80 strokes per minute. Steve competed in the Senior B division for athletes over 50, proof that peak performance doesn’t have to fade with age.
“We were flying,” Steve recalls.
The effort paid off. His team won two silver medals and a historic gold — the first for an American crew in more than 30 years. The victory was especially meaningful because it showed how teamwork, discipline, and persistence can lead to success, even later in life.
Living the Lesson
Steve says the accountability and camaraderie of training with others made all the difference.
“I exercise so I can live my life — go on vacation, play golf, paddle, just enjoy it,” he says. “At any age, nothing’s going to change unless you get off the couch. You start today.”
Steve’s story is proof that setbacks don’t have to define us. With the right support, you can move past pain, rebuild strength, improve mobility, and get back to doing what you love.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.