Letter to David Gilks
from Jane Patenaude
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter in support of David Gilks, Medical Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer at Northridge Fitness Center.
I worked with David on a WCB funded program for 3 months between February and April, 1999.
The one-on-one training and education I received from him was a welcome change from the programs I had attended in the previous year. Prescribed exercises that I had unknowingly been doing for a year with poor technique were quickly corrected. David would hold my shoulders in the correct position (as I couldn't hold it for long on my own), before executing the exercise, which made performing it less painful. Sharing his knowledge of anatomy, what muscles an joint actions each exercise used, and how they related to movements we do at work or at home, gave my workouts a sense of purpose. Encouraging mind/muscle awareness was another helpful tool for me.
A workout that focused on strengthening the whole body and not just the injured areas was also an approach that I hadn't been introduced to up to that point.
David is enthusiastic about his work, and loves to share his knowledge with others. His good nature, sense of humor, and caring personality all helped to keep me motivated throughout my challenging three month program.
Sincerely,
Jane Patenaude
