GAINS IN STRENGTH + CONFIDENCE Aidan and Amber learn and grow alongside each other When Aidan Marshall-Cort first came to college, he had no idea where to start when it came to working out at the gym. “At the time, my speech impediment was a large obstacle in my social life. I was scared to ask for help or work out with others in fear of being treated differently. Along with my progress in the gym came progress in my social life as well. I took on various challenges and obstacles to create opportunities to push myself outside my comfort zone and create a higher level of self-efficacy,” says Marshall-Cort of his experience developing confidence and a passion for fitness. Marshall-Cort eventually turned his passion into a job and became a certified personal trainer at RecWell where he found a kindred spirit in one of his first clients, Amber Owens. As a new student, Owens too felt intimidated by the gym. She says, “This lack of confidence was not exclusive to the gym. It showed up in other aspects of my life which held me back from doing the things I really wanted to do. However, through personal training, I gained a new sense of confidence that I never had before.” Together they have supported one another in and out of the weight room and formed a friendship where they both learn and grow from each other. The experience training with Marshall-Cort has also given Owens an outlet to relieve stress from classes and studying. She says, “I find that when I come back from my exercise, I feel ready to conquer my work and stay focused on my academic goals.”
“She reminded me a lot of myself starting out. Being able to witness Amber’s progress and ability to accomplish her goals has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career as a personal trainer.” — Aidan Marshall-Cort, Certified Personal Trainer
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