Dana Matis
Fitness Instructor / Gym Owner
The most influential moment in my fitness journey happened a few years ago. I woke up with debilitating pain in my lower back. Everything felt locked up, and there didn’t seem to be anything that would loosen the pain. I decided I needed to go to the doctor and get an MRI. I had two herniated discs in L4/L5 and L5/S1. After injections to temporarily take away pain, I continued to struggle. After 12 months of corrective exercise, private reformer pilates, relearning how to move, focusing on quality, I began to see immense progress.
My injury completely changed my perspective on fitness: it isn’t an obligation, it’s an opportunity. Now, I work out because I can, not because I have to.
I bring this attitude into my classes as an instructor and I create workouts that are safe and effective, reminding people to work with their body, not against it.