Looking for a little inspiration to lead a healthy lifestyle? Here are some inspiring stories that are worth entry into our Hall of Inspiration.

KERRY WILEY, 2008 inductee

Kerry Wiley has been an active Member of Plaza Fitness since May of 2006. She came to us based upon a medical referral to improve management of Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP), a condition she has had since birth, which causes her leg muscles to be stiff. Kerry’s initial goals were to improve walking function. Kerry began working with Jason Berner, one of our Fitness Professionals, and he developed a customized routine to address strengthening, stretching, and development of leg function. Over the last 3 years, this customized routine and staff support resulted in Kerry progressing from crutches to new walking devices. Kerry’s management of her health continued to expand with guided support to look at nutrition, development of body awareness, functional movement, flexibility, and improved balance. With each improvement, Kerry’s goals got more targeted. She wanted to walk without devices outside publically. This was something medical professionals told her would never happen. She would likely always use devices to navigate outside. Jason refined Kerry’s routines again to focus on walking without devices in outdoor settings. The routines focused on developing strength and flexibility in specific muscles and focused on developing balance improvements. The management of her condition and routines continued to be refined between 2008 to present.

This video (watch 6-minute video) highlights footage from 2008 to present which demonstrates aspects of Kerry’s routine, struggle, and her learning functional walking (using her legs compared to her upper body to move). The start of the video shows the challenges of 2008 and Kerry’s effort to manage leg stiffness, and her continuing progress to 2009. The footage also shows aspects of her routine including platform stepping and use of a leg press. Kerry states “Working with Jason and other fitness professionals at Plaza Fitness at Stuyvesant Plaza has been extraordinary. I have been reminded about the boundlessness of possibility & what true teamwork and collaboration is, from the support that I received from Korey McCoy and the rest of the Plaza Fitness Team. I am now walking up to two miles publically carrying my walking poles instead of relying on them to move.” Aspects of Kerry’s and Jason’s work have also been highlighted in other venues. To read more, see:

Taking Control of Your Health and Wellness: Taking Strides Toward A More Fulfilling Life

or Relationship Lays Foundation for Meeting New Challenges