Triumph Through Shared Resilience

Client:  Rosemary
Personal Trainer: Marilyn LoPresti, PhD
Location: North Fork Bodies in Motion, Greenport, NY

This fitness journey began in the lively ambiance of Dr. Marilyn LoPresti’s low-impact aerobics studio, North Fork Bodies in Motion. It was here that Rosemary, a vibrant retiree seeking fitness and vitality, crossed paths with LoPresti, a seasoned personal trainer. Their encounter would spark a profound partnership, igniting a journey of resilience and renewal.

Navigating Adversity

For three years, Rosemary participated in aerobics, Tai Chi and Qigong with LoPresti 3-4 times per week. But Rosemary’s life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Shortly after, COVID-19 shut down all in-person training, adding more complications to Rosemary’s dire situation.

Amidst chemotherapy and social distancing, Rosemary needed a trainer who could offer physical exercises and emotional support. LoPresti’s extensive experience as an educator, personal trainer, and martial artist provided a solid foundation to help, but it was her remarkable journey as a 37-year breast cancer survivor that equipped her with unparalleled insights and empathy to support Rosemary through these challenges.

LoPresti paired continued aerobics training with guided meditations. She consulted with Rosemary throughout her journey by phone and through Zoom, discussing modifications, accommodating missed sessions due to cancer treatments and surgeries, and working with Rosemary’s physical symptoms.

“Rosemary was determined to keep up her exercise activity the best that she could under the circumstances,” shares LoPresti. “Despite extreme fatigue, nausea, and joint and muscle pain, Rosemary signed into class and pushed herself to do what she could—seated, standing, resting, and repeating with a strong, positive attitude.”

Endurance and Commitment

Today, Rosemary has finished her chemotherapy and continues to train with LoPresti through Zoom, including low-impact aerobics, weight training and meditations.

“Being immunocompromised but able to take [these classes] has allowed me to maintain some degree of overall physical health and emotional well-being,” says Rosemary, adding “the guided meditation classes are wonderful and have provided much-needed stress reduction and increased joyfulness.”

For LoPresti, her dedication to Rosemary’s wellness epitomizes her trainer ethos, recognizing the importance of tailored care for each client—a gift borne from her own struggles and life lessons. “I have dedicated my company, my instruction, my continuing study and the rest of my life to sharing what I have learned along the way, on my own journey.”

As Rosemary continues her training from the comfort of her home, LoPresti and her studio remain a constant source of inspiration, guidance and unwavering support. “North Fork Bodies in Motion has provided an anchor in a sea of uncertainty—COVID, isolation, cancer, fear and anxiety,” says Rosemary. “I feel so lucky to know Dr. LoPresti.”