Mike Palermo, Lapalco

My name is Mike Palermo. I train at the Lapalco location of French Rivera Fitness. Over a year ago, I was not happy with how my at-home training was progressing. I was returning from a doctor’s visit and was a bit disappointed. On that drive home, I saw a French Rivera Fitness billboard on Lapalco Boulevard and decided to stop.

I met Jason who allowed me to train for the day. I told him of my health issues and he assured me, “That (my health) would not present problems for training.” I have Multiple Myeloma. This is a form of leukemia that attacks the bone marrow. My goal was to strengthen my body from my first bout with cancer. My initial training routine consisted of light weights and the elliptical machine. After a while, I needed to address my flexibility. Jason suggested Pilates. He introduced me to the Pilates instructor, Ingrid. She has a one hour class on Tuesday mornings at 8:30. Her class helped me to increase my core strength and flexibility as well as stamina. I love “The Ingrid’s” class. You’ve heard of the adage “Curls for the girls and thighs for the guys”. Maybe we should add the following addendum “… and, The Ingrid, for the mind, the body and soul”. I believe in her.

In August of this year, I learned the Multiple Myeloma returned. I had a central line implanted and the chemo began on Monday, November 8. Before each chemo session which happens to run in cycles of 4, I go to the Lapalco facility to lift a little and do 20 intense minutes on the elliptical machine. I train 5 days a week. I believe that exercising, Pilates and the positive atmosphere at French Rivera Fitness directly impacts my health. Each of the trainers that I have worked with, Jason, James, Cody, and Phillip, has suggested safe alternative routines for my strength improvement.

I believe exercise has helped me handle the stresses of the cancer and the rigors of the chemotherapy. Having French Rivera Fitness as part of my support team allows me the ability to face the day with my body strong, my mind focused and my head held high.