Owner and lead therapist Alika Antone and the A2 PT staff challenge their patients every day to put in hard work. They push patients to overcome obstacles that can sometimes seem insurmountable.
So when Dr. Antone was challenged by his super-fit wife to compete alongside her in a grueling, muddy Spartan obstacle race — he could relate with how many of his patients feel at the beginning of their journeys toward better health. Overwhelmed. Almost impossible.
That’s why knew in his heart that he had to face the fear. Running in muddy gunk. Cardio. Everything about it seemed unappealing and, well, odd. So he took a big breath and signed up.
“I had never participated in any sort of marathon or Spartan challenge prior to 2018. I am not a runner, or much of a cardio person at all,” Antone said. At the race, “My burpees were ugly, my lack of cardio fitness was limiting, and my lower back killed me. (Yep, even physical therapists aren’t immune!)
“My muscles went into spasm, and affected me negatively for the second half of the race,” he said. “I already knew cardio was a weakness of mine, and my wife had to wait up for me on several occasions while I tried to keep pace with her. That was humbling.”
Dr. Antone slogged through 5 miles and 20 obstacles— and when he completed the race the sense of accomplishment (and getting over roadblocks along the way) left him fired up for his next Spartan race. Yep, that even surprises him!
Next time, he will do better because he learned. Here are a few of his “a-ha” moments:
1. Make a Plan: Based on the weaknesses identified by the Spartan, I have numerous ideas about how to better train for improved physical performance on my next attempt.
2. Dedicate the Time: My wife and I discussed getting a sitter for the kids at least once a month so that we are able to run trails, or extend our training to include at least 5 miles, which we do not include in our regular training. This will also help us remain motivated to train consistently. The 5 miles will be a good monthly test to check how prepared we are.
3. Get Your Head in the Game: The ability to withstand difficulties and disaster —and to be resilient — are good qualities to have not only in a Spartan race, but in Iife.
4. Connect with Community: I ran this race with my wife, although many participants were part of a group/team. I’m not sure how to articulate the feeling or connection that happens when you’re both sliding down a muddy hill into a pool of muck that goes over your head. We both agreed it was the best date we’ve had in a long time!
So what does a Spartan race have to do with A2 and physical therapy? Quite a bit, Dr Antone said. Everyone faces journeys, obstacles, and challenges. Whether it is working hard to get your mobility back after a car accident with the A2 team, or getting physically fit to keep up with your wife during the next muddy race you need the same things: A plan, patience, consistency, and you must make your health goals a priority. And when you have people cheering you on — well, that makes all the difference in the world.
Whatever your challenge is, Dr. Antone added, “Commit. Do it now. You’ve got this!”
Learn more about Spartan races here.
"I’m really glad I am going to A2. My PT Danny is very knowledgeable and courteous. He pin-pointed the area affected in my hip and back. We are working to improve my strength, range of motion and ultimately lessen my pain with Danny’s wide range of stretches and strength techniques to improve my quality of life. So far in the three weeks that I’ve been enrolled I’m very impressed with A2 Physical Therapy. Thanks Danny!"
− Sean
"My wife was trying to get me to go to A2 after she was enjoying the classes. I am busy and wanted to go but always had an excuse. Well one she pre-paid for me to go. Time for me to face my fears about why I hadn’t been going because now I am going. First, I was in ok shape active just not work out shape plus what if I couldn’t beat my wife or the other women in class? What if I passed out?
As Saturday approached my fears rose and my brain searched for an excuse. Yet when I arrived at the class what I found was nothing like I was fearing, quite the opposite. Everyone is focused on their own pace. While being motivating Kristi is not forceful but positive and supportive, coaching each person at their ability.
It has not been a month of one day a week, my body has reacted by toning up, my six pack is back. My wife was mad and happy at the same time. I have been seeing a chiropractor for maintenance and recently my body is firming up and I do not feel the aches and pains of getting older. Was I sore after the first workout? Yes for a few days I was sore, but each week the soreness would decrease. After a month I am not sore but stiff the next day, feeling stronger each workout.
Thank you, A2 Physical Therapy and Kristi, for the good music and for pushing us without pressuring us."
− Mike
"Kristi’s weekly bootcamp has truly gotten me out of my comfort zone. I started attending with my family a few months ago. My first couple of times I was so ore! At times I became discouraged, but I just pushed through! I keep coming every week I am available. There’s no shaming if you must miss a week. You can even have someone go on your behalf if you miss a week. Since starting Kristi’s bootcamp I’ve said yes to other fitness opportunities I would have previously turned down. I now workout EVERYDAY and I’ve lost over 20 lbs since I first started coming. Thanks Kristi and to my family for introducing mw to this awesome bootcamp!"
− Amanda