Real Results: When Sarah joined Elevate in May 2024, she wasn’t looking for quick fixes or aesthetic transformations. Her goal was much deeper: to build strength safely, prevent injury, and manage the chronic pain caused by Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

Diagnosed with HSD in 2022, Sarah had spent years dealing with increasing pain in her hips, knees, and wrists. Like many people with connective tissue disorders, she had always been flexible — but over time, that flexibility came at a cost.

“For the past 10 years, I struggled with increasing chronic, often debilitating pain in my hips, knees, and wrists.”

HSD is a connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility. Without proper muscular support and stability, hypermobile joints can contribute to chronic pain, stiffness, and even early-onset osteoarthritis. Sarah knew strength training was one of the best tools for managing her condition — but doing it safely was the challenge.

“I tried to do this work myself before joining Elevate but I didn’t have the expert knowledge necessary to be confident that I wouldn’t injure myself.”

That’s where working with Aidan made all the difference.

Building Strength Safely

Over the past two years, Sarah has focused on progressive strength training designed specifically around her body, her condition, and her long-term health goals.

The results have been life-changing.

“Since starting with Aidan two years ago, I’ve not only gotten stronger and developed upper body strength (something I initially lacked), but all of my chronic pain has disappeared!”

While Sarah jokes that being able to lift heavy things safely is now her “party trick,” the biggest win has been reclaiming her quality of life.

“I’m happiest that I am no longer in immense pain every day and am looking forward to maintaining joint stability as I age.”

Nutrition Support During Pregnancy

After training consistently for a while, Sarah also decided to work with Elevate’s Holistic Nutritionist Lauren to further support her health and energy levels.

“I did the nutrition plan for a few months starting in late summer 2025 to optimize my energy levels and improve my overall awareness and knowledge about nutrition.”

When Sarah became pregnant, the plan evolved alongside her changing needs.

“When I found out I was pregnant, Lauren adapted the plan accordingly. I learned a lot from her!”

Strong Through Pregnancy

Pregnancy can present additional challenges for individuals with hypermobility disorders due to increased relaxin levels, which can further loosen joints and impact stability. But instead of stepping away from training, Aidan adjusted her program to support both her pregnancy and long-term recovery goals. Her new training program has an increased focus on stability and core strength, allowing for a slightly slower tempo and more time to rest between exercises when needed.

“My overall goals didn’t change with pregnancy, they just multiplied.”

“While I started at Elevate with long-term pain management goals (and obviously getting jacked), pregnancy has made me hyperfocus on the short-term: maintaining joint stability as my relaxin levels increase and supporting healing and recovery postpartum with plans to return to training after.”

Now 32 weeks pregnant, Sarah says this has been her most pain-free chapter in years. She has continued with her two full-body resistance training workouts a week, achieving numerous new personal best lifts, including her squat, bench and deadlift, and shows no signs of slowing down.

“This pregnancy has been almost pain-free so far and I owe that to Aidan’s careful training program. I am feeling strong and still hitting PRs at 32 weeks pregnant!”

More Than Fitness

Sarah’s story is a reminder that strength training isn’t just about aesthetics or performance. When done properly, it can be a powerful tool for pain management, resilience, confidence, and long-term health.

Two years after walking through Elevate’s doors, Sarah is stronger, pain-free, thriving through pregnancy, and continuing to build a foundation for lifelong movement and stability.