Member Spotlight: Tania Saiz

In 2020, a stroke left me with limited mobility and balance issues, but I was determined to regain my strength and independence. My fitness journey began in December 2022 with the Healthy RX program at the gym. Before I started, I had been in physical therapy, but was afraid to be by myself in the gym. I was lucky to be paired with Candice, whose guidance helped me regain confidence and stability. I focused on active aging classes, which offered the right balance of challenge and support, and added classes like Trifecta Stretch, Chair Yoga, and Melt to improve flexibility. Every class I tried added a new layer of confidence.

As my confidence grew, I ventured into classes like Align & Define and even tried back-to-back Pilates and Barre, something I never thought I’d do. Within a year, I doubled the weight I was lifting, a huge milestone. Despite coming from White Plains, the sense of community and support at the gym kept me coming back. Today, I’m lifting weights and continuing to work with Denise.

I hope my story inspires others who are facing their own challenges. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about resilience, patience, and finding the right support.

Tania is a 2025 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Read more about that here.

In 2020, a stroke left me with limited mobility and balance issues, but I was determined to regain my strength and independence. My fitness journey began in December 2022 with the Healthy RX program at the gym. Before I started, I had been in physical therapy, but was afraid to be by myself in the gym. I was lucky to be paired with Candice, whose guidance helped me regain confidence and stability. I focused on active aging classes, which offered the right balance of challenge and support, and added classes like Trifecta Stretch, Chair Yoga, and Melt to improve flexibility. Every class I tried added a new layer of confidence.

As my confidence grew, I ventured into classes like Align & Define and even tried back-to-back Pilates and Barre, something I never thought I’d do. Within a year, I doubled the weight I was lifting, a huge milestone. Despite coming from White Plains, the sense of community and support at the gym kept me coming back. Today, I’m lifting weights and continuing to work with Denise.

I hope my story inspires others who are facing their own challenges. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about resilience, patience, and finding the right support.

Tania is a 2025 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Read more about that here.