When Justin joined UFIT, he wasn’t just chasing a fitness goal; he was determined to reclaim his life from chronic shoulder issues and return to the sport he loved, golf, with newfound strength and agility. His story is one of resilience, patience, and dedication, with each step forward representing more than just physical progress. Overcoming years of painful setbacks, Justin transformed his physical limitations and unlocked his true potential on the golf course, thanks to a carefully tailored program by his coach.
Justin’s shoulder problems started long before he stepped into UFIT. Over the years, he’d endured multiple surgeries to reconstruct his rotator cuff and bicep tendon. Even after several rounds of physical therapy and personal training, he struggled with relapses in 2011 and again in 2015. At the time, he brushed off these issues, thinking they were part of the wear and tear on an active, young athlete. But by 2018, the toll of thoracic outlet syndrome—a condition that disrupted the blood flow between his shoulder and neck—had escalated, making everyday tasks, like lifting a glass of water, unbearably painful.
His shoulder pain impacted his career as a golf coach, where demonstrating even basic techniques was painful. Unable to perform daily activities and reliant on painkillers, Justin knew he needed a new approach if he wanted to reclaim his quality of life and his passion for golf. That’s when he decided to join UFIT, seeking a program that would focus on shoulder rehabilitation while enhancing his golf performance.
Working with his coach, Justin began a training plan that wasn’t just about getting fit. His coach understood that Justin’s goals were centered around golf performance, specifically targeting improvements in his clubhead and ball speeds. Together, they laid out a golf-specific program that would enable Justin to not only recover but also to develop the strength, stability, and mobility needed to excel on the golf course.
Justin’s coach started by taking baseline measurements with GymAware, a tool that uses velocity-based training to assess and monitor progress. By recording objective data on how fast Justin could move weights and his overall velocity, they could adjust his training precisely to meet his needs. This approach removed the guesswork and focused on real, measurable progress.
In the early days, Justin’s coach identified a key area of improvement: stability in his hips and shoulders. This instability was costing him power in his swing, which was crucial for achieving the speed and accuracy he wanted. With a foundation set in stability training, Justin worked on strengthening his hips and shoulders, focusing on stability exercises designed to correct imbalances and prevent future injuries.
The training not only boosted his stability but also helped mitigate the shoulder pain he had battled for years. Gradually, Justin began to feel stronger, and he noticed the positive impact on his overall health. His trainer introduced a progression of exercises, including trap bar deadlifts and counter-movement jumps, to increase both his power and speed. Justin’s gains were consistent, and over time, he found himself lifting heavier weights with greater ease.
One of the most exciting milestones for Justin was increasing his trap bar deadlift weight and velocity, achieving new personal records in both areas. Not only was he moving weights faster, but he was also building robustness and resilience that translated directly to his performance in golf. The once-unreachable goal of hitting his fastest ball speed became a reality. As his coach proudly shared, Justin had recently achieved his highest ball speed with his driver, a testament to the effectiveness of the program and Justin’s determination.
This success wasn’t just about a number on the gym floor; it was a tangible improvement that reflected his hard work and patience. By building strength and speed in a controlled, strategic way, Justin could once again pursue his passion with confidence. He no longer felt limited by his shoulder, and with every golf swing, he knew he was stronger and faster than before.
Perhaps the most meaningful result of Justin’s journey was finally being pain-free. With the physical limitations lifted, he experienced a newfound sense of freedom. “It’s definitely made me feel happier and healthier about myself,” Justin shared. “I am pain-free now, I am fitter, and I feel like I have so much more energy.”
This transformation has been a source of inspiration for Justin’s own clients. As a golf coach, he now brings a deeper understanding and empathy to his clients who are also working to improve their physical health and golf game. Having started at a low baseline, with limited strength and distance in his shots, he can relate to his clients' struggles and encourage them to pursue their goals with patience and resilience.
For Justin’s coach, working with him has been both a professional and personal joy. As a golf enthusiast and TPI-certified coach, Justin’s trainer found great satisfaction in helping him overcome his physical setbacks and push his limits. “Coaching Justin has been an absolute pleasure,” his coach shared. “He’s so passionate, and his dedication to improving his game and health is inspiring. Watching him reach new levels in his golf performance is incredibly rewarding.”
Together, they have set a high bar for success, proving that with the right approach, patience, and the willingness to do the work, recovery and growth are possible. Justin’s story exemplifies the power of a tailored fitness program, one that not only addresses specific injuries but also allows individuals to thrive in the areas they’re passionate about.
Justin’s journey with UFIT isn’t just a success story; it’s a testament to what’s possible with determination and the right support. He’s now living pain-free, hitting new records on the golf course, and inspiring others to pursue their health and fitness goals. While he’s proud of how far he’s come, Justin’s journey is far from over. He continues to push himself in the gym, keeping his routine consistent, knowing that each session brings him closer to his ultimate goals.
As Justin looks ahead, he remains committed to his training and focused on setting new records both in and out of the gym. For those just starting their journey, his story is proof that while the road may be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.