About Our Personal Training Center in Chesterton

About Ian Bowen

At a young age, I was involved in many different sports. Without knowing it, my passion for health and fitness began back then and has evolved and grown ever since. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare disease that attacked my spinal cord and compromised my nervous system. I was left partially paralyzed after undergoing spinal cord surgery to determine my correct course of treatment. With my spinal cord damaged from disease and surgery, I could not feel or move anything from my chest to my toes. My surgeon told me that I would probably regain the ability to walk, but would need a cane or crutches to do so. When I asked if I’d be able to run again the answer was, “most likely not.”

I was given a prognosis for recovery that, at best, left me with a sliver of my former physical capabilities. Still, I decided that my future was going to be different, so I set my sights on full recovery.

During my rehabilitation I worked diligently to re-learn how to do everything, from sitting up in bed, to balancing on two feet unassisted, to walking. Along the way, I gained weight from inactivity, medication side effects, an inability to ambulate on my own, frustration with my situation and the setbacks I faced, and the stumbles that come with learning how to stand and walk (something I could do before without thinking).

I am happy to say that, with a lot of hard work and determination, I’ve been able to regain most of the abilities I lost after my surgery. Defying my doctors’ prognoses, not only have I re-learned how to walk unassisted, but I have run multiple half-marathons. As I mentioned before, beating the odds and accomplishing what I have thus far has taken hard work and determination. That being said, I believe a positive mental attitude, a willingness to never give up, and a strong support system are the keys to success. My passion comes from understanding that fitness affects my life and my happiness.

After knowing what it is like to have my own health compromised, and the challenges one faces to get it back, I want to help others work toward being the best versions of themselves. Knowing how to achieve that can be very challenging without the help of a fitness professional.

That is why we now bring you Chesterton Fit Body Boot Camp! We are a results-driven studio, and our trainers will push and motivate you to be proud of your abilities every time you come in! I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do what I love, and love what I do. Our studio is for all fitness levels, and we want every member to feel as though they are a part of our family. We look forward to helping you on your fitness journey as you become the best version of yourself.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

– Gandhi