Meet Melanie Hartman

In October of 2021, Melanie Hartman suffered a back injury that left her struggling to accomplish the everyday things that most take for granted. Walking up three steps onto her deck, carrying groceries into the house, attending to her home and walking her dogs became a challenge. Simple tasks such as getting out of bed without pain, stepping into the bathtub without the fear of falling, bending over to pick up something on the floor or sitting at her desk to work were arduous tasks.

“I knew I needed help to recover, and I knew that once the pain began to subside in February that I needed to become more physically fit,” Melanie recalled. “My core was weak, my posture was poor, and I had no muscle mass.”

Melanie decided to seek the assistance of a personal trainer, and that’s when Michael May entered the picture. Michael is the health and wellness director at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and a personal trainer who worked with Melanie on a plan specific to her needs. After a consultation and assessment of Melanie’s goals and what she was able to do at the time, the two developed a workout regimen that addressed those needs.

“With his encouragement and progressive plan, I am making steady progress,” Melanie said. “I am lifting weights, working a kettlebell and a weighted ball. My balance is improving and my core is strengthening.”

Melanie can now run up and down flights of stairs. She can lift 40-pound bags of birdseed, dirt and mulch. She is once again working in her garden, mowing her grass and using the weed-eater. She can walk four miles in less than an hour without pain.

“With Mike’s direction and plan, along with my determination, I am getting my life back again,” she said.

Michael has worked with numerous individuals at the YMCA who face their own unique challenges. Each case is different, and specific plans detailed to each individual are developed.

“Melanie has made tremendous progress from when she first started,” Michael said. “She’s always a joy to have for each of her sessions, and anytime I throw something new at her, she is always up to that challenge.” Melanie credits Michael with helping her rebound from her physical difficulties. “His personality suits my style,” she said. “He’s very easy to work with. He incorporates your interests into your workout plan; he’s flexible, and he’s accommodating.”

Melanie, a secretary at Callaghan Elementary School for the past 15 years, has faced some life-changing challenges. Her husband, Rick, was a 42-year employee of the Alleghany County School System who retired on Oct. 1, 2021, and died five days later on Oct. 6.

Melanie has also enjoyed other amenities offered by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. She swims in the pool, and she utilizes the sauna, exercise bikes and the walking track. Now that she’s in better shape, she is looking forward to returning to Zumba classes and getting into the weight room.

“I love the Y,” Melanie said. “I really believe in what the Y offers.”