Sam Dettman is popular among hikers and those living with pain.
YMCA Personal Trainer Sam Dettman has a simple philosophy: “You may own several cars over your lifetime, but you only have one body.” Thus, he says, if you don’t take care of it, you may be miserable, especially in your senior years.
“What we teach you in the gym helps you outside of the gym,” he said. “It’s important to me that I can make a difference and see people improve. It helps keep people out of the hospital and lowers medical bills.”
Dettman, who tailors workouts for each individual, has been at the YMCA since 2018. His clientele has grown continually as the word gets out. He estimates that 80% of his clients are age 60 and older. He helps men and women with strength training and general injury rehabilitation and prevention.
Dettman also is one of the instructors who teaches a class about Parkinson’s disease. While his personal training is for a fee, the Parkinson’s classes are for free. “There are not many Parkinson’s classes or programs in the Prescott area,” he said.
As for his regular personal training classes, he starts with an orientation and personal assessment. The sessions usually last about an hour. “I work with each person to meet their needs.”
Dettman is known for his work with hikers, helping them cut down on pain and improve their stamina. “Some want to feel comfortable going on longer hikes. Some need help with balance and some need leg strengthening.”
Dettman estimates that about 50% of his clients have some form of arthritis. He added that if someone has a problem with their knees, it often can cause problems with their feet. He usually recommends different levels of exercise and weight training depending on the injury or physical needs.
Shoulders, knees and back pain are among the most common problems he sees in clients. “It’s not usually about getting rid of the pain, but about managing and lowering the pain. But,” he noted, “some have been able to get rid of their pain. The human body is like a puzzle. Sometimes it takes time to find the root of the problem. Finding the answer to the puzzle can take weeks.”
Dettman has certifications in many types of personal training. When he was 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in special operations. This is where he was trained to help soldiers prevent knee and other injuries that are common in the military. He developed a bulging disc earlier and he worked at training to improve his own condition.
Dettman has trained others at fire academies and the JROTC at Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University. He says there has been a resurgence of people returning to the gym since the pandemic.
His top tip is that people should find some type of exercise that they not only like, but that challenges them and something that they will stick to doing. He recommends that everyone does some weight training and some type of core exercise such as sit-ups.
“I love that I can improve someone’s life,” he said. “It’s never too late to get help and it helps to talk with a professional.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photos by Stan Bindell: YMCA Personal Trainer Sam Dettman says the human body is like a puzzle and that it takes time to find the root of the problem, noting that shoulders, knees and back pain are among the most common ailments he sees in clients. Shown here working out with trainer Patti Vanacore, Dettman says he loves that he can improve someone’s life.
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