“ Anybody I've met since I got hurt, I feel like they don't know me and that they can't know me. For people that I've become really close to since I got hurt—it almost hurts me to know that this person won't actually ever know who I am or who I was. They're meeting an entirely different person … there's a before and after, and a massive wall that separates them.” As a seasoned personal trainer and co-owner of Amplify Fitness, a gym in Boston, Mia Lazarewicz is used to helping athletes and adult fitness enthusiasts on the road back from injury. However, little could prepare the lifelong athlete for her own life-altering accident—breaking both legs in a gymnastics flip gone wrong in 2023. In the immediate aftermath, Mia faced uncertainty and anxiety. As the days and weeks wore on, she struggled with shifts in her identity, not to mention the financial repercussions of medical bills and keeping a small business afloat. But though there have been many dark moments, she found joy in striving, humor in her struggles, a deep sense of gratitude for her community, and fulfillment in unexpected endeavors—including writing a book, Becoming a Personal Trainer. And though she still isn’t sure how much of her previous abilities she’ll recover, she’s never short of new goals that keep her striving (up next, maybe: a pull-up competition!). Resources/links: Mia’s Instagram, website, and bookThe Medium post referenced, about her accident: A Comprehensive Review of Shattering Both Legs A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase. You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show. To access more resources for injured athletes: Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cardsAccess webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our workJoin The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updatesJoin The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderieLike The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodesEmail us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
