Find A Way To Get It Done

Puravida Fitness • September 22, 2022

Find A Way To Get It Done

A man and woman are standing next to a yellow tape that says police line do not enter

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope"


There is always hope!


Winners believe that and find a way to get it done no matter the circumstances!


Nothing exemplifies this more than the "MIRACLE DAY" I saw with one of my clients in 2005. 


Other than my kids being born and my wedding day, this was the most memorable day! It happened back in October of 2005. I had the privilege of seeing my longtime friend and client Susan Peters achieve the victory of a lifetime! 


Susan was in a car accident in 1993 - hit head on by a snow plow which left her in a coma paralyzed.


Before the accident she was an active fit woman - loved riding horses, singing and working out. After the accident, she was a completely helpless person clinging to her life.


She spent the next 10 years in wheelchair unable to walk and having trouble speaking from the damage caused by the accident.


She then had to endure years of intense rehab and a divorce where her husband tried to take away the money awarded to her in the accident. 


I met Susan in 2000 when she showed up at my work - the Northwest Athletic Club. She was slumped over in her wheelchair and could barely talk. Her mom did most of the talking but we agreed to give training a try since I had experience working with people in a wheelchairs.


Right away I knew something was different about Susan. She had an engaging smile and great sense of humor. This was put to the test early on. 


She was driving her electric wheelchair home when she sneezed. This sent her wheelchair careening into the ditch where she ended up being stranded all night. She had such a low voice - no one heard her cries for help. 


Luckily it was a warmer part of the year and she was found the next morning. I called her while she was in the ambulance and she started joking about her "campout." That's how I knew Susan Peters was not going to feel sorry for herself! She was a fighter and had the attitude to walk again. 


So the training continued and slowly but surely. As she got stronger she walked from trainer desk to the first aerobic studio - about 10 yards. Then came the second studio - about 50 yards then around the track - about 200 yards. She was making real progress. Doctors said she would need the wheelchair the rest of her life but that was for the typical person suffering this type of injury. Susan was anything but typical.


One day in 2004 she announced she wanted to do a 5K. Many of the other trainers and people said "that's great" and smiled, but I knew they were just trying to be polite. They did not think she could do it. But I knew differently. 


We started to walk outside to help her adjust to the elements of and outdoor race like the uneven pavement, hills and weather. Most of our walks were at Earley Lake which was about 1.25 miles around. We mostly walked 1/2 to 3/4 mile but one day I told her we were going around the whole lake. She was game so we started the mission.. It was a hot day and she didn't do well in heat, but we pushed through.


Towards the end she wanted to quit. She was exhausted and her body was sore. She got angry and started cussing at me like a sailor. I made her finish and with a victory grin, she collapsed into my car. It wasn't pretty but we did it. It was a turning point. Even though she was tired she had reached a new level of confidence. 


So we did something big and bold. We signed up for the Monster Dash, a 5K race in Minneapolis around Lake Harriet. We dove into a well laid out plan of strength and balance training coupled with a walking regimen I had designed to build up her endurance. We also got more serious about her nutrition. She was an athlete so she needed to eat like one.


As the race drew near she was building momentum. It was cold and windy the day we went to train at Lake Harriet and that threw her off kilter. I called an audible because she was not doing well. Chiropractic care, a massage and active rest were a better way for her to spend the week before the race.


I called KARE 11 News to share Susan's story and they wanted to cover it. The night before my wife asked if I thought she would make it. My response was "I honestly don't know, but I know Susan will give 100% and that is all that matters."


We got up early on race day and got Susan stretched out and warmed up. The race scene was chaotic but we got to the starting line. I tried to have Susan rest as much as possible knowing she needed every bit of energy she had for this race.


The gun went off and we started the walk. KARE 11 arrived and started following us. Susan being Susan mugged for the cameras and talked a little good nature smack! She was killing it for the first half of the race. 


Then she started to wear down. But as she grew tired, a crowd of people started to gather to cheer her on. This was where the real magic happened. 


She stumbled, but would not give up. She knew she wouldn’t let herself quit and I was there to encourage her.


Then the F bombs started to fly as the pain in her feet and knees became unbearable.


Her tank was near empty... but she kept pushing through.


You know when you get your second wind? This was where Susan was when she saw the finish line. The crowd came alive with cheers! She came back alive and step by step made her way towards the finish line.


At that point The Minneapolis police had set up a special finish line using police tape just for Susan. She inched closer and the crowd noise grew louder. As she crossed the line I raised her arm in victory. It had been a long journey but she finished what she started! And I was so fortunate to be a part of it.


After the victory meal with her family and friends I finally sat down to watch the evening news. Susan’s amazing story led the news that night.


Watch the Kare 11 story here (scroll down for the original coverage in 2005


That day changed my life forever.


I learned the power of the human spirit.


I learned we all have super powers within us.


I learned that the only thing that stops us from achieving greatness is our own excuses.


No matter what your current circumstances are... you too can overcome.


If Susan can walk a 5K after being in a wheelchair for 10 years YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO GET BACK IN SHAPE.


So click the button below and let's find your way back to health with a SUCCESS SESSION!


Dedicated to helping you find a way,


Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

Building the Dock, Rebuilding Your Health

May 11, 2026
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since my dad passed away. When he was alive, his pride and joy was our cabin up north. For years, he handled everything—I just showed up, enjoyed it, and made sure things stayed clean. About a year before he passed, he handed it over to me. Suddenly, I was responsible for the bills, the maintenance, and everything that came with it. One of the biggest jobs every year is getting the dock in before fishing opener. My dad always hired someone to do it because it was hard work and honestly pretty technical. This year, I decided to tackle it myself—even though I hadn’t done it in years. I knew one thing immediately: I couldn’t do it alone. So I called a couple of friends who are far more mechanically inclined than I am. Thank goodness I did, because from the very start, things didn’t go smoothly. The old 1978 pump we use to move sand under the dock posts refused to cooperate. We had to troubleshoot, adapt, and figure it out together. Then came leveling the posts. One guy on the dock guiding, two of us in the water adjusting. Constant communication. Constant feedback. Step by step. It wasn’t easy—but we got it done. And now we know what works, what doesn’t, and how the process will go smoother next time. That entire experience reminded me a lot of what people go through when trying to improve their health, fitness, and overall wellness. At Puravida Fitness Lakeville , we see it every day. People walk into the gym motivated to lose weight, build strength, improve endurance, or simply feel better again. But too often, they try to figure it all out alone. They jump from workout to workout, diet to diet, hoping something sticks. The reality is that getting in shape is a process—just like building a dock. You need a plan. When we installed the dock, we had a clear layout and a process to follow. Without it, we would’ve wasted hours fighting the wrong problems. Fitness works the same way. Whether your goal is weight loss, strength training, or improving your energy, a structured plan matters. You need the right tools. For the dock, it was pumps, posts, wrenches, and teamwork. In fitness, it’s strength equipment, resistance bands, cables, recovery tools, and the right exercise program designed for your body and goals. You need experienced guidance. There’s a reason people hire a Personal Trainer . When things don’t go as planned—and they rarely do—having someone experienced to guide you makes all the difference. At our Health Club , our coaches help members adjust, stay motivated, and avoid the frustration that causes so many people to quit. You need feedback. During the dock setup, we constantly communicated to make sure everything stayed level and secure. In fitness, feedback is just as important. Proper form, accountability, and coaching help you stay safe while maximizing results. At Puravida Fitness Lakeville , we believe fitness should never feel like you’re doing it alone. Whether you’re from Lakeville , Farmington , Apple Valley , Savage , Burnsville , New Market , Elko , or Prior Lake , our mission is to help people create sustainable results through coaching, accountability, and community. From Group Fitness classes to one-on-one Personal Trainer coaching, we help people build healthier lifestyles through smart Exercise , consistent support, and long-term Wellness strategies. Because real change doesn’t happen randomly. It happens through a process. And just like getting that dock in the water, the right people beside you can make all the difference.

Move Better, Hurt Less: A Simple Daily Routine for Pain-Free Living

April 27, 2026
If you’re dealing with aches and pains, your first instinct is probably to move less and reach for something like Advil. But be honest—how well is that really working? Even if you make time for the gym or your local health club , most of your day is likely spent sitting. Whether you’re at work, in the car, or on the couch, those long hours in poor posture create compression in your spine and joints. Over time, that compression leads to weakness, tightness, and discomfort. And when your body feels weak, you feel stiff, sore—and older than you should. But what if the solution isn’t less movement… it’s better movement? As a personal trainer serving Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Savage, New Market, Elko, and Prior Lake , I see this all the time. The people who feel the best aren’t the ones avoiding movement—they’re the ones moving with intention every single day. Move More—With Purpose Instead of avoiding movement, try adding these 5 simple exercises into your daily routine. These movements are designed to: Decrease pain Improve mobility Enhance body mechanics Support long-term wellness and fitness Do these 6–7 days per week, and within 30 days, you’ll notice a real difference. 1. Deep Squat The deep squat is one of the most natural and essential human movements. It strengthens your hips, pelvic floor, and low back while reinforcing proper knee alignment. In many cultures—especially in Southeast Asia—people rest in this position daily and experience far less back, hip, and knee pain. How to start: Begin with 1 minute per day Build up to 5 minutes total Break it into shorter intervals if needed 2. Hanging Hanging from a bar is one of the best ways to decompress your spine and reset your posture. It also improves shoulder health and grip strength. How to start: Start with 1 minute total per day Progress toward 5 minutes 3. Jefferson Curl This movement helps your spine become stronger and more resilient by teaching it to move safely under load. A strong, adaptable spine is key for long-term fitness and weight loss success , especially if you’re lifting weights or staying active. Tip: Start light and focus on control—this is about quality, not heavy weight. 4. 90/90 Hip Rotation Limited hip mobility is one of the biggest causes of knee and low back pain. Most people lack internal hip rotation, which affects everything from walking to squatting. How to start: Perform for 30 seconds to 2 minutes daily 5. Thoracic Rotations (Thread the Needle) If your upper back is stiff, your shoulders and lower back will pay the price. This movement improves thoracic mobility and helps correct that hunched posture many people develop. How to perform: Do 10 rotations per side Why This Matters When you commit to moving better: Your joints feel better You gain more energy Everyday life becomes easier Your workouts become more effective Whether your goal is weight loss, improved fitness, or overall wellness , movement quality should always come first. Because loading poor movement with heavy weights or intense cardio is like turning up a bad song—it only gets worse. Ready to Feel Better? If you’re in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Savage, New Market, Elko, or Prior Lake and looking for guidance, working with a knowledgeable personal trainer can make all the difference. A smart, personalized approach inside the right gym or health club can help you move better, feel stronger, and stay pain-free. 👉 WATCH HERE to see how to perform each movement, along with variations for every fitness level.  Your Challenge Commit to this routine for 30 days. Then check back in. There’s a good chance you’ll feel like you have a completely new body—one that moves better, feels stronger, and hurts a whole lot less.

Finding Hope Again: Menopause, Weight Loss, and Hormone Balance at Puravida Fitness

April 10, 2026
This year, my wife Kymn and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. I often reflect on Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” That couldn’t be more true in my life. Kymn has supported me through countless ups and downs, and one of the things I cherish most is how she prays for me every night before we go to bed—it brings me a deep sense of peace and comfort. But over the past few years, things have been difficult for her. Her energy was completely drained. She would hit a wall regularly, and her body constantly ached. Like many women navigating menopause, these symptoms began in her 50s. She sought help, asked questions, and followed medical advice—but too often, her concerns were dismissed. At one point, she was told that simply following the Mediterranean diet would fix everything. It didn’t.  And I watched her grow more discouraged as it felt like her body was working against her. A Common Story for Women in Lakeville and the South Metro At Puravida Fitness in Lakeville , we see this all the time. Women from Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, and Elko come into our health club feeling stuck. They’re doing the workouts. They’re trying to eat right. They’re putting in the effort. But the weight loss isn’t happening. Energy is low. Motivation fades. The truth is—during menopause, women’s health requires a completely different approach. A New Approach to Women’s Health and Fitness This past winter, I connected with my friend Andreya from Toned For Life. She transitioned from running a traditional personal trainer gym to focusing specifically on menopause, hormone balance, and women’s health . Her approach includes: Advanced hormone testing Personalized nutrition coaching Customized fitness programming Root-cause solutions—not guesswork She shared story after story of women finally experiencing real transformation: Sustainable weight loss Improved energy Reduced aches and pains Renewed confidence That’s when I knew—we needed to bring this level of care into our gym. Kymn’s Breakthrough We enrolled Kymn in her program, and for the first time, we got real answers. Testing revealed: Adrenal burnout (low cortisol production) Low testosterone , affecting mood and energy Severe insulin resistance , making weight loss incredibly difficult This wasn’t about willpower. It was about physiology. With a personalized plan—including targeted support, coaching, and a pace that worked for her body—we are finally seeing progress. But more importantly… Hope is back. Why This Matters at Our Health Club As a personal trainer and gym owner in Lakeville , I’ve worked with hundreds of women. The biggest mistake I see? Applying generic fitness and nutrition plans to bodies that need specialized support. At Puravida Fitness, we believe: Strength training must evolve with your body Nutrition coaching should support hormone balance Weight loss should feel achievable—not frustrating Women’s health deserves personalized attention This is especially true for women in menopause. Introducing the “Are You Stuck?” Event That’s why we’re bringing something special to our community. I’m partnering with Andreya from Toned For Life and Dr. Marie Kolo, an expert in acupuncture and women’s health, to host an event designed specifically for women who feel stuck. If you’re in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, or Elko , this is for you. What You’ll Get: ✔️ A 7-day hormone reset plan ✔️ A home strength training workout plan ✔️ Real strategies for weight loss, energy, and hormone balance Event Details 📅 Saturday, April 18th ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Puravida Fitness (Health Club & Gym) 10551 165th Street West Lakeville, MN 55044 💲 Cost: $20 (100% of proceeds go to Lewis House , a women’s shelter in the south metro) Can’t make it in person? A webinar option is available. 👉 Register now and reserve your spot A Personal Mission I love my wife deeply, and I want her to feel strong, energized, and fully alive—not just today, but for the next 20 years. And I know there are so many women out there who deserve the same. If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, low energy, or menopause symptoms, please hear this: You’re not broken. You just need the right approach. At Puravida Fitness in Lakeville , we’re committed to helping women across Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, and Elko take back control of their health.