Dear Ruth,

After years of stepping back from high-intensity workouts due to long COVID, I’ve recently felt a shift — I’m finally getting the urge to challenge my body a bit more. A huge part of that progress is thanks to a full year of your classes. They've truly helped rebuild my energy — thank you!

That said, a couple of weeks ago I was invited by a friend to try an F45 class, and while I held my own during the workout (weights, cardio, endurance — I crushed it!), the aftermath was something else entirely. Within an hour, my body went into what felt like a total relapse — extreme brain fog, deep aches, and overall pain, almost like I had COVID all over again. Three weeks later, I'm still recovering from it.

So now I’m trying to figure out how to move forward. I’d love to incorporate some higher-intensity strength work into my routine — something I can do weekly when I’m feeling up for a push — but in a way that won’t shock my system. Ideally, something I could do under your guidance that’s grounded in safety but still gives that strength and energy boost I miss.

Also, for a little vanity, I’d love to target my inner thighs a bit more. 😄

Any thoughts? Thank you! 

Hey Ruth! Have you ever experienced or had any of your students experience pain when they are trying to lay on their side? My hip bone area is so sensitive I can barely put any weight on it. I don't know if it is a joint issue or a muscle issue but it is really frustrating me and I'm wondering if I need to see a doctor, but wanted to see if this was something common first.