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!