Isabel’s Journey Back to Strength with long covid

It’s been a while since we shared a Rebounder story - and we are so pleased to spotlight Isabel and the amazing progress she’s made.

When she started the Baseline Program, Isabel was at one of her lowest points. She had been living with long COVID for a couple of years, which had taken away so much of her independence, and everyday tasks had become exhausting. But little by little, she committed to the process of rebuilding. The structure of the program gave her something to hold onto, and the support from Rachael and the community helped her stay grounded, even when things felt uncertain.

We’re so grateful to Isabel for sharing her story, and we hope it brings some encouragement to anyone currently in the thick of recovery.

Where were you coming from when you joined (and your main struggles)?

I was at a really low point when I joined Baseline. I'd had to stop work, and my movement had become so limited it was hard for me just to move around the house. Getting up to have a meal was exhausting, and anything beyond that was a real struggle or impossible. I couldn't stand or walk for more than a few minutes without my heart racing and becoming breathless. My muscles and head ached, I couldn't focus on screens or conversations and it was very difficult for me to keep a train of thought. I was really just trying to get through each day.

What’s changed for you since being part of Rebound and The Baseline Program?

Since joining Baseline in January, things have changed a lot for me. Change was fairly gradual at first, but I slowly and steadily increased my capacity over the first few months of the year. Then, after staying consistent with what I knew was helping me, some bigger shifts started to happen. I was able to walk more outside, go to the shops, do chores around the house. Then I was a able to socialise, re-engage gradually with work, and spend more time up and about as my capacity continued to expand. I am a long way from the place I was in.

What’s been most helpful or surprising about the support?

There are two things that I have found most helpful. The first is the structure that having the program provides me. Having set workouts I could aim to do several times a week, that I knew were designed for people with Long COVID, gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment, especially when I wasn't able to do very much else at all. That made me feel as though I was moving forward, even when the progress was imperceptible.

The second is the reassurance I got from Rachael and the community. When I really struggled with a setback or worry about how to try and increase my exertion levels, I was able to reach out to Rachael and she provided really good, clear, grounding advice that helped me focus on what I needed to do. The Baseline community has given me so much insight into recovery from Long COVID and related conditions that reaffirmed my own research I was doing and kept me going down that path, which has ultimately unlocked huge progress for me.

Where are you now in terms of movement, confidence, or general wellbeing?

I would say that I am now 70% back to full functional capacity. I am having some days where I even forget completely about the symptoms and am able to do everything I want to. I feel that I am really now in a place where I am building back my strength and overall fitness after being inactive for so long. There is still a way to go and I am taking care to build back sustainably. So I am still being mindful about how much movement I do, but I no longer fear the symptoms and I am fully confident that I will continue to build back even stronger than before.

Isabel’s story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear - but with the right structure, the right tools, and a community that gets it, healing and rebuilding is possible. 

We’re so proud of how far you’ve come, Isabel and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

P.S. When you are ready. Here are two ways we can help you:

The Baseline Program. Affordable programing that is not (graded exercise therapy) and coaching, to help you perform deliberate movement consistently and safely build back your exercise tolerance, keeping your muscles and joints healthy as you heal from long COVID, ME/CFS or other chronic illness's. Learn more.

The 90 Day Rebound Method. A unique reconditioning program for those no longer experiencing PEM and are ready to train back. You'll build back better than before with rock solid foundations, recover your exercise confidence and prevent injury. Take a closer look.