About
Major Joint Locomotion Fitness (or MJL Fitness for short), owner and personal trainer Matt Lewis uses his own experience and passion for pain management to help his clients achieve their fitness and physical health goals. Read about his story here!
Matt's Story
At the age of 12 years, I developed pain in my fingers, wrists and ankles and my mom noticed that they were restricted, sore and puffy. I was sent the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital for a proper diagnosis. I found out I had JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) which affects where the muscles, ligaments or tendons attach to the bone and commonly affects the hips, knees and feet.
Early on, I had to minimize my physical activity while going through monthly CHEO visits. Through my teenage years, I learned how to deal with my pain and keep up with physical activities. Through medication, sports and exercise, I began to manage my chronic pain.
In my adult years, I never grew out of my condition, but it is minimized through training. I work out every other day and am back doing the things I love - multisport athletics and most recently, marathon running.
I still try to solve my physical mystery every day by reflecting on - why I am sore, why I feel better after a workout, how can I align my body properly. Through this reflection, I created my program to manage my chronic pain with breath, joint movement, strength, cardio and static stretching.
I did not necessarily grow out of my condition, but I believe I have a chance to do so.
I designed my fitness program based on my own experience with chronic pain. I give credit to my approach to the power of fitness and movement.
I'm here to help you manage or eliminate your pain through physical movement. Will you join me?
Training Locations
With MJL Fitness, you have the flexibility to do your training sessions either in-person at Matt’s fully-equipped home gym, or online using Zoom.