Meet Laura Primiano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Primiano.

Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In the early 1990’s, when I started, fitness was all about weight loss. Strong was not the new sexy, skinny was in. Even still my interest in fitness was based on health and the science of how our bodies work. I was always drawn to the clients with health challenges, which brought me to graduate school to study Microbiology and Immunology, with the hope of curing cancer. Unfortunately, I did not. I found I could do the most good by returning to fitness and strive to help people with serious health issues, orthopedic injuries and limitations, and chronic diseases.

I’ve had the privilege of working with clients with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries, heart disease, Prader Willi syndrome, joint replacements, and cancer. It’s so rewarding to help someone regain their strength or give them the ability to care for themselves or get back to their favorite activities. I helped one client regain her strength, stamina and balance after a stroke, allowing her to care for her infant son for the first time since his birth, months earlier.

During this time, many of my clients and family friends were dealing with cancer diagnoses. I knew that exercise could help with reducing some symptoms of the disease and the treatments. Wanting to share my knowledge, I focused on fitness for cancer survivors and achieved the certification of a Cancer Exercise Trainer.

And as life would have it, I also had to focus on cancer in my personal life. I met and began a relationship with a man that I had so much in common with. We grew up in the same small home town in New Jersey before ever meeting and lived a few miles away from each other on the east coast for many years, through many moves. We finally did meet in Burbank at the golf course just three weeks after he moved to LA from NJ. It was like we knew each other forever. But soon he was diagnosed with stage 4, terminal Leiomyosarcoma. The next 18 months were an education in all things cancer, treatments and medications but more importantly how to get the most out of the time we have in life. His illness pushed me live those 18 months to the fullest, doing as many fun things as possible, alongside him, for which I will always be grateful. Since losing him, I am more determined and know my purpose in helping cancer patients through their diagnosis and treatment and after to feel their best and live their lives to the fullest.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a smooth road filled with ups and downs and loop-de-loops. I’ve been very lucky to have wonderful clients over the years and have stayed in this ever-changing industry for so long. I moved from the east coast eight years ago and had to start fresh in a place where I didn’t have a network or community. Although it was daunting, I forced myself to network, which led me to meet lots of great people.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
As a certified exercise physiologist and cancer exercise trainer, I offer in-home and skype one-on-one training. I’ve helped many people with serious health issues to feel better, gain strength and independence and enjoy their lives. Having worked in physical therapy offices and having a background in immunology have afforded me unique insights into the needs of my clients to improve their health and fitness. I also try to make training, which some find intimidating (or just horrible) as easy and positive as possible

I am very excited and proud about my new online fitness program for cancer survivors. While doing one-on-one training is very rewarding, it can be too expensive for some people.People dealing with cancer and treatments need a program that is accessible, convenient to their schedule, and one that can be done in their own home so they don’t have to travel or worry about being exposed to germs. My new cancer fitness program is designed specifically for those people to let them do what they can and help them to feel their best. It includes exercises, healthy food choices and mindfulness to help every aspect of their lives. It will be ready in January 2020

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that there is always something to do in LA, whether it’s hiking or outdoor movies or amazing museums. There are so many opportunities to see live entertainment, learn new things and meet new people. It’s lovely to be in a diverse city filled with interesting events.

As anyone who drives all the time, the worst thing about LA is the traffic. I do get to listen to a lot of audiobooks though.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LauraPfitness.com
• Phone: 203-988-1911
• Email: Laura@LauraPfitness.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/laurapfitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraPFitness/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/primofitness

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