Dylan Mackie-Hernandez is no stranger to physical activity.
As a former high-level soccer player, movement and exercise were part of her daily routine. But when an Achilles rupture sidelined her for months, she was forced to confront something much more than just a physical injury. What followed was a mental and emotional journey that would transform her view of fitness forever.
“I was not used to not having my body work for me,” Dylan reflects, recalling the frustration of being unable to move the way she once could. The pain of recovery wasn’t just physical—it was mental, emotional, and deeply personal. But the journey didn’t stop there.
Rock Bottom Wasn’t Physical, It Was Mental
For Dylan, the Achilles injury wasn’t just a setback in terms of muscle and movement—it forced her to grapple with feelings of helplessness and loss. As an athlete, movement was part of her identity. To have that taken away felt like losing a piece of herself.
“I was in bed all day… It made me feel anxious, discouraged, kind of depressed,” she shares. For someone so used to having control over her body and being active, this was a harsh wake-up call. The pain, the inactivity, the loss of independence—it all built up. The physical therapy was important, but the emotional toll weighed heavily. It wasn’t just about healing her body; it was about rebuilding her confidence, her strength, and her mental resilience.
Why OTA: Finding a New Kind of Support
Dylan had worked with personal trainers before, but her Achilles injury changed the game. This time, she needed more than a typical workout routine. She needed structure, guidance, and a team of experts to help her navigate recovery and strength training in a way that was sustainable—and safe.
“I knew this was important enough to invest in at a more substantial level,” she recalls, reflecting on why she chose to come to OTA. Dylan wasn’t looking for another quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach. She wanted a program designed for long-term success, with the accountability and professional oversight she needed to safely get back on her feet.
From Guesswork to Game Plan
In the past, Dylan had often found herself wandering through workouts without a clear plan. Sometimes she’d overdo it, feeling great one day, only to pay for it with pain and setbacks the next. But at OTA, everything changed.
With Coach Colby’s guidance, the initial goal was simple: regain some basic strength and functionality. Starting with bodyweight exercises, they focused on reawakening her muscles, especially in the injured leg. The road was slow, but every little victory felt like a huge win.
“You helped me find the sweet spot between building strength and avoiding flareups,” Dylan says, grateful for the careful programming that prevented her from overdoing it. There were moments when her body felt ready to push harder, but she learned quickly that consistency and patience were key. Instead of pushing herself to the limit and dealing with the aftermath of overuse, Dylan embraced a more controlled approach. This new mindset helped her progress without the dreaded boom-and-bust cycle.
The Mental Shift: “It’s Not a Chore, It’s Who I Am”
The most significant transformation for Dylan wasn’t just physical—it was a mental shift. She stopped viewing exercise as something she had to “force” herself to do. Instead, it became something she integrated into her life in a way that felt natural, almost effortless.
“It doesn’t feel effortful anymore,” Dylan says, reflecting on how exercise has evolved from a chore into a non-negotiable part of her routine. What started as a struggle to get back into the gym became a habit that now energizes her. In fact, her perspective on fitness shifted dramatically.
“Exercise isn’t a choice anymore. It’s as important to me as eating healthy meals or getting sleep,” she shares. She had made exercise an essential part of her self-care routine, a must-do for her mental and physical well-being. It wasn’t about discipline or willpower anymore; it was about self-respect and the recognition that her health was worth prioritizing.
Final Reflection: Find Your Why
When asked about advice for someone just starting their own fitness journey, Dylan doesn’t hesitate. She believes the key to long-term success lies in finding your “why”—a reason that goes beyond just losing weight or getting in shape. For her, the shift from focusing on numbers to focusing on self-care was crucial.
“Once you connect to your why, that’s a transformative mindset,” she shares. Whether it’s strength, independence, or mental clarity, finding your personal reason for moving is what keeps you going—even on the tough days.
And for Dylan, that’s exactly what she’s done. She’s found her “why,” and it’s no longer about what she looks like or how much she weighs. It’s about feeling strong, confident, and empowered.