My Hinge Health member story: Gered

Hinge Health is a new kind of digital clinic for joint and muscle pain and pelvic symptoms— one built around members, their lives, and their needs. And it’s backed by life-changing outcomes and real savings.

Here, meet Hinge Health member Gered, who rebuilt his life and health after personal struggles and injury. In this interview, he shares how daily stretching and ongoing support from his Hinge Health coach helped him regain strength, take on new challenges, and stay active with his young children — while inspiring others to embrace movement and self-care.

Learn more here about how Hinge Health can help your organization or to request a demo.

After two decades of personal struggles, Gered — a project manager and musician — made the difficult decision to turn his life around. “I got help, started therapy, began meditating and exercising, and reconnected with my faith,” he says. 

A simple prayer

Even as his mindset shifted, Gered’s body was still holding him back. His shoulder — injured during childhood, repeatedly dislocated, and still painful after surgery at 17 — was interfering with the moments that mattered. “I couldn’t even pick up my 3-year-old. As a musician, I need my body to play guitar, drums, piano — and as a dad, I need to keep up with my two young kids.” 

Gered sent out a simple prayer: “I need help.”

When the Hinge Health program appeared two days later in his employee benefits newsletter, it felt like an answer. “I signed up right then,” he says. “Within hours, I was connected to a physical therapist and Rose, my health coach.” That kind of support — without any hoops to jump through — lit a spark.

‘Preaching the gospel’ of stretching

Gered started with five or 10 minutes of stretching during work calls or between tasks at home and quickly felt his body responding. Stretching became a cornerstone of Gered’s transformation, helping him reconnect with his body. For Gered, stretching isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about unlocking new energy, confidence, and a sense of possibility — one simple habit at a time.

“Everywhere I go, I’m preaching the gospel of stretching,” Gered says. 

As weeks turned into months, he watched his strength, flexibility, and confidence surge. “I lost 35 pounds. I built new routines that included yoga, hot yoga, saunas, cold showers, weightlifting, and even Brazilian jiu-jitsu and ballroom dancing,” he says.

Gered felt inspired to take on bigger challenges. With his men’s book group, he launched a daily challenge: four rounds of 25 push-ups, sit-ups, shoulder touches, lunges, and kettlebell swings each day — for 100 days. “Discipline, determination, and dedication carried me — and I’m in the best physical shape of my life right now,” he says.

‘Presence without pressure’

For Gered, having a knowledgeable, encouraging coach was key. “Rose isn’t a drill sergeant — she shows up in my app with kindness, noticing my progress, giving tips, and cheering me on. That sense of accountability, but with real warmth, is what keeps me showing up. She’s like a guardian angel,” he says. 

‘I’m just getting started’

Turning 40 wasn’t a finish line for Gered; it was a beginning. “A lot of my friends saw 40 as game over — ‘we’re old,’” he says. But many of them were overweight or making unhealthy lifestyle choices. Gered started noticing much older people who were happy, active, and vital. “That’s what I want,” he decided, “to live fully and make the most of every year ahead.”

“I also realized that my most important job is being a dad. I want to be fully present and active. Now, I can play music and pick up my kids and chase them at the park,” Gered says.

Wisdom to share

Looking back, Gered has advice for anyone feeling stuck or doubtful. “Show up. Put in the time. Eighty percent of success is just showing up, and letting yourself fall in love with the process. The little steps matter. And don’t forget — the body and mind are connected. Meditation, movement, reflection — they’re all part of healing.”

Every time his children drop to the floor to do push-ups alongside him, Gered sees the ripple effect his choices have created. He’s not just in less pain, but more present and connected to the people who matter most.