Nicole Berthiaume

On May 30, 2015 I was in a boating accident that turned my life upside-down. I went from being in the best shape of my life, to waking up in the ICU of Mass General hospital in Boston.. without my dominant right arm- followed by several lacerations to a majority of my body including a vertical slice to the bone of my left bicep causing significant nerve damage to the only hand I had left. I won’t lie and tell you everyday is easy, and that this hasn’t tested every character of my being, but I do see it for its purpose and opportunity. Opportunity, to help others who will walk in my shoes. To show that even when life seems impossible, remember your purpose and run with it. When I came home from the hospital I essentially had to reteach myself everything- brushing my teeth, cooking, driving, writing, laundry, getting dressed, make up , hair ..everything; and with very little guidance. Not to mention, the fitness lifestyle I had worked so hard for was right back to square one. Over the course of the next year I worked diligently to regain the ability to do the things I loved again. Today I lift, I ski, I cook, I am me again.

When I was in the hospital I had a strong belief that I would regain my independence and lead a normal life again, but I had no idea how I was going to achieve that. All I wanted was a place of possibility. A place that could roughly outline the journey I would be taking. A place where I didn’t feel like I was the only one going through this. I looked up to people like Bethany Hamilton, Lauren Scruggs, and Aaron Ralston who went on to lead incredible lives after their amputation. However, I couldn’t find that middle piece. The piece that told you HOW to regain your life, the piece that would tell me to be patient because with persistence and strong faith anything is possible. So, here it is.. Working out on a limb is a place of guidance, commentary, honesty, and possibility. I will have everything from life hacks such as putting my hair in a pony tail & cracking an egg- to fun recipes, workouts, and will be talking the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about this life. Whether you’re just entering this new life, currently living it, or just want to know how the heck someone can function with one arm..this is that place.