Always on the move, rarely a break — and suddenly the back locks up: Yağmur knows the feeling when your body no longer cooperates the way you want it to. In conversation with MKLR., she openly shares how she used to experience her daily life — and how she managed to become more mobile, pain-free, and above all, more relaxed, step by step.

MKLR: Yağmur, when you think back to the time before coaching — how were you feeling physically?

Yağmur: Honestly? Not great. I had lower back pain almost every morning, everything felt stiff as soon as I got up. It sounds trivial, but even tying my shoes became uncomfortable. My job didn’t help: lots of sitting, lots of travel, never any real time for movement. I kept telling myself I’d start working out, but after long workdays I was just exhausted. Over time, it got worse, and I barely had any balance left.

MKLR: Was there a moment that felt like a turning point for you?

Yağmur: Definitely. It was during a business trip, once again in a hotel. I tried to tie my shoes in the morning — and my back pulled so sharply that I thought, “Okay, what now?” That moment made it clear: this can’t go on. A friend then recommended MKLR. — she’d had a great experience herself. At first, I was skeptical because I really didn’t want another generic online program. But she said it was completely different, much more personal. That got me curious.

MKLR: What was your start with MKLR. like — how did the first coaching session go?

Yağmur: Super relaxed. From the beginning, I had Merlin as a dedicated coach — that made a huge difference. In the first session, it wasn’t about workout plans at all, but about how I was actually doing — physically and mentally. We then figured out together how I could realistically integrate movement into my daily life without turning everything upside down. In the end, it was small morning routines, short breaks during the day, exercises I could even do in a hotel room. Nothing overwhelming — more like, “Hey, I can actually do this.”

MKLR: And how has your daily life changed through the coaching?

Yağmur: More than I expected! After a few weeks, I had much less pain and was way more flexible. That stiff feeling in the morning was gone — and for the first time in ages, I trusted my body again. It might sound cheesy, but I suddenly knew: I can do something about this and stay consistent even during stressful times. And Merlin is incredibly supportive — it never feels like pressure, always like “We’re doing this together.” That personal support really makes the difference.

MKLR: What would you say to others dealing with similar issues?

Yağmur: Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom! You don’t need to wait for a full-blown pain crisis to get started. My biggest insight was: it’s often the small, smart steps that really help — not the big overhaul. Today, I’m free of chronic pain, much more mobile, and have more energy for everything that comes my way. And honestly: I never expected that.

Almost everyone knows the feeling of a nagging back — but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Yağmur’s story shows: you don’t need a radical transformation, just the courage to begin — and someone to support you along the way.

Would you like to share your own experience or have questions for Yağmur or our team?

Feel free to reach out!