We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jackie Varnum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Varnum, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of the Spectrum Performance brand is that we value authenticity. As providers, we show up as our authentic selves versus putting on a facade of a generic medical provider. This also encourages clients to let their unique qualities shine and allows openness about their needs and goals. We genuinely have similar values and hobbies of our clientele- wellness, humor, nature, sports, lifting, competitions. We are able to share that passion and walk alongside them during their health and wellness journey to reach their goals while also having fun!

The way the Western medical system is set up, it is challening for many medical users to feel heard by their providers. This often leads to poorer outcomes because the communication just isn’t up to par or there is low buy-in from patients due to the superficial interactions with the providers. At Spectrum Performance, we spend hours with clients and allow them to tell their story and ask any questions. This fosters a trust and partnership with our clients that inevitably leads to better outcomes. Most importantly, we enjoy humor and encourage clients not to take themselves too seriously. Medical care doesn’t have to be scary or stressful, it can be enlightening and fun!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Spectrum Performance aims to help all of our clients become strong, resilient, and well. We help barbell and endurance athletes keep training while addressing pain and improving performance. Based on our skills and experience, we are able to flex between rehab, wellness, movement coaching and programming to meet our clients where they are. So whether they are rehabbing from an injury, returning to training after having a baby, or wanting to stay healthy while prepping for a big competition, we are part of their care team to keep moving forward.

This niche is a special group of people to me because they are my people! Being a former college athlete then training in CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting for years, I understood the demands of these sports and the athletes’ mindset. There has been, hopefully less so now, a large push back from the medical community in supporting these high level individuals like powerlifters or Ironman athletes. If they experienced pain with trianing, they were simply told to STOP doing A, B or C (a.k.a. their hobby and probably biggest stress relief option). I saw this as a major problem and wanted to be a part of the medical community that is supporting this group of athletes.

I want the world to know that in the realm of movement, pain does not mean you have to stop everything. There are so many ways to continue being active while addressing the issues and then quickly getting back to what you love. If you are told to stop doing (insert favorite sport/activity here) then please, find another provider who will work alongside you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I was planning to take a friend around the city, I would start in my neighborhood of course! Avondale Estates is getting cooler by the day and has so many excellent options for food, drink and fun. Every day starts with a latte or cold brew from Banjo coffee and maybe an egg and cheese bagel. Then I always want to have some nature time, so hiking around Stone Mountain or the Roswell Mill are some of my favorites. In order to quench our thirst, we would likely stop at a brewery- maybe Lost Druid or Little Cottage. And of course, what trip to ATL is complete without a beltline stroll? There is a pick up window for Queen of Cream ice cream along the path which is to die for! Finally to round out the trip, I would go to The Tabernacle for a concert. There are so many great venues here in ATL, but The Tabernacle will always be my #1!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Big props go to Dr. Julie Granger, a colleage, friend and mentor. She has been a shining light in the process of creating Spectrum Performance! Julie has been instrumental in helping me create a mindset of love and empowerment that upholds my values. This is how I show up authentically every single day and why I love helping other people. She frames our work together through the lens of showing up for myself and showing up for others versus simply striving to hit a goal number of patients per month. The Spectrum brand wouldn’t be what it is today without her wisdom!

Website: www.SpectrumPerformance.fit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum.performance/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrumperformance

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/spectrumperformance

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