Hey there! 💕 Have you ever looked back and thought, “Wow, I can’t believe where I am now?” If someone had told me a couple of decades ago that I’d be a certified Les Mills BODYPUMP instructor, confidently lifting weights in front of a class, I would have probably chuckled. Not because I doubted my abilities, but because I just didn’t see women like me doing that. I thought fitness was a young person’s game, and I assumed I’d missed my chance. But oh, how life can surprise us!
The Shift in Perspective
Fast forward to my 50s, and everything changed. After leaving my husband, I found myself at a crossroads, embodying that classic narrative of a woman transforming her life. A growing desire to feel genuinely strong—inside and out—took hold of me. So, one day, I walked into a gym and picked up a barbell. Little did I know, that one act would quietly change my life forever.
Now, here I am, years later, teaching BODYPUMP classes and feeling more empowered than I ever thought possible. I’m all about encouraging other women, especially those of us who are a little older, to reclaim their strength and pick up those weights! Who else is ready to lift? 💪
Breaking Down the Barriers
For most of my life, my relationship with exercise was what you could call ‘polite.’ I enjoyed walks, dabbled in fitness classes, and sometimes engaged in cardio. But strength training? That felt like a whole different ball game. I had internalized so many myths: lifting weights isn’t feminine, it’s intimidating, it’ll make me bulky, or worse—maybe I was just too old to start!
But as I stepped into my 50s, I started noticing changes in my body. I was feeling overweight, lethargic, and disconnected from my physical self. Then I stumbled upon some research about how strength training could improve bone density, muscle mass, metabolism, and even boost mood. While the science was compelling, at that moment, I just wanted to feel capable again. Thanks to the lockdown, I finally had the time to explore online workouts and kick off my weight training journey.
Once the world opened back up, I decided to join a strength-based fitness class. Spoiler alert: it was BODYPUMP! I stood nervously in the back, but as soon as the music started and the instructor led us through barbell exercises, something clicked. I wasn’t just moving—I was lifting, feeling utterly strong, and I loved it! Can you relate to that feeling of finally finding your groove?
A Journey of Empowerment
Starting weight training later in life isn’t just about physical transformation; it’s about a mental revolution, too. Society often suggests that women over 50 should take it easy, that we’re past our prime. But honestly? I feel like I’m in my prime right now!
I’ve never felt more resilient or in tune with my body’s needs and abilities. I adore seeing the muscle definition in my arms and thighs. Lifting weights has allowed me to rewrite my narrative about aging. It’s not a decline; it’s all about empowerment. Once I embraced that mindset, everything shifted.
There are countless reasons to lift weights as we age. It’s not just about looking good in sleeveless tops (though, let’s be real, that’s a nice perk!). For me, it’s about investing in longevity, vitality, and independence. I want to feel strong and capable as I venture into my 70s, 80s, and beyond. I want to keep pace with my kids, and weight training lays that groundwork for me.
As I dove deeper into BODYPUMP, I realized how much I loved the format—the music, the energy, the community. But most importantly, I thrived on the challenge. After a brief encounter with a fitness instructor who made me feel inadequate, I was determined to prove to myself that I could be more. I wasn’t a lifelong athlete, and I didn’t fit the mold of a typical instructor. But when my gym instructor suggested I train to become one, it hit me: perhaps that was precisely why I should pursue it! Representation matters, right?
I wanted to be the person who other women could relate to—someone who started later in life, faced fears, and pushed through self-doubt. Becoming certified wasn’t a walk in the park; it required commitment, learning choreography, and studying the science behind it. But honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Now when I stand in front of a class, I see community, and I see women pushing themselves to rewrite their own stories. Who else is feeling inspired? ✨
Lessons Learned
So, what have I learned from my weightlifting journey and becoming a BODYPUMP instructor later in life? Here’s the scoop:
- The biggest hurdle is often mental. You don’t have to be fit to start; you just need the willingness.
- Watching yourself grow stronger week after week is incredibly motivating.
- It’s not about punishment or vanity; it’s about investing in your health and future.
- The fitness world needs more diversity in terms of age, body types, and experiences. Your voice matters.
- You don’t have to wait to feel confident before taking the plunge—you do it, and confidence will follow.
Weight training didn’t just change my body; it transformed my relationship with myself. I stopped shrinking and started expanding. I stopped apologizing for taking up space. I became stronger, inside and out.
If you’re an older woman reading this and wondering if it’s too late for you to start: it’s absolutely not. Begin where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Don’t be shocked when you fall in love with your own strength. Because trust me, once you feel it, you’ll never want to let it go.
In what ways do you think strength training is empowering? Have you started any strength workouts after 50? Are you sticking with it? Let’s talk about it! 💪✨
