I recently turned 50 which feels like an important milestone to celebrate.
Somewhat unconventionally, I started my day with work – an early morning personal training session with a client. I did take a bit of time off later to celebrate, but starting the day that way felt right. How better to start my sixth decade by doing something new that I feel positive and energised about?
I keep coming across articles about how people in their 50s feel sidelined and undervalued, their experience set aside in favour of younger people.
I was really nervous that coming into personal training in midlife I would struggle to compete with people who were younger, stronger and fitter. And yet I’ve got off the ground really quickly, exceeding expectations by picking up several clients in my first month of working as a PT. My coaching experience definitely helps here, and the time I’ve taken to build solid skills as a PT.
But I feel I’ve also been lucky to find a field where my age is actually an asset.
There’s a real wave of interest from mid-life women in exercise and especially strength. They’re motivated to train and willing to invest in getting good advice.
And I know what they’re going through first hand.
Coming back from injury and time devoted to family.
Juggling life and training.
Adjusting to the recovery that our bodies need as we age.
Visiting the loo before you start jumping around!
And I know the sheer joy of defying aging by becoming stronger and faster with each passing month.
And it’s not a coincidence that in recent weeks I’ve felt my increasingly silver hair isn’t something to hide, but a way to signal I’m part of that group of women. Women whose stories are written in their bodies – in their laugh lines, their scars, their stretch marks – but who are writing strong and energetic chapters as they make the most of midlife.
A group I’m proud to work with, and to be part of.
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