August 31st 2024.
As I approach the age of 50, I have never felt stronger, more confident, and in control. And I have one thing to thank for it - strength training. It all started during my first gym induction, when the personal trainer asked me how much weight I wanted for the shoulder press machine. I confidently said 20kg, but to my surprise, I couldn't even move it. I had to lower it to 10kg, then 5kg, and eventually I had to remove the additional weight completely. It was a humbling experience, but I knew I had to start from somewhere.
Slowly but surely, I kept at it and saw my strength improve over time. My initial goal was to be able to lift 20kg, and about a month after my induction, I achieved it. But then, I surpassed it. This was the motivation I needed to keep going - a clear sign that I was making progress. And now, about six months later, I can confidently push 50kg on the shoulder press machine. Who would have thought that a woman approaching 50 could feel stronger than ever, more confident, capable, and in control - all thanks to strength training?
I have always been a sporty person, playing hockey, doing athletics, and swimming while growing up. I even joined my local gym in my teens. And as someone who worked as a physiotherapist's assistant, I already had an appreciation and awareness of the importance of strength training. However, when it came to the weights section, I found myself actively avoiding it. I gravitated towards what I was comfortable with - the cross trainer, stepper, and treadmill. The weights section, on the other hand, was something I seemed to always shy away from.
Every time I looked over at it, I started to overthink things. Will people judge me? What weights should I lift? Will I do it wrong? I also caught myself subconsciously judging the people in that section, assuming they were there for all the wrong reasons - to show off their muscles rather than to be healthy and fit. I created stories in my head about their vanity and egos, without even knowing anything about their lives. But now, I realize how wrong I was to judge them.
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As I became more comfortable with strength training, I realized that my fear of the unknown had reduced and my confidence had increased. I became a regular in the weights section and started to see real progress. Within six months, I had increased my weights on all the machines and could do more for a longer period of time. It was way beyond what I thought was possible. And my initial fears of getting hurt or looking too muscular disappeared. Instead, I saw my legs becoming leaner and stronger, and I started to value and appreciate my body for its strength rather than focusing on a dress size.
This newfound love for strength training led me to become a personal trainer in 2022. I had always wanted to do it, but it felt like the right time to educate myself on movement for optimal health. I also started seeing my own PT to help build my confidence with strength training. Every gym session, I made sure to connect with the gym instructors, making it easier to ask questions and navigate the weights section. And with time, my fear of the weights section completely disappeared.
I want other women in my age group to discover the benefits of strength training like I have. I often see women hovering around the weights area, looking self-conscious and embarrassed. But they don't have to be. For menopausal women, starting strength training can seem daunting, especially with symptoms like low mood, fatigue, hot flushes, and reduced bone density. But I promise, it's worth the risk. Personally, I feel more energized, stand taller, and feel stronger in my core. I also have a better connection with others and more pride in my accomplishments. And the sense of achievement I get from strength training fuels my inner drive for success.
We are all different, and our motivations for strength training may vary. While gyms and the health industry can support and encourage us, it's ultimately up to us to take the first step. It's never too late to try something new, and it's not a race. Take your time to warm up, cool down, make a plan, set clear goals, educate yourself, and focus on technique. And most importantly, enjoy yourself! I promise, you're stronger than you know.
Do you have a similar story to share? Feel free to reach out by emailing jess.email. And don't forget to share your views in the comments below.
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