There I was, just another day, when suddenly my knee had a temper tantrum—popping, clicking, and protesting with certain movements. There was no dramatic injury, just a persistent nagging pain that wouldn’t let up. I tried everything from cold laser therapy to my trusty TENS unit, but relief was elusive. Ignoring it seemed like a plan at first, but eventually, I had enough of pretending everything was fine.
Come January, it wasn’t about New Year’s resolutions—it was about reclaiming my body from discomfort. What inspired this turnaround? Well, a few things shifted the tides. First, my husband had taken up weightlifting, and the competitive spirit between us sparked my interest. Second, turning 58 this year was a nudge from the universe, reminding me it was time to focus on muscle-building, balance, and stability. And perhaps most importantly, it dawned on me just how long it had been since I intentionally prioritized my fitness.
Armed with a newfound determination, I bought an array of hand weights and explored a senior-friendly exercise channel on YouTube (which admittedly made my ego wince a bit). Holding 2-pound weights, I began a daily morning routine. Starting small—just ten minutes at first, or even with no weights—soon grew to heavier weights and longer sessions. Today, my mornings include a 30-minute workout led by a dazzlingly fit woman in her 60s, with weights reaching up to 20 pounds.
Now, I work out 5–6 mornings a week. I integrate weights into my routine three days a week, keeping things low-impact and modifying as needed, honoring my body’s cues for recovery. Although initially, visible changes were scarce, as months passed, muscle tone appeared, endurance increased, and the joy of daily workouts became a treasured part of my day.
So why share this journey? Because every one of us has aspects of health and wellness that need nurturing. It’s easy to assume that as a chiropractor and therapist, I’d have a seamless relationship with my body. Truth is, just like anyone else, I must consistently choose self-care and apply the knowledge I share with others to my own life.
Throughout my life, I’ve been actively engaged in rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. But time and a couple of decades caught up with me. The agility of youth faded into the reality of middle age. Coming face-to-face with arthritis and a stubborn knee joint was a wake-up call.
As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes paramount. Starting in our 30s, we lose about 1-3% of lean muscle annually. By mid-life, the loss can be staggering. Without lean muscle, we risk balance issues, weaker joints, and reduced energy essential for overall health.
The good news? It’s never too late to start. Begin where you are and build progressively. Today, not only do I feel stronger, but I am more confident than ever.
So, to you, dear reader: whatever your phase of life, let's embark on this fitness journey together. Start small, commit to the process, and rediscover the joy and empowerment that fitness brings. Here’s to becoming our best selves, at any age.
Come January, it wasn’t about New Year’s resolutions—it was about reclaiming my body from discomfort. What inspired this turnaround? Well, a few things shifted the tides. First, my husband had taken up weightlifting, and the competitive spirit between us sparked my interest. Second, turning 58 this year was a nudge from the universe, reminding me it was time to focus on muscle-building, balance, and stability. And perhaps most importantly, it dawned on me just how long it had been since I intentionally prioritized my fitness.
Armed with a newfound determination, I bought an array of hand weights and explored a senior-friendly exercise channel on YouTube (which admittedly made my ego wince a bit). Holding 2-pound weights, I began a daily morning routine. Starting small—just ten minutes at first, or even with no weights—soon grew to heavier weights and longer sessions. Today, my mornings include a 30-minute workout led by a dazzlingly fit woman in her 60s, with weights reaching up to 20 pounds.
Now, I work out 5–6 mornings a week. I integrate weights into my routine three days a week, keeping things low-impact and modifying as needed, honoring my body’s cues for recovery. Although initially, visible changes were scarce, as months passed, muscle tone appeared, endurance increased, and the joy of daily workouts became a treasured part of my day.
So why share this journey? Because every one of us has aspects of health and wellness that need nurturing. It’s easy to assume that as a chiropractor and therapist, I’d have a seamless relationship with my body. Truth is, just like anyone else, I must consistently choose self-care and apply the knowledge I share with others to my own life.
Throughout my life, I’ve been actively engaged in rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. But time and a couple of decades caught up with me. The agility of youth faded into the reality of middle age. Coming face-to-face with arthritis and a stubborn knee joint was a wake-up call.
As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes paramount. Starting in our 30s, we lose about 1-3% of lean muscle annually. By mid-life, the loss can be staggering. Without lean muscle, we risk balance issues, weaker joints, and reduced energy essential for overall health.
The good news? It’s never too late to start. Begin where you are and build progressively. Today, not only do I feel stronger, but I am more confident than ever.
So, to you, dear reader: whatever your phase of life, let's embark on this fitness journey together. Start small, commit to the process, and rediscover the joy and empowerment that fitness brings. Here’s to becoming our best selves, at any age.
If you are interested in finding out who I follow and work out with and how I created a fitness routine that I actually love, drop a comment and let me know. And, of course, if you want a little more support for fitness or just health overall I love to help women navigate mid-life and beyond with ease and joy. Feel free to jump onto my schedule, here, for a quick connection call.
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