This Lifter for Life post will introduce you to Caroline who has kindly agreed to share her story.
Meet Caroline
I am Caroline and I am 65 years old.
In 2008 I had a fairly high pressured job in Education and was at the top of my game so to speak! I worked hard and long hours.
Then one morning I had a thunderclap headache! I suffered a Brain Haemorrhage! I spent the next 2 months in hospital, not remembering much or even knowing if I would make it out!
I had been fairly fit and I think this saved me.
After leaving hospital I gradually regained my fitness over the next few years, but it was a slow process. I had to retire as I couldn’t do the job anymore and so had to rebuild my life!
The hardest thing for me was retiring as I just wasn’t ready for it! Suddenly I felt useless, I had no purpose, no identity, my work had been my life!
My family all supported me bought me chickens, a green house and a Labrador dog. He gave me a reason to get up in the morning and made me get out in the fresh air. I trained him as a gun dog and used to take him shooting/picking up.
My energy levels were not good and I used to sleep a great deal in the early days and the years are all mixed up!
I saw a physio, acupuncturist (still see her and she has been tremendous in my recovery) and anybody who could help with my energy and fitness levels.
I started my gym membership again to go and do a bit in the gym but had no real focus at that point. I also used to do some yoga classes, swimming sessions and then started Spinning! It was about this time I stopped drinking!
What Does Your Exercise Routine Look Like Now?
Now I spin, go to the gym, do Pilates, weight train and go cycling (usually about 20 miles sometime more).
In all I exercise 5 times a week.
Currently I am strength/weight training once a week. My aim is to build muscle and loss some fat.
I want to see a difference and be stronger. I feel good and have noticed that my joints don’t ache as much as before, although sometimes I feel stiff in the mornings!
I still get tired but know when to stop.
I would encourage anyone to start strength training it really does make you feel better!
