The Unexpected Gift of a Torn Meniscus: Finding Strength at 66 – Episode 006

The Unexpected Gift of a Torn Meniscus: Finding Strength at 66 Episode 006

“I feel more confident wherever I go. I feel stronger… I stand taller. I just now have a different air about me.”

In this inspiring episode of The Never Told To Live podcast, I interview Elizabeth, who transformed from a self-described “happy couch potato” into an avid lifter and strength advocate in her late 60s.

Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey that began at age 66 with a knee injury and a falls prevention evaluation.

What started as physical therapy for a torn meniscus evolved into a passion for strength training that completely changed her life.

A lifelong avoider of exercise who “hated sweating”, Elizabeth found herself unexpectedly falling in love with deadlifts and squats.

Listen as Elizabeth candidly discusses how strength training has improved her health conditions, including better diabetes control, while giving her newfound confidence and community.

She details her transition from rehabilitation to training at a powerlifting gym, volunteering with a women’s lifting initiative that teaches middle school girls about strength, and preparing for her first competition.

This conversation explores how it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and discover physical empowerment, even when—especially when—it comes from the most unexpected places.

Elizabeth’s story proves that strength training isn’t just for the young and already-fit, but can be transformative at any age.

DSM Barbell Club:

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Kaizen Health and Wellness

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Raise The Bar Initiative

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Don’t forget to check out the free masterclass at nevertoooldtolift.com/masterclass and subscribe to the Never Too Old to Lift YouTube channel for even more content.

📧 Got a question for a future Q&A? Email Chris at chris@nevertoooldtolift.com or drop it in the YouTube comments.

Other episodes I’m sure you’ll enjoy:

Episode 2: Strength Training 101: The Real Way to Build Muscle After 50

Episode 3: Midlife Nutrition: Eating for Strength and Vitality

Episode 4: The Right Dose: How Much Strength Training Do Older Adults Need?

Physiotherapy Appointments:

Come and see me for an in-person appointment to assess any symptoms you are struggling with, or simply to help get you started with strength training. Based in Harborne, Birmingham, UK. https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/

Chris Tiley

I am a physiotherapist based in Harborne, Birmingham (UK). I have developed a particular passion for introducing strength training to older adults and to anyone who thought that they would never be able to do it. I love seeing the results that they achieve, seeing their confidence grow and seeing how much it brings back to their everyday lives. (If you are interested in a physiotherapy appointment with me, go to https://christileyphysiotherapy.com).