“Being so proactive in the gym and training has given me a terrific mindset. I won’t let anything get in my way!”
Meet Roxy
This Lifter for Life post will introduce you to Roxy who has kindly agreed to share her story. Roxy tells us how she started exercise and lifting weights later in life. She then goes on to highlight the positive impact fitness has on multiple areas of her life.
Late Starter
Where to start?! I’m a very late starter to the whole of fitness world.
I was extremely overweight and joined an NHS (National Health Service) scheme set up to help people lose weight. This involved being offered access to a gym for 6 weeks.
During that time, I got absolutely hooked and went on to use a personal trainer. I went on to lose 11 stone and got positively addicted to the gym.
I was 54 when I started and am now 68. Fitness has changed my life! I was asthmatic and on 2 sprays, which I haven’t needed to use since I have been training.
I Started Small
I enjoy challenges, having started with little 5km events and have now moved up to other endurance races including Rat Race and the London marathon.
With weights I started small until I got hooked and then start to increase them. I am now able to deadlift 115kg!
Setbacks Along the Way
Being so proactive in the gym and training has given me a terrific mindset. I won’t let anything get in my way!
I have pushed myself to get back in gym after a total knee replacement and just 3 years ago had surgery to put in a stent following a heart attack.
My trainer got me back to the gym and it was hard. I felt like I was lost and was struggling with everything. Perseverance paid off and I am back running and lifting weights again.
What Motivates You?
I know I am not special at lifting but I feel like it’s me. I love it and I want to do more. Once you feel like everything been taken away, i.e. after the heart attack, you fight to get back where you were. It took me at least a year, but it made me more passionate about gym life. I now train 6 days a week.
I feel young at heart and my energy levels are high. I can’t imagine my life without this focus. Training is what makes me, and I love it, even though I didn’t start until late in life. I will never quit.
Any Advice for Anyone Wanting to Start Lifting Weights?
I would tell anyone just starting on this journey… Go and do it but don’t compare yourself to another person. Just be you and don’t ever quit, I have not and never will!
Has Roxy Inspired You to Start your Strength Training Journey?
Click below to access some free resources that will help you understand more about how resistance training could help you. You’ll also learn the first steps that you can take to start your journey.
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2 responses
Hi Chris, I was reading Roxys post today, she is a true inspiration, I know her due to training with the same personal trainer and have started lifting myself, my attitude to living a healthier life changed when I lost my husband 3 years ago he pased away with a brain tumour, exercise and training has helped me mentally and physically.
Hi Joanne. I’m glad to hear that you’ve found training so helpful for you mentally as well as physically. I’m always looking for more stories like Roxy’s to share. If you would be interested in sharing your story with the Never Too Old to Lift community then feel free to email me chris@nevertoooldtolift.com. Chris