At the start of 2025, approaching my 70th Birthday I realized I needed to take the care of my body that I’d ignored for too long.  Overweight, and struggling to keep up with my grandchildren, I rededicated myself to getting healthy. I started looking for a gym to join where I would feel comfortable: something geared to mature women. I saw an ad on Instagram for Aspire and, as they say, the rest is history. Now, over a year later, I know I made the right choice.

At first every set and rep was a struggle.  I couldn’t find my balance on many, couldn’t hold a plank, and felt a bit overwhelmed, but with the guidance of my super coaches and showing up even when I didn’t want to, I started seeing a real difference. I learned correct positioning, how to isolate my muscles for control and slowly gained strength. My husband started to comment on my improvement and how good I was looking. At the same time, I had completely changed my diet. I started eating with portion control and learned what my body needed and didn’t.  The combination of dedicated workouts and diet made all the difference in the world. I’m now dedicated to healthy living.

Each accomplishment makes my resolve stronger. Progressing with increased weights, finding the reps getting easier, knowing how far to push myself without injury, and being able to wear clothes in sizes that I haven’t in years. My friends have commented on how much more confident I seem and how much more smoothly I move.  I’m feeling like my younger self again. I’m 40lbs. lighter in a little over a year without using any weight loss drugs and gained muscle while losing fat. The support and encouragement of the wonderful women that show up and put in the work at Aspire, taking the journey together, is something that would keep anyone motivated!

I’m striving to stay healthy, giving myself the benefit of a fit body which becomes even more important as we age. Self-care: mentally, emotionally and physically is especially important for women as we are usually the caregivers and we sometimes forget about our own needs.  When you feel good, you enjoy living more.  I’m appreciating the little things like the mental clarity at work, enjoying long brisk walks without being out of breath and bopping up the stairs or playing tag with the grandkids. And I’m looking forward to wowing everyone at my son’s wedding next month. See you at the gym!