How My Mom Got Strong at 65 (and You Can Too)

My mom, Judi, is kind of a beast.

She’s always been a hard worker, which is a quality that we trainers try hard to cultivate in our clients, and it’s usually the difference maker when it comes to long term success with fitness. She retired from her first career a few years back and went right into a program to become a licensed veterinary technician (her dream job!). She’s super active in animal rescue as well.

Growing up, I saw her do all kinds of things for fitness…generally the things that women did in the 80s and 90s, like step aerobics and Buns of Steel videos…but she always busted her butt. She made it clear that being physically capable as a woman is important, a lesson I haven’t forgotten.

Three and a half years ago, she told me that she was ready to make some changes with her fitness. She had been diagnosed with pre-osteoporosis and knew she needed to get acquainted with some barbells in order to change that.

She also wanted to reclaim some of the muscularity she had decades prior.

But like anyone in her 60s, she was concerned that she wouldn’t have the stamina to do what it takes, especially given some lifelong autoimmune struggles. I explained that if she was persistent, her body would adapt to the training and she’d likely get stronger than she ever has been in her life.

Fast forward 3 1/2 years, and Judi is killing it. Has she missed workouts here and there? Of course. Did she ever complain? Oh, naturally! Did she want to quit? Maybe.

But HAS she quit? No. She’s kept with it, and now she has the tremendous progress and health benefits to show for it.

Last month, my mom celebrated her 65th birthday, and we “peaked” her three major lifts in May in honor of her hard work.

She squatted 190 lbs, bench pressed 107.5 lbs, and deadlifted 225 lbs.

Anyone who lifts weights can tell you that these are darned respectable numbers for any woman, let alone a woman in her mid 60s. Not only has her physique changed, her very active job as a veterinary technician is enhanced by her strength (lifting sedated 100-lb dogs, anyone?). Her posture is better, her bone density has turned back time, and overall she has the energy she needs to do what she wants. This is a woman I’m confident will be physically independent for decades.

I’m very proud :) I’m also inspired, because my mom represents the limitless power of persistence, and her fitness today is a beacon for my own future. I hope she inspires you too!

Please share this blog link with ANY woman (or any person) who’s been on the fence about lifting weights.