THL 💕

Be you .. What do I mean by this? If you start a new hobby, business venture, relationship or anything new; you may find people will be wary. In the past here’s some of what I experienced around my training (and from close friends and family).... What you train 5 times a week? I think it’s too much - Women are not meant to have muscles showing. - I think you’re too old to gain strength - You’re putting too much into training - You look better a bit thinner - You look better a bit fatter - You will get hurt lifting weights at your age - Why don’t you just do cardio? The list goes on. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve try to explain why I train. I have to explain that aesthetics is not my main drive. I’ve realised that people can feel uncomfortable with what they don’t understand or relate to. Some people would like to make changes but struggle with discipline. Some people don’t understand that gym goers, lifters etc go through many processes in their journey and it takes a lot of time. Moral of the story is go find your thing. Ignore the questioning, doubting and negativity that may come your way. Your life, your time and your body to do whatever your heart desires ♥️ Feel free to share any experiences you’ve had to endure when you’ve made a change for you. #beyourbiggestfan #fit50s #authenticitymatters #yourlife #ageisjustanumberbaby #liftingweight #womenwholift #positivewords #bodypositivefitness #dontbeafraid #fitover50andbeyond #betough #ignorenegativity

Do you work on ankle mobility ? I’ve reached that point in my life where mobility work plays a big part. Hips are another area that I try to work on before certain lifts or movement. What amazes me is how increasing your mobility seconds before you lift can help. I think the hardest part is recognising your “tight” areas and then incorporating them into your routine. If you work on your mobility it can bring benefits to your daily life too. But please remember we are all unique and have different strengths and limitations. It’s all about small improvements #anklemobility #mobilityexercises #ankles #movementtraining #homegymlife #fitover50andbeyond #adaption #healthyjoints #limitations #getstrongereveryday #warmups #keeplifting #50plus #flexibilty

So I’m back training after being ill with just over a week off. The scariest part was how stiff and achey my body was without training. It’s often not pointed out how exercise, particularly lifting can reduce pain, stiffness and help with our flexibility. I’ve done it myself (years back) when I felt stiff in certain joints, I’d miss training. I now know I feel better for training. Pain is a huge topic on its own. But I urge you to try and get moving and trial it out. Lifting is my pain relief, anti-depressant and spirit lifter all in one (the natural way) ♥️ So I’ll see you in the gym in my 80s (hopefully) #liftingweights #barbellworkout #bombshellsportswear #fit50s #jointpainrelief #menopausesymptoms #menopausefitness #strengthtrainingforwomen #getstronger #painreliefoptions #healthybodyandmind #thisis57 #trapbar #movebetter #fitandhealthy #nevertoolatetostart #tightmuscles

I’ve been training smart but hard lately. I’ve stripped back some of my lifts and tried to make adjustments. It’s slowly paying off. Some times you have to forget numbers and go back to your form. On a separate note I do get so tired of people saying do not go for a personal best on a deadlift if you over 50. Well I’m 58 in a few months and that was a PR. Obviously build up slowly. Pay attention to form and recovery. But don’t get caught up in the scaremongering on here re age and what you should or should not be doing. Happy pulling 105 kg today. #deadliftsfordays #deadlift #trapbardeadlift #ageisjustanumber #thisis57 #strongmoms #strengthtrainingforwomen #postmenopause #deadliftsandchill #strengthtrainingtips #getstronger #progressiveoverload #liftheavythings #progressisprogress #womenwholift #strongisthenewbeautiful #fit50s

Nice garage gym session Plenty of digging deep, support, encouragement and laughter. Sarah pulled 85kg for trap bar deadlifts working sets (that I forgot to press record)! Remember workouts should be challenging but also fun. #gymlifestyles #deadliftsfordays #trapbardeadlift #deadliftsandchill #lowerbodyworkout #trainingpartners #enjoythemovement #strengthtraining #progressiveoverload #strongwomenrock #strongwomenrule #gettingstrong #homegymsetup

A few big decisions that changed my life … The day I decided many many other things were more important than being right. The day I decided when it sure seemed like it; the things that happened in a swirling world around me, were not about me. The day I decided everyone was doing their best (rightly or wrongly). It helps having this perspective. The day I decided that no-one is a mind reader. If I needed or required something, then ask. The day I decided to stop complaining. If I don’t like it, fix it or accept it. The day I decided that after requesting, waiting, considering and questioning, that I am the boss of my own life. Gym shorts and top via @prozis (Link in my bio) 🩶🩷 #mindset #decisionmaking #mentalwellbeingmatters #gymwears #pinkshorts #fitness #productssentbyprozis #prozis #healthymindhealthybody #prozisuk #exceedyourself #lifestylechanges #fitover50club #fit50s #homegymlife #liftingweights #strongmama

I have to smile at photos. Especially those taken after a training session I think it’s important to know that a photograph, with a pump, a flex (or trying to) stood on your own; ie no comparison, can be slightly misleading. I think I look jacked here - well for me that is! However if you look back at my photos when I’m in normal clothes, you’ll see I don’t have big muscular arms. I’ve a narrow back. I weigh 123 lbs. Genetics gave me long limbs. But let’s get to the main part. I certainly feel strong. I carry heavy bags with ease. When I walk I feel strength throughout my body. I don’t fear falling. Trust me as you age that’s a good thing. Aging is inevitable Getting stronger is a choice It’s never too late to make that decision #strengthgains #50plusfitness #postmenopause #gymselfies #upperbodystrength #upperbodyday #investinyou #strengthtrainingtips #pinkleggings #fit50s #strongbodystrongmind #selfielife #howyoufeel #feelstrong #fitover55

Imagine …. If we stopped seeking the perfect workout. Or the session with personal bests on every lift. If we stopped waiting to feel totally energised before we exercise. If we stopped being critical on how we look rather than what we can do. If we stopped the thinking and waiting and simply took action If we shut down that inner critical voice and switched it to a voice of praise and compassion Imagine what we could achieve ❤️ I honestly believe consistency over perfection wins. Some of the strongest lifters have weak lifts. So when you next see a jacked person remember they will be weak at some thing that you’re strong at ! Deload finished for me. Excited for this program #gymtipsandtricks #mindsetreset #homegymlife #yougottatrythis #liftingweights #deloadweek #fit50 #beyourbiggestfan #postmenopausal #nevertoolatetostart #womenover50fitness #fitandstrong #gainingconfidence #gymlifeproblems #strongisthenewpretty #goodenough

Maintaining a lift This can be tough. This month I admit I’ve saved myself to prioritise other lifts. Hip-thrusts have taken a bit of a back seat. It’s been ok doing that. I did feel a bit skeptical at going heavy again. However I’ve been building strength with different rep ranges and other lifts; so today these felt good. Learning which lifts to progress with and which to hold back with is a skill. Your body does tell you. #hipthrusts #maintaining #gainingmuscle #glutesworkout #glutegains #barbells #liftingheavy #getstronger #womenwholift #fit50s #progressiveoverload #strengthgains #strongfirst #lowerbodyworkout #thethrustisamust #strongglutes #homegymlife

Can I build or add some strength without bulking in my 50’s ? …. Personally I would say yes. I’ve got to a body weight I can push hard at and fits in with my lifestyle. I’ll keep to this weight give or take 6 lbs either way. I am not competing. I have no specific goal or deadline. I just want to hang on to what I have and get stronger where I can. I simply enjoy training. This way most of my clothes fit well. I have energy to train hard as I see fit. I can eat out regularly. I don’t track macros but eat intuitively. I eat a varied diet with a focus most of the time (but not religiously) around protein. I walk my dogs but have no prescribed cardio or steps). At this point in my life this feels pretty dam good. #fit50s #thisis57 #strongandhealthy #postmenopause #liftingweights #fitatanyage #gainingstrength #liftweight #progressiveoverload #intuitiveeating #goodlifestyle #lifebalance #strongbodystrongmind #gainingstrength

Decisions Why training partners can help We both were not on par at all today for various reasons. So we were open minded in this session with zero pressure. When it came to the bigger lifts, we thought it through. Looked at how the warm up sets went; checked in how we were feeling and supported each other with whatever we chose to do. To sum up it was a great session. Progressive overload implemented and 2 happy people smiling as we got what we had hoped for. Training partners can cheer you on, pull you back if needed, offer physical and mental support and unload the weights. Remember occasionally it’s ok to ignore your mind and see what your body can do. You might be surprised #liftingweights #trainingpartner #homegymlife #testyourlimits #progressiveoverload #haveago #strengthgains #gainingmuscle #trustyourbody #fitandstrong #doitforthegains #bodyisatemple #gymsupport

Positive mindsets Before I had my family I worked at a hospital. I spent some time at the oncology clinics. The patients with cancer often had the least complaints. Some times they had the longest waits to be seen at the clinic. I was young and amazed. One lady told me that since her diagnosis she valued every minute she was alive. I’ll never forget that. We all have things going on that challenge us. But we do still have a lot to be grateful for. It’s very easy to get into that negative mindset of complaining about life. I believe it stops us from seeing the good around us. Every day I like to focus on what I’m grateful for. Be it my dogs, a good book I’m reading, or for the people I have around me. Then just let go of the rest. Margot my pup decided she wanted to be in the photos. Well after all she does steal the show 🐾 #mindset #positivitybreedspositivity #seethegood #gratitudepractice #over50style #50plusandfabulous #cockapooofinstagram #yourtimeisnow #healthylifestyle #gratefullness #bepresentinthemoment