There haven’t been any drastic changes in my fitness journey – it’s been a decades-long evolution. Growing up in the 60s, girls weren’t encouraged to play sports, but that never stopped me; I participated in every activity, from neighborhood street games to tennis. In high school, I learned how to strength training with weight machinesDespite being the only woman in the gym. I also started running regularly in college. Getting stronger felt empowering and I loved the discipline that working out provided. But after starting my career and having kids, life got busy and my priorities changed. With limited time, exercise slowly took a back seat, but I still tried my best to do aerobic step workouts and other exercise videos before work.
As my kids got older, I got back into regular exercise in my mid-40s with some cardio, like boxing and Tae Kwon Do classes. Although I enjoyed these workouts, I missed feeling my muscles work and seeing measurable progress. I decided to get back into strength training to gain muscle And feel that sense of empowerment again, so I hired a personal trainer and we started working out together once a week.
While I had previous experience with weight machines, he taught me how to lift free weights. I also learned the importance of limiting what I ate to fuel my body rather than chasing a number on the scale. As I became more comfortable with free weights, my passion for strength training was rekindled and I began adding additional weights strength training workout at home I got online to complete our sessions.
After two years, I wanted a change, as well as more variety in my workouts. I was raising two kids while working a very hard job and I loved the convenience, disciplined approach, and variety that workout videos provided. So, I stopped working with my coach, invested in at-home workout equipment, and committed to P90X (now BODi by Beachbody)A rigorous 90-day program that combined strength training, cardio, plyometricsYoga, and stretching. I liked the depth of the program and the fact that it was accessible from home. Plus, it encouraged me to keep track of every workout, which became incredibly motivating. I thrived on structure, discipline, and weekly progress that helped me become stronger.
Week after week, I saw real progress—my rest time between exercises Got smaller, I could do more repetitions with heavier weights, and I also gained noticeable muscle tone. However, more than anything, I felt strong and powerful, and I fell in love with my workout routine.
Today, at 63, I am stronger and more confident—not because I changed overnight, but because I have evolved over the decades.
After several years of P90X and other Beachbody programs, I was ready to get back to one-on-one training and focus on heavier lifts. So, I started working out three days a week at Rye Health & Fitness (RHF), a local boutique personal training studio, where I have trained for over 12 years now. The staff supports and understands my cautious nature and desire to progress; They always inspire me and never let my age be a limiting factor.
I train three days a week, for one hour upper body dayOne lower body dayand one whole body day. i do a wide range of work Excited To activate my muscles, then my workouts focus on heavy compound lifts. bench press, squatAnd deadliftsMainly using free weights and cables. I’m especially proud of my progress with the deadlift – before, I could barely lift 80 pounds. But after three years of construction it became stronger progressive overload (Continually increasing my reps, sets or weight to get stronger), I recently lifted 200 pounds off the floor. Additionally, after years of training and practice, I have worked up to 10 without any assistance. pull ups.
On days I’m not training at RHF, I workout at home in pursuit of other goals and skills that push my limits, e.g. holding handstand Without walls. Handstand kicking is a skill I learned at age 60, even though I was scared of it, but now I can comfortably do handstand kicks against a wall.
I also want to master the ring muscle-up—an advanced calisthenics body weight exercises Where you pull yourself up from a dead hang and push yourself straight up onto the gymnastics rings with arm support. To get there, I’m following a program I found on Instagram and taking advice from some calisthenics experts I met on the platform. I’m currently trying to master foundational moves to build strength, improve coordination, and learn proper muscle activation.
My workouts now have the added intention of remaining independent as I age, which means continuing to build muscle, strengthen my bones (Especially since I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia), and keeping my mind sharp. I’ve incorporated jump training and salsa and shuffle dancing into my home workouts to improve my bone health, which I’ve noticed has really improved my memory. Plus, dance classes are incredibly fun and energizing and help me move in ways that lifting doesn’t. I’m not the best in the room, but dancing challenges my brain, coordination and agility. However, more than anything, it’s a fun social way to relax and unwind while still being active.
Products I Can’t Train Without
Wicked Fitness Bella Bar 2.0
Investing in high-quality workout equipment was a game-changer for my home gym, and my favorite piece is my Wicked Fitness Bella Bar. Its small diameter and versatility allows me to lift comfortably.
INOV8 F-Lite
Now 26% off
I prefer flat sneakers at the gym for better stability while lifting weights, and I swear by this pair.
New Balance Minimus TR BOA v2
Now 20% off
In addition to my INVO8s, I love this pair of New Balance sneakers because they mimic being barefoot, which allows me to feel force through the floor when lifting.
These three factors are the keys to my strength training success:
Over the years, I’ve learned that strength isn’t just built in the gym — it’s built with patience, in community, and by setting goals that scare you a little.
1. I understand that progress is not linear.
Although I love setting fitness goals, I also understand (and appreciate) that progress requires time and patience. If I’m distracted or my body is tired or sore, over a few weeks I may have to reduce the weight I use or reduce my repetitions in the gym, and that’s okay. Not every workout is perfect, and some days are harder than others, but progress doesn’t mean perfection. Sometimes I still struggle to get enough sleep, maintain proper nutrition, and drink enough water. But this journey is about daily determination and a lifestyle that involves showing up, being persistent, and putting in the work, no matter what. Every small effort succeeds because consistency creates real, lasting progress.
2. I find inspiration and happiness in my community.
Throughout this journey, I have built an amazing network of friends in my gym, dance studio, and on social media who inspire me daily. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive and inspiring community; We celebrate each other’s wins, share training tips, and cheer each other on every step of the way. My husband is also my biggest cheerleader; He encourages me to keep going on those days when motivation wanes. I have found so much value and joy within my community, and my journey of strength would not be as fun or rewarding without the support of others.
3. I set ambitious long-term goals.
I am extremely goal-oriented and able to safely face new challenges because they keep me motivated and help direct my workouts. Whether it’s working towards a deadlifting or pull-up PR, or mastering a muscle-up or learning a new dance style, I’m always aiming for my next big accomplishment. My goals are never easy, and sometimes they take years to accomplish, but they motivate me to be better, stronger, and improve every day. I’m also extremely competitive with myself, so there’s nothing more satisfying than celebrating a hard-earned victory.
It took me three years to crush a 200-pound deadlift, and it can take the same amount of time to master gaining muscle. But whether it’s adding an extra rep, a little more weight, or improving my form, I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins along the way because they build momentum and confidence. I didn’t change overnight—I developed strength year after year, rep after rep. And, at 63, I’m still creating.
Andy Breitovich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She is a massive consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, overall well-being and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she loves all things fitness and is currently a fan of Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
