Think it’s too late to start fitness? Think again!
Marty and Denise are two women who continuously demonstrate that it’s never too late to start something and that having a friend by your side can make all the difference. For fun, we interviewed them to gain perspective on their tips for staying strong and active into your later years, what keeps them motivated, and what advice they would share with other women who might be too intimidated or think it’s too late to start taking care of themselves.
It was hard to get through this interview with all the laughs and giggles - these ladies seriously know how to have FUN!
How long have you ladies been into fitness?
Marty: I started coming to Encompass about 4 years ago. Before that, I had done some exercise, and I was a regular walker, but I was finding it just wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to be able to build some strength and make sure I was able to do as much as I could to delay the effects of aging, decrease my risk of disease, and also sustain my strength.
Denise: I started exercise just over a year ago. I was finding like many women do as they retire, that I was losing my sense of structure and routine and I was starting to drift a bit without a schedule. I wasn’t committing to make time for myself - I was sort of letting the day bring what it may. Now, I have something to get up and look forward to, and something to energize me for the day.
Truthfully, I had inquired about fitness earlier - but I was hesitant. Now, looking back, I wish I would have started much sooner… years sooner! I think I was so focused on all of the what-ifs. What if I can’t do something? What if it’s too hard? What if people judge me? I was also a little hesitant about making a commitment to it; but once you do make that commitment and decide to sign up for a year, there is no going back. What was scary initially is what gave me the accountability to keep going.
What has changed in your life since becoming more active?
Marty: My general sense of wellbeing; I feel good all the time and I feel purposeful and strong. I also get to do more and I have the confidence and strength to try new things that I otherwise wouldn’t have. Denise and I tried cross country skiing a few weeks ago - I don’t know that we would have had the confidence to try new things before. It really becomes a lifestyle that you don’t even really realize. It’s easy to take it for granted that I can do so many things, and that I can keep up with my grandkids and play, run, and do activities with them. I even have a photo with me planking and my grandkids on my back - what a great memory.
As an avid golfer, I can actually hit the ball so much further now too! Substantially further. I am so much stronger than when I was just walking.
They are just so much fun, and HAVE so much fun. Some days they even dress the same (unintentionally, of course!)
Denise: My mental health and just how I feel. I recently took a few weeks off and I really got to notice how you feel when you’re not exercising - the stiffness started to creep in and I just didn’t feel as good. Before I would have been laying on the side of the road if my grand kids asked me to chase them on their bikes; now, I can keep up to them, and I have even tried paddle boarding and kayaking with them - I never would have done that before. I love that I get to be involved in so many more moments and memories.
What keeps you going - even when you don’t feel like it?
Marty: Making the commitment keeps me consistent. Denise and I typically take turns picking each other up for the gym. Booking in for classes solidifies the commitment to going, and driving each other makes us accountable. When you have a partner to do things with - you are just so much more likely to do something. Like walking at 25 below (she laughed) - I might not do it by myself, but I will when I know someone is counting on me.
Denise: And we make it fun and we laugh. It’s one of the best parts of my day and it gets me going.
I haven’t achieved as many of my weight goals, but that’s not what it's about anymore. I am healthy, I am strong. It’s the strength and my ability to do things that I am grateful for and happy about.
What advice would you give to other women who might think it’s too late to start?
Marty: Not to be afraid or limit yourself thinking that you can’t do something because of an injury, age, or ailments. You are a lot more stronger and capable than you think you are (and there are always modifications that you can do to start from any ability).
Denise: Once you get started, you will feel so much better. There is a lot of fear in going to a gym. But the feeling you have once you get there and get to know the people (at Encompass) you realize that you come to really enjoy the people, and that they aren’t anything to be intimidated by. I was most nervous about the group setting and my body image, but it is so fun and supportive - no one is judging anybody. If anything, everyone admires everyone just for trying.
Also, making the decision to commit. I didn’t want to commit long term, and it actually prevented me from starting earlier.
Marty: I agree - making the decision to commit myself to something was the hardest. But when you do, you step over that line and it’s just so different. Once you’re committed it becomes a lifestyle.
Denise: Yes, make that decision to commit. It’s better late than never. You can always turn things around and get stronger and become able to do more.
Marty: And not to settle. It’s sad to me that some people can do just enough, and that it’s enough for them, or that they don’t realize with a little bit of effort they would feel so much better and they would be able to do so much more in life. I wish people knew how good they would feel if they moved their body even just a little bit more than they are.
Marty and Denise are truly inspirational - they are dedicated, consistent, and most importantly - they have so much fun starting healthy, active, and strong. They are a living example that it is never too late to start - and that doing so will add so much more to your life. We hope that you are inspired by their friendship and their zest for life.
P.S. Marty started attending the gym 4 years before Denise. Try not to get discouraged if you have friends that aren’t quite ready to make a change or commitment yet. Keep encouraging them, and hopefully at the right time they will join in the fun!