It’s Never Too Late to Take Control and Get Your Body Back

Many people live under the assumption that they are too old to start exercising, or make changes to their diet or daily habits. Sometimes, it takes a major event like a health scare to force that change, but that doesn’t need to be the case. It is NEVER too late to take control of your health. If you are that 50 year-old empty nester who has never done any real exercise you may think "there’s no point in starting now." But NOW is the perfect time to start.

I have an aunt in her early fifties who has struggled with her weight for many years. Throughout the years I have seen her try different diets, but like many people, she would go back and forth with her weight.

In her forties she found success with weight watchers losing 70lbs (no easy fete!), but eventually hit a plateau.  She had begun incorporating some exercise, mostly in the form of an exercise bike she had at home and walking her neighborhood, but still struggled to get her body to where she wanted it to be.

At 50 years old, after raising her three boys, she decided it was time to truly put her self first and take control. How did she do this? She ventured out of her comfort zone and tried something new. She began incorporating new forms of exercise. Going to the gym wasn’t necessarily her ‘thing,’ so she started with weights at home, in addition to her cardio. Eventually, she incorporated dance classes and yoga into her routine.

She was looking and feeling fantastic. Her quality of life was improving. For example, she was hiking and bike riding with her husband, something she had struggled to do when she was heavier, and began participating in wellness programs at work.

But here comes the biggie. After many years, she reached the point where she was comfortable in the gym. About five months ago she raised the bar and started trying out new classes that incorporated cardio, strength training and plyometrics. Anyone who has tried plyo knows it’s pretty intense.  Now, at 52 years old, she has joined a boot camp class!

After so many years of struggling with her body, she has taken it back! She is stronger, healthier and more confident then ever! She looks absolutely fantastic and her hard work has paid off! She is able to do push ups, burpees and sprints. Something she probably wouldn't have been able to do in her thirties.

I find her story to be an incredible inspiration for anyone who is struggling with his or her weight. Or, for anyone who wants to start exercising, but thinks they are too old. She could have easily given up at 50. She works full-time, has a long commute to work and doesn’t necessarily have an athletic background. But she made the decision to not make excuses and find the time to fit it in. She has the world at her fingertips and has learned that she is the boss of her body, and when you try and are determined, you can do amazing things.