In 2020, the pandemic was in full swing, and I was spending all day sitting in my apartment. My husband had recently passed away from lung cancer, and I spent the five years prior doing everything I could to get him well. While I don’t regret the way I dropped everything for my husband, my self-care had fallen by the wayside during this time.
I had prioritized working out my entire life, but I no longer felt confident and strong in my body. Because pandemic restrictions were in place, I wasn’t able to go out or socialize. I found comfort in the isolation.
Luckily, my children recognized this as depression, and jumped in to help. They convinced me to move into a cottage house on my son’s property, which I now realize was the best thing I could have done.
It took getting out of the space my husband and I shared to realize just how unhappy I was, and how little I’d been taking care of myself. After the move, I started eating healthier and feeling better, so I decided it was time to go back to the gym.
For the first time, I started focusing on building strength.
Before my husband’s illness, I spent years doing workout classes focused on low-impact exercise and stretching. There was a Crunch gym conveniently located near my house, and I immediately noticed that the classes looked completely different than they used to. Instructors focused on form, weightlifting, and strengthening muscles.
I began attending different classes at the gym four to five times a week, trying everything from resistance training to Pilates to yoga. I loved having a daily schedule and being in a community where people encouraged and cared for each other.
I felt the effects in my body quickly. My legs stopped aching and had more muscle tone. I saw my abs emerging. I noticed how much stronger I felt while playing golf with my friends, and even dared to try pickleball.
Working out also significantly improved my mental state. I felt so much more alive and was so much happier waking up in the morning. My confidence returned as my clothes started fitting better. I also noticed how much better I was sleeping after using my body during the day.
The community at Crunch empowered me to prioritize nutrition and longevity in a whole new way. Once I began researching how to best nourish my body, I started prioritizing protein and limiting my sugar and carbs. I don’t completely limit myself—I’m 75 years old and deserve a sweet treat now and then! But I have noticed how much fuller and more satisfied I am when I focus on eating protein throughout the day.
Now, I go to workout classes 6 days a week.
I love the variety in workout classes offered at Crunch, and I take advantage of this throughout the week. On Mondays, I do a “Hustle and Muscle” class where we focus on upper-body strengthening. I’ve been going to this class for a few years now, and I am so proud of the progress I’ve made. I started out using five and seven-lb weights, and now I’ve leveled up to 10 and 12-lb weights.
I do a TRX band class on Tuesdays, which I love for bodyweight exercise. On Wednesdays, I do Pilates. On Thursdays, I do a lower-body and abs strength training class. I end my week with an empowering yoga class on Fridays. Sometimes I add in an upper body and abs class on Saturday, but I always leave Sunday as my recovery day.
Cardio is incorporated into all of the classes, but I also get my heart rate up by playing pickleball and golf on the weekends.
My Go-To Workout Products
It took me a long time to find sneakers that had a wide toe box and good arch support, but I’ve settled on this pair from Saucony and love them!
Athleta is my go-to for workout clothes. I love how their leggings are tight and sculpting but breathable. Plus, they come in such fun colors.
These 3 things have helped me stay consistent in my routine.
Find the people who motivate you.
When I began attending the same classes consistently, I noticed the same group attending each week. I began looking forward to chatting and socializing with my newfound gym friends. As the oldest in the class, I love hearing my friends’ perspectives on things, whether it be on new slang, current fashion trends, restaurant openings, or world events.
I strongly suggest everyone find people with whom they can share conversations and laughter, who will also encourage them to lift a few pounds more. It keeps me feeling alert and alive.
Present your best self to the world.
When I first started going to Crunch, I would quickly wash my face, throw on whatever clothes were on top of the pile, and head out the door. But as I began going more frequently, I started investing in nicer workout clothes and putting on some lipstick before leaving the house.
When I spend a few minutes touching up my appearance in the morning, I feel ready to attack the day. My newfound confidence made me brave enough to try so many new classes and activities.
It may seem silly, but taking time in the morning to present my best self to the world makes me feel powerful. A little bit of lipstick can go a long way for your mental state.
Stay present.
Being almost 76 years old, I’ve begun losing my friends and family. It’s been almost eight years since my husband passed away. It’s easy to get caught up in depressing things, but I continue to put one foot in front of another and follow my routine. Working out has allowed me to ascend from the frail person I was a few years ago and become a healthier person, physically and mentally. I eat properly and get good sleep. I work out to stay limber, be able to stand up when I fall, keep my blood flowing, and to be able to wake up every day and greet the sunshine.
I allow myself to be a work in progress every day, and do my best to take control of the vibe I present to the world.
