I got fit in my 50s – I hadn’t exercised in decades & thought it was over for me but you can teach an old dog new tricks
A GYM rat who has been out of the gym for decades has revealed she wants to inspire older women to get fit.
Starting a regular exercise regimen in her 50s, she says it’s never too late to start.
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Fitness influencer Gabrielle Osborne (@gabrielle_osborne) aims to eliminate the stereotype that older women are not strong.
After getting in shape at the age of 50, she shared 4 lessons learned in the process.
“First thing: It’s not too late,” she began clip.
“I really thought it was over for me physically.”
Admitting that she had not exercised properly in 10 to 20 years, she assumed she would never exercise again.
“I thought that was it, I could never build muscle. I missed it and I can never get well again.
“There was no way I thought that now, after a few years of returning to swimming, I could compare to when I was a teenager.”
In addition to achieving her speed goals, she said she was able to lift heavier weights than before.
“Number two: Regardless of what the old adage says, you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
She said that at this age, she knows more than ever.
“I have gained more skills in the last few years than in the rest of my life.”
Gabrielle notes that she relearned how to do a handstand after 35 years, relearned how to do the clean and jerk, and relearned many of the fitness movements in Crossfit.
“My point is, whether it’s horseback riding or Zumba, taekwondo or javelin throwing, if it’s something you want to do and you’ve turned it down because you’re too old to learn how to do it, then you don’t.”
The third thing she learned is that physical fitness has a positive impact on her mental health.
“My exercise is really the foundation of my mental well-being.”
And her fourth lesson is that it’s not as embarrassing as she imagined.
“The idea is that, as an older person, you will embarrass yourself or people will laugh at you. My experience is the opposite of that.
“I’ve loved every moment of this fitness journey and the people I’ve met. Everyone was very supportive.”
Viewers loved her confidence and agreed with her findings.
“Couldn’t agree more. I ran my first marathon at age 47. Your story is so inspiring,” one person wrote.
“Absolute legend,” another praised.
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