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 took a decade-long break from training has revealed she wants to inspire older women to get in shape.
When she started exercising regularly in her 50s, she said it was never too late to start.
3
3
Exercise influencer Gabrielle Osborne (@gabrielle_osborne) aims to eliminate stereotypes that older women are not strong.
After getting fit in her 50s, she shared the four lessons she learned along the way.
“Number one: It’s not too late,” she began Clip.
“I really thought it was over for me fitness-wise.”
She admitted that she hadn’t exercised properly in 10 to 20 years, but assumed she would never do it again.
“I thought that was it, I could never build muscle. I missed it and will never get fit again.
“There is no way I would have thought that now that I have started swimming again for a few years I would be able to match the times I did as a teenager.”
Not only did she reach her speed goals, but she was also able to lift heavier weights than before.
“Number two: Despite what that old saying says, you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
She said at this age she knows more than ever.
“I have acquired more skills in the last few years than in the rest of my life.”
Gabrielle noted that after 35 years, she relearned how to do a handstand, how to perform a clean, jerky movement when lifting weights, and that she relearned many gymnastic moves in CrossFit.
“My point is, whether it’s horseback riding or Zumba, taekwondo or javelin throwing, if you wanted to do something and you wrote it off because you’re too old to learn how to do it, then it’s not you.”
The third thing she learned was that physical fitness had a positive impact on her mental health.
“My training is really the foundation of my mental well-being.”
And her fourth realization was that it wasn’t as embarrassing as she imagined.
“The idea that as an older person you embarrass yourself or are awkward, otherwise people will laugh at you. My experience was the opposite of that.
“I have enjoyed every moment of this fitness journey and the people I have met. Everyone gave us great support.”
Viewers loved her confidence and agreed with her insights.
“Couldn’t agree with you more. I ran my first marathon at 47. Your story is inspiring,” one person wrote.
“Absolute legend,” praised another.
3