One of the greatest rewards of being a personal strength coach is watching a client achieve what strength training is truly about – persistence, patience, and belief in yourself.
When Nancy first came to me, she was 50 years old and just beginning her recovery after bariatric surgery. Her journey hadn’t been easy. In her 20s, she’d undergone spinal surgery and later developed a spinal infection that left her with limited back mobility. Exercise wasn’t something she enjoyed – in fact, her idea of a perfect day involved curling up with a great book or watching her favorite show with a cup of coffee in hand.
But after her surgery, Nancy was determined to make a lasting change. She wanted to keep the weight off, gain lean muscle, and take control of her health. She’d read about me in a local newspaper article that mentioned my work with women and my Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology – and she decided to take the leap.
Starting Small and Staying Consistent
From our very first session, Nancy’s determination was clear. We began training twice a week, focusing first on consistency and safety – not intensity. Those early weeks laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Before we lifted a single weight, I assessed her movement patterns, posture, and confidence level. Nancy admitted she was nervous – she’d never done formal strength training before – but as a former Jazzercise student, I knew she had coordination and could learn quickly.
We began with bodyweight-only exercises, each one connected to an everyday movement she already knew:
- Sitting down and standing up became the foundation for the squat, building strength in her legs and hips.
- Reaching overhead for a glass became the base for the overhead press, strengthening her shoulders and upper body.
- Bending to pick up a box became the foundation for the hinge or deadlift, strengthening her back and glutes.
Please watch the short video for a quick overview.
By connecting functional movements to real-life actions, Nancy began to understand how her body moved – and how capable she really was.
After just a month, her confidence began to bloom. She no longer needed as many verbal cues to guide her movements, and she started noticing steady improvement – exercises that once felt awkward were beginning to feel almost effortless.
Once her body started to adapt after a few months, we began increasing repetitions and slowly adding light weights. Her progress was steady and smart – no rushing, no injuries, just consistent, thoughtful work.
Within a year, she was lifting heavier weights, moving better than ever, and building lean, visible muscle – all without pain or setbacks.
Even after I moved to another state, Nancy stayed committed. Today, we train together 100% online, and her progress continues to amaze me.
The Transformation
Nancy’s transformation goes far beyond muscle tone. She’s stronger not just physically, but mentally. She doesn’t like to miss a session, and she moves with confidence, grace, and energy.
What began with just two dumbbells, a mat, and a water bottle has evolved into full-body workouts using resistance bands, balance boards, and stability balls. But the real change? Her mindset.
Exercise is no longer a chore – it’s part of her life. It’s her self-care, her stress relief, her joy.
Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start – and that you don’t need fancy equipment or perfect circumstances to begin. You just need to take the first small step and keep showing up.
Ready to Begin Your Own Journey?
If Nancy’s story inspires you to start your own strength training journey, I’d love to help. Please visit my website and contact me HERE for information on more personalized programs designed for women who want to move better, feel stronger, and live with confidence – at every age.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What do you detest about exercise? Is there something that scares you and pushes you away from an exercise routine?
