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 In my experience, while growing up and well into adulthood, fitness/intentional exercise was something you do if you are involved in team sports or for short term, aka join a running group to do a 10k race, go to water aerobics with a friend a few times, go for walks etc.  All of that is GREAT and we should feel good about doing those things and I recommend them !

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However,  none of that really was life changing as far as my overall ability to move well, feel and BE stronger, or empower me for my physical independence as I grow older.

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I originally got into "serious" fitness only for a short term goal ( law enforcement abilities testing) in 2015. I then had a few injuries, one was significant. I recovered and  began exercising again. It was fun, I went hard, did a lot of high intensity (HIIT).

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In 2019, I was still exercising regularly combining running with high intensity interval training and bodyweight, but no weight lifting other than small weights. During this time I ended up in extreme long term pain, brushed it off as muscle /groin pulls, tried to hide it, went to work and suffered to the point I had to get medical help.

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In March 2020, at the beginning of COVID, I was "quickly" referred  to 2 surgeons due to x ray results and discovered I had little to no cartilage on my left hip joint. I was given the option of possibly being bumped up on the terribly long surgery list due to the severity of the issue.

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I declined surgery.  One of the surgeons heartily encouraged me on my decision based on what I wanted to do instead, and commented that it is people like me that would put him out of business.

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 I instead opted to embark on what is now my life long fitness routine; strength training. This accounts for 85 - 100 % of all training I do (up to 15% is cardiovascular & mobility training).  Shortly after, I decided to take it further and I began the required fitness theory courses  and went on to complete certifications throughout 2021 & 2022. 

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I was very fortunate during this time of social distancing and gym closures to be offered shadowing and opportunities from the Origin Retirement Community at Longwood Nanaimo from the Life Enrichment Manager (in Aqua fitness, Senior Fitness) in multiple modalities,  and Nanaimo's well loved and long running Jumpstart Outdoor Fitness & Bootcamps as a Group Fitness Instructor. 

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Let me digress; my background prior to this is outside of the fitness  field. After many years of bookkeeping/assisting in a family business while raising kids, I needed something different in life and began working in paint/decor retail whilst studying criminology via SFU. In 2014, I started in the security/first responder field as a regular officer and a Level 3 OFA Attendant at VIU and continue in that field today.

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 I currently hold an Advanced Security license and Level 2 OFA ticket. I've been stationed at an active site in downtown Nanaimo for years as Lead Officer. In 2023 I underwent additional training and accepted a casual position as a Protection Services Officer in hospital for Island Health.

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I've now stepped back from my role In Nanaimo to afford me time to focus on this personal training endeavor, as well as shadowing for a new opportunity in Port Alberni working with those in long term care requiring exercise in a rehabilitation modality.

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As for today, still no hip surgery, no painkillers, injections, almost pain free 90- 95% of the time. I do walk funny at times now (as others love to point out), as my left leg appears (and is ) shorter than the other due to the joints compacting. Yes, I do still have pain and range of motion difficulties, due to times when I'm sitting too much or activity such as bending over (gardening, landscaping). 

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Like many others, regardless of having osteoarthritis or other issues, I choose intentional &  focused strength training.  I base my workouts on the "Big 5"(with variations and substitutions): the squat, deadlift, bench press, shoulder press and pullup. I incorporate plyometrics; this does not necessarily mean high box jumps etc. This can be skipping, hops, squat jumps... anything that applies force.

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Long story short; in my uneducated opinion, strength training is proactive and reactive medicine for the body. This practice has literally saved me. I am stronger now, in my 50's, then I ever was.  

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As well, being an over 50 female with reduced estrogen, I am at risk of serious health issues if I do not do what is within MY POWER to minimize the effects of estrogen loss. 

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I'm now a geek about this. I love learning, seeking out science based data and gaining knowledge from professionals with the same mind set.

I am here to share this love of intentional exercise with others.

I do this acknowledging that we are not all the same and some things can't be helped.

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The take away from this: we are NEVER too old and it's NEVER too late to CHOOSE to improve an aspect of our life.

It requires the WANT in each of us to adapt to change within our individual abilities.

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My statements/opinions are just that and are based on my experience as well as anecdotal evidence. I'm not giving medical or other professional advice. Always  check with a licensed health professional regarding any issue you may have and seek your own personal/medical advice.