Why I Don't Let Age Define Me (And Why You Shouldn't Either)
I don't believe age defines me.
I'm not interested in "slowing down" just because I've hit a certain number. I'm not resigned to aches and pains being "just part of getting older." And I'm definitely not planning to spend my later years sitting on the sidelines, watching life happen instead of living it.
Here's what I do believe:
I want to be 50 and hiking with my kids on family vacations—keeping up with them, not asking them to wait for me every five minutes.
I want to be 60 and dancing at their weddings without needing to sit out after one song because my back hurts or I'm too tired.
I want to be 70 and playing with my grandkids—getting down on the floor to build block towers and chase them around the backyard—and getting up off that floor with ease, without needing someone to help me.
I think you get the picture.
This isn't about vanity. It's about longevity. It's about vitality. It's about refusing to let age dictate what I'm capable of.
And if you're reading this as a mom—whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or beyond—I want you to know: it's not too late. It's never too late to start building the body and the life you want for your future self.
Strength Training Isn't Just About Looking Good
Let's be honest: when most of us think about working out, the first thing that comes to mind is how we look. Flat stomach. Toned arms. Fitting into our favorite jeans again.
And sure, those things are nice. There's nothing wrong with wanting to feel confident in your body.
But here's what I've learned, both as a coach and as a mom: lifting weights, building muscle, and eating well are about so much more than looking good.
They're about what you can do. What you can experience. How you can show up—not just today, but 10, 20, 30 years from now.
When you strength train consistently, you're not just changing how your body looks. You're changing how it functions. You're building:
Bone density that protects you from fractures and osteoporosis as you age
Muscle mass that keeps your metabolism healthy and your body strong
Joint stability that prevents injuries and keeps you moving pain-free
Cardiovascular health that supports your heart and lungs for the long haul
Balance and coordination that reduce your risk of falls later in life
These aren't just "nice to haves." These are the things that determine whether you spend your 60s and 70s traveling, playing, and living fully—or whether you spend them managing chronic pain, limited mobility, and declining health.
Strength training is an investment in your future self. And the best time to start? Right now.
The Best Gift You Can Give Your Kids Isn't Just Memories—It's Health
We spend so much time trying to create the perfect childhood for our kids. The birthday parties, the family vacations, the holiday traditions. And those things matter. Memories matter.
But here's what matters even more: being healthy enough to be present for all of it.
Because at the end of the day, the best gift you can give your kids isn't just memories. It's you—healthy, strong, and capable of showing up for them, not just now, but for decades to come.
It's being the mom who can still hike with them when they're in their 20s.
It's being the grandma who can get down on the floor and play without needing help getting back up.
It's showing them that taking care of yourself isn't optional—it's essential. And it's something they can (and should) carry with them into their own lives and pass on to their kids someday.
You're not just building a strong body. You're building a legacy.
It Starts With a Choice
I don't let age define me. And I don't think you should either.
You get to decide what your 50s, 60s, and 70s look like. You get to decide whether you're going to accept the narrative that getting older means slowing down, hurting more, and doing less—or whether you're going to challenge that narrative and build a body that serves you for the long haul.
And the beautiful thing? You don't need hours at the gym. You don't need complicated workout plans or expensive equipment. You just need consistency, intention, and a commitment to showing up for yourself—even when it's hard, even when you're tired, even when it feels like there's no time.
Because here's the truth: there will never be a perfect time. But there is right now.
And right now is enough.