This is the case for Jeff Millington, a personal trainer based in Warrington who, at 65, is showing no signs of slowing down.
Jeff delivers 12 group training classes every week, as well as countless one-to-one and couples’ sessions, from Ultimate Fitness Cheshire in Appleton.
Fitness has been an integral part of Jeff’s entire life, having played rugby since he was eleven, and spending five years as a PE teacher at Woolston High School in his early career.
However, it was only six years ago, at the age of 59, when he decided to follow his true passion and became a personal trainer full-time.
Prior to this career shift, Jeff spent 32 years working in the corporate world, but even then, he was spending his free time helping people within the company achieve their personal fitness goals.
Jeff said: “It was a risk to become a trainer.
“I gave up a big job, but I love it – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
His role sees him working with people who have various fitness goals, from young aspiring sports stars and professional athletes, to older people who simply want to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Jeff is open about being an older trainer and says that his age actually makes him better at his job.
He said: “Through rugby, I’ve been through the same experiences as some of the younger professional athletes, so I can guide them.
“Meanwhile I am a similar age to a lot of my older clients, so I can relate to what is going on in their lives.
“I would say that 20% of my job is being a therapist and listening to what is bothering my clients.”
A key passion of Jeff’s is encouraging older people in Warrington to take their health seriously and become more active.
He is a firm believer that you can make improvements to your life at any time, and age should not restrict someone from working towards their goals and improving their life.
Jeff added: “You should never use age as an excuse… you’ve got to change your mentality.
“It can be really intimidating starting from scratch, if you’ve never been into a gym before.
“However, my job is to make people better, and it’s really rewarding when people can start to see the difference in themselves.”
As Jeff approaches his 66th birthday next week, he wants to continue motivating people across Warrington to commit to their health and take the leap into fitness.
“I’m always pushing my clients just a little bit each session.
“I like for everyone to leave with a little win, something where they have improved slightly on the time before.”