{"id":52473,"date":"2025-08-08T10:43:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/52473\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T10:43:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:43:05","slug":"i-started-strength-training-at-62-after-2-organ-transplants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/52473\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I started strength training at 62 after 2 organ transplants’"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was always athletic as a kid and loved swimming<\/a>, cheerleading, and running<\/a> track. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and developed neuropathy, blindness, heart disease, and failing kidneys, which all made working out a lot harder.
<\/p>\n

I was in and out of the hospital. There were a lot of close calls where I didn’t know if I would make it through the night. I did everything I could to take care of myself but nothing worked. My body didn’t respond and it was so demoralising. <\/p>\n

When my kidneys officially failed at 34, doctors gave me a choice: I could start dialysis but likely not live past 40, or I could undergo an experimental double organ transplant to get a new kidney and new pancreas to potentially address my diabetes. Surgery was risky, but I wanted to have my entire life ahead of me and didn’t want to live with diabetes anymore.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the surgery was successful. However, by my 30s I already had heart disease that was progressing, and I had a dysfunctional thyroid. (Those with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to average healthy individuals.) I underwent cardiac triple bypass surgery and had my thyroid removed. By the time I was 62, I was so grateful to be alive. To celebrate my body and resilience, I decided to get as fit as I possibly could.<\/p>\n

After a lifetime of chronic illness, I started strength training at 62 and began to realise my potential<\/p>\n

I was living in Mexico at the time and came across a three-month online strength<\/a> challenge for people over 40. The focus was to lift weights and maximise nutrition while going easy on the joints. I signed up for the programme and committed to working hard. I didn\u2019t realise there would be a winner, but after three months, I made the most progress and won the challenge.<\/p>\n

I had never lifted weights before, but I was hooked. My body was finally responding to being well-cared for after everything it endured, and I felt great. I was empowered I could push myself to new limits and I didn\u2019t want to stop.<\/p>\n

A year later, I moved back to the states and hired a personal trainer. My goal was to achieve optimal wellness. I didn\u2019t care about losing weight or the number on the scale at all. I wanted to lift heavier weights with proper form, learn more about my body, and maximise my potential.<\/p>\n

Now, I work out five days a week with a personal trainer<\/p>\n

I still work with the same personal trainer, and we do 45-minute sessions with an upper and lower body split. I typically do four sets<\/a> of 10 to 15 reps of eight different exercises. Technically, they\u2019re supersets because I only rest for 30 seconds in between. I get a lot done in a short amount of time. <\/p>\n

Upper body is my favourite and I love all things shoulders and arms. Hamstrings <\/a>are my weakest link, but I work especially hard at training my quads<\/a> and glutes. Eventually, I conquered eight leg presses<\/a> at 450 pounds (204kg) \u2013 a new PR at the time!<\/p>\n

I never deprive myself, but I focus on balanced nutrition and track macros to maximise my training<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always known the importance of a balanced diet, especially with my health issues, but I started tracking macros to maximise nutrition and support my training. I use the My Macros+ app to stay organised and eat five small meals a day. I focus on adding colour to my plate and prioritise lean protein<\/a>, complex carbs, and healthy fats. I always have cut veggies in my fridge. Salmon, chicken, tuna, Greek yoghurt<\/a>, egg whites, and purple sweet potato are some of my favourites to fill my plate. <\/p>\n

All that said, I never deprive or restrict myself. If I want dessert, I have it. It\u2019s all about balance and I\u2019ve found what works for me. <\/p>\n

When I discovered bodybuilding, I took my strength to the next level to be an example for women of all ages<\/p>\n

My coach saw how hard I worked in the gym, and how much I loved it, and suggested I compete in a masters bikini bodybuilding competition. I thought there\u2019s no way anyone wants to see me in a bikini, but I decided to go for it and celebrate my body. At 64 and the same month of the 30-year anniversary of my organ transplant, I competed in my first championship. I won, and I was hooked. <\/p>\n

Getting strong and feeling confident in my body is tough to beat. To prep for the competition I focused on building muscle <\/a>with heavy weight<\/a> training and a calorie surplus. Right before the show I started my ‘cut’ and reduced overall calorie intake to shed body fat and reveal lean muscle. Training for competitions became my new lifestyle, and I thrived on the system of discipline and motivation I built. Working out and fuelling my body with healthy nutrients became second nature. <\/p>\n

The cherry on top? I get to set an example for other women, younger and older, and inspire them to do the same. <\/p>\n

These three factors were key to my strength transformation success<\/p>\n

1. I built a community of like-minded women to support and inspire my journey<\/p>\n

Menopause<\/a> is confusing and your body undergoes a lot of change, but finding a community of women who can relate made a huge difference for me and what I was able to do physically. Giving and receiving support from others in my age group is so inspiring. I truly believe in the power of connection. I\u2019ve found so much gold in my community, both online and in-person, and growing with other strong women is a recipe for success. <\/p>\n

2. I realised that my body is resilient, and I\u2019m capable of doing hard things<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve had my fair share of health scares, and I\u2019m so proud of my body for overcoming the challenges. Through all the hospitalisations and complications, here I am at 66, not only lifting heavy weights but winning competitions. Going to the gym<\/a> and hitting new PRs is proof that my body is resilient. I\u2019m just so grateful to be alive.<\/p>\n

3. I understand that confidence is key to my success<\/p>\n

My goal is to constantly take care of my health and treat my body with compassion. I\u2019ve cut out all negative self-talk and replaced it with total confidence. I\u2019m strong, proud, and capable, and I show up every day as my authentic self. <\/p>\n

After decades of being sick, I finally feel good and I\u2019m going to do everything in my power to continue this path.
<\/p>\n

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