Embracing Strength at Any Age: What I’m Learning from My 80-Year-Young
TRX Trainer
When we talk about vitality, strength, and wellness, it’s easy to get caught up in images of what that’s “supposed” to look like. But I’ve learned that vitality doesn’t come from looking a certain way or following the latest trend — it comes from showing up for yourself, in ways that feel good and right for you. Lately, I’ve been blessed with a reminder of that in the most unexpected place: my TRX workouts with my 80-year-young trainer.
That’s right — my trainer is 80. And she’s stronger, sharper, and more inspiring than people half her age. Working with her has completely shifted how I think about movement, strength, and what’s possible at any stage of life.
Why TRX?
When I knew we were going to be here in the mountains for several months, I wanted to find a way to maintain and continue all the hard work I’d done with my personal trainers throughout the winter. I started searching for options, and while I came across a local CrossFit gym, I knew right away that wasn’t the right fit for me. But here’s the beauty of it — the people at the CrossFit gym were so kind, and they recommended Eileen, who teaches TRX in a section of their gym.
That introduction turned out to be such a gift. I am a bit of a gym rat — I’ve always loved strength training — but TRX brought something fresh to my routine that I didn’t realize I was missing. With just straps, body weight, and gravity, it challenges my balance, core, and stability in ways that traditional weightlifting never quite touched.
It wasn’t just me, either. Herb was a little apprehensive about trying TRX at first, but he decided to give it a shot. Now he absolutely loves it. We each have our own training sessions with Eileen, and it’s been so rewarding for both of us to see how TRX is helping us feel stronger and more resilient in this season of life.
What I’m Learning
Working out with my 80-year-young coach has taught me:
🌱 Age is no limit. Strength, balance, and resilience are things we can cultivate no matter where we are in life.
🌄 Keep trying new things. TRX felt totally foreign at first — but leaning into it has been so rewarding.
💛 Consistency matters more than perfection. We’re not here for Instagram-worthy moves. We’re here to feel strong, stable, and vibrant in our everyday lives.
Finding Strength in Simple Things
Beyond the TRX straps, I’m finding strength in small mountain moments: breathing in fresh air on a morning walk, watching the light shift through the trees, and sitting on our front deck in the evening after dinner with Herb and our pup, George. We listen to the trees rustling, the birds singing, take in the beautiful views of the mountains in the background, and simply have conversations and enjoy being together. It’s all part of the same journey — showing up for myself, honoring my body, and finding joy in the simple, grounding rhythms of life.
Final Thoughts
I never expected TRX to be part of my wellness path — or to have an 80-year-old trainer who inspires me every single week. But here I am, feeling stronger (inside and out) and grateful for the reminder that vitality belongs to all of us. No matter where you are in your journey, it’s never too late to try something new, to feel strong, or to embrace a life that nourishes you.
