A retired dentist who believed feeling physically “old” was simply part of ageing has revealed how spending as little as 12 minutes a day on strength training has left her feeling stronger and more confident than she has in years.
Alison, 71, from Bovey Tracey, Devon, said she had always kept active through tennis, golf, gardening, painting, sewing and spending time with her grandchildren. However, she admitted she never imagined herself enjoying strength training after dismissing both gyms and fitness apps.
Her daughter encouraged her to join Holsm, a strength and wellbeing community for women in midlife founded by former care management specialist Holly Fivian.
Alison enrolled on the organisation’s eight-week Fundamentals First programme, which introduces strength training through short sessions focusing on breathing, posture, mobility, core strength and technique. Some sessions last as little as 12 minutes.
She said: “Joining a gym was never for me. I’d start off all enthusiastic and then my interest would dry up. And as an app, I thought I’d give up on that too.”
Although she had always exercised, Alison said she had begun to notice what she described as her body becoming “old”.
She said: “The push-ups were hard, and my wrists ached from the mountain climbers. But by the end of the programme I felt a little more capable. Having Holly talking to you as if she was personally with you in the room really, really helped. Plus the fact it was just 12-20 minutes out of my day. Win-win.”
Over time, Alison said she noticed significant improvements in her strength and confidence. She said she can now complete nine push-ups, lift her eight-year-old grandchildren with ease, remain steady if accidentally knocked and garden with greater flexibility than she had experienced for years.
She also praised the community element of the programme, saying support from fellow members helped keep her motivated.
Alison said: “Having other people follow your progress and encourage you with just an emoji is just brilliant.
“It makes you want to keep going even when you feel heavy and lacking in energy. When I posted a video of me doing nine push-ups, sort of, the response was just tremendously uplifting.”
Although initially reluctant to attend one of Holsm’s retreats, Alison said the experience changed her mind.
She said: “The camaraderie, the encouragement, the food, and the yoga was literally the best. The BEST.
“It was stupendous.”
Reflecting on the experience, Alison said it had become about much more than building physical strength.
She said: “Do it. You feel so much happier about being that age, because you can. Your shape will improve no end, your posture too, so clothes look better.
“The nutritional information is life-changing, and the community will keep you going when nothing else will.”
She added: “I just wish I’d found it sooner.”
Holsm said its Fundamentals First programme is an eight-week course designed to introduce women to strength training through gradual, accessible sessions, alongside nutrition, coaching and community support. The next intake begins on Monday, June 22, with a further programme starting on Monday, September 21. The organisation is also due to host a retreat at Gitcombe Estate in Devon from Friday, November 20, to Monday, November 23. More information is available at www.weareholsm.com.
