The path to a healthy lifestyle may look differently to each person but one thing remains the same, it is never too late or too early to start the journey.
About 5 years ago, my husband and I found ourselves over 50 and overweight. We were especially concerned about our 13-year-old daughter who was also inactive and obese. In desperation, I forced myself to enter a world that terrified me: The gym. The sounds of weights crashing, exercise class music pounding, and all the really big muscles attached to really big guys in what I referred to as “the jock section” was just overwhelming. The exit door and I became best friends! And then, one day we met Beth; a trainer who turned all of our ideas and perceptions regarding physical fitness upside down. This amazing gal has an incredible talent and gift for reaching out and accepting you no matter where you’re at physically and emotionally, and then helping you step-by-step to start making positive changes for life. Beth helped me to have a confidence and faith in myself that I had never known. Not only did this result in my losing weight, but it was also never more evident than when I broke my leg. Beth truly became my angel of rehab, working with me and pushing me beyond what I ever dared dream possible after experiencing such a badly broken femur. She ultimately – miraculously – helped me to regain full use of my leg: a gift that is still there with me every day in every step that I take.
Beth’s imagination and creativity in working with us was beyond amazing, with equally amazing results. She turned our lives around completely, and I am eternally grateful for the bond and friendship that we formed and continue to share today. I am so grateful for the active lives we are now able to enjoy; I love being able to join in activities with my granddaughters, and to run in a marathon when there was a time I didn’t believe I would ever even walk normally again! Beth is caring, committed, resourceful, dependable, creative, knowledgeable – and one of the best lifetime friends you’ll ever have the privilege of making and being blessed by.
Crysti Bishop Age… Above 50!
My Side of the Story
When Crysti and her family first started working with me I thought I was walking up a never-ending hill. That’s right I felt discouraged and strained not knowing how to connect with people who at first glance seemed so different from me. I was raised in an active family, I could not understand the fear of trying new things and challenging your body. However, I refused to give up! I knew that the Bishop’s were in need of a serious lifestyle overhaul. As a young trainer I didn’t know how to talk about the touchy subjects of nutrition and health concerns of such a sedentary lifestyle. To be honest with you, Crysti breaking her femur was a blessing in disguise for her family. I believe it was somewhat of a wake-up call for all of them. When Crysti was cleared to begin physical activity she came back to me with a fear that she didn’t have before. That vulnerability is what finally led to change. Some days I left our workouts in tears of frustration, other days I left them wanting to give up because I didn’t think I could ever make a difference. But, most days I finished our training sessions in awe of the wonderful people who were changing right before my eyes.
My own personal journey with the Bishop’s has shaped the way I approach the education of my clients. They helped me realize that improving fitness is about far more than strength training and conditioning. I learned that excepting a change in lifestyle is about being vulnerable, allowing yourself (and your trainer) to see your fears and your insecurities. There was no certification or college course that prepared me to make my clients comfortable enough to show me their vulnerability. Crysti and her family were not only one of my earliest clients but also have been one of the longest. They have stuck with me while i learned and improved as a trainer and even more so as a friend. I am so blessed to have them as friends and clients. Crysti especially will always challenge me to grow and develop my skills as a trainer and mentor.
Crysti started her reluctant journey towards a healthy lifestyle at …above 50… Her daughter started her fearful journey at the young age of 13. Both were in desperate need of change and both accomplished that change in completely different ways. Crysti as a mother and grandmother had different fears and reluctances than her daughter, Crysti was also much slower at giving into those fears, seeing them, admitting to them and allowing herself to address them. In the end your age, fears, insecurities, and doubts don’t matter. It doesn’t matter how many twists and turns are in your path, all that matters is that you consistently place one foot in front of the other and keep your eyes and heart open. Your journey to a healthy lifestyle is your own and it is beautiful and unlike anyone elses. 
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