Simplicity & Connection Thought Leader: Kay Newton
It’s never too late to get stronger and fitter.
Hola, Kuel Life ladies! Greetings from Spain. If you’ve read some of my articles this year, you already know I’m on a mission to get fitter and fitter into my sixties.
The best time to start was yesterday, but if you’re in the peri-menopausal years, don’t wait until you are 60 – now is the time!
This year, I took on the challenge of CrossFit training and even competed in a 5K, 25-obstacle fun race. It was hysterical—any upper-strength obstacles? Yep, forfeited! I hit the ground for five pathetic burpees more than I could count.
As I close out this year and head into 2025, I am determined to reclaim that upper body strength. My journey so far has given me insights beyond physical exercise, and I can’t wait to share some of them with you below.
Why Start Now? (Dispelling Age Myths):
It’s funny how we pick up these ideas about age—how by a certain stage, we’re meant to “slow down” or avoid certain challenges. But what if age isn’t a reason to stop but an invitation to start?
“My journey so far has given me insights beyond physical exercise, and I can’t wait to share some of them with you below.”
Learning new things feels invigorating, almost rebellious, like sneaking out after curfew. When I decided to tackle pull-ups and push-ups, I realized this wasn’t just physical strength; it was a way to stand up to the limiting beliefs we’ve internalized about what our bodies can do “at this age.”
If you’ve ever felt like the number on your birthday cake somehow translates into limits, think again. There’s a freedom in defying that notion, saying, “I’ll try because I can.” Sure, we’re not aiming for Olympic status, but the process is a powerful reminder: age is a number, not a destination.
Embracing The Process: Small Steps, Big Impact:
Here’s the truth about any physical challenge – whether pull-ups or life’s big hurdles—it all starts with small steps. There’s this myth that we need to jump into things full throttle, but learning has a rhythm. It’s a matter of showing up daily, doing the basics, and trusting that each tiny effort builds on the last.
My “small step” for pull-ups, is hanging from the bar for ten seconds. Sounds simple, right? But ten seconds can feel like an eternity when gravity has other ideas. Then the slow progression follows; assisted pulls, banded pull-ups, half-push-ups. Some days, I felt a little silly, but here’s the thing: each attempt means I can hang a little longer and pull a little higher, and those incremental gains are exhilarating.
The same applies to any goal. Start small, start today, and keep at it. These small efforts accumulate, and suddenly, you’re capable of something you once thought impossible.
Life Lessons From Physical Effort:
It didn’t take long to realize that this physical pursuit teaches me more than just technique. Every time I face the bar, I am reminded of life’s broader lessons: patience, humility, and resilience. Pulling up feels like moving through life—sometimes you’re full of energy, sometimes you’re dragging, and sometimes you think, “Why on earth did I start this?” But when you pause and embrace the rhythm of progress, there’s a quiet strength in sticking with it.
Plus, you learn to laugh at yourself. The floor and I have become close friends; every failed rep is a chance to either give up or get back up. Life is like that. Sometimes, we fall flat. But just as a single push-up strengthens more than our arms, rising from life’s challenges strengthens far more than our muscles. It deepens our grit, spirit, and sense of humor (all of which come in handy in our 50s and beyond!).
“Pushing past self-doubt builds a resilience that nothing else can replace.”
Overcoming Setbacks: The Power of Persistence:
Nothing worth doing comes without setbacks. There are days I think, “Maybe pull-ups just aren’t for me,” especially when my arms tremble like jelly or I don’t see instant results. But it’s funny—those moments of doubt are where persistence matters most. Pushing past self-doubt builds a resilience that nothing else can replace. You learn that progress isn’t always visible in the mirror but is felt in your mindset.
So, on the tough days, I chose to keep trying. Just one more second on the bar or one more push-up. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up and trying again, despite everything telling you to quit. Every setback becomes fuel to keep going because, as I have learned, persistence isn’t just a tool—it’s the strength that gets us to the next step.
Remember: It’s Never Too Late!
Embrace the challenge, ladies—age is no barrier to trying something new! Whether it’s pull-ups, painting, or picking persimmons, take that first step and keep at it. Every effort builds strength, inside and out. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, no matter the number on our birthday cake! Why not share below what you are challenging yourself to do in 2025?
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About the Author:
Kay is the founder of Midlife Strategies, an award-winning International Speaker, and enthusiastic author. She is an acknowledged expert guiding women to find their mojo, through the Midlife Squeeze.
Kay’s books include:
- ‘The Art of Midlife Stress Busting – Seven Steps to Declutter Your Mind Without Pills or Potions’
- ‘How to Clean Your Home Organically – De-Stress Your Surroundings’
- ‘Tips and Tricks For Stress-Free Downsizing – A Step by Step Guide to Moving On’
- Co-author of the six Kindle books in the ‘Quick Fix For’ series, and a contributing author to ‘Hot Women Rock’ and ‘A Journey of Riches’.
Today, Kay lives a simple life next to a beach in Mallorca, Spain. You can find Kay here: www.KayNewton.com.
