Active Aging: Feeling Better than Ever
Meet Lisa, StrongerLife Member
Let me introduce you to Lisa, a lifelong educator turned wellness advocate and a proud member of the StrongerLife community since October 2024. Lisa’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. When Lisa joined StrongerLife, she hoped to improve her mobility and strength—not only did she achieve those goals, but she also found a vibrant and supportive community.
Finding Yoga
After spending 30 years in the classroom and training teachers across the state in literacy, Lisa began a new chapter in her forties when she turned to yoga to address some challenging health symptoms, “I became a yoga student, and I just saw what difference it made mentally and physically in my body, then I decided for my 50th birthday I wanted to share the gift with everybody else.”
Her experience with yoga’s transformative power inspired Lisa to become a certified yoga instructor. It became a way for her to help others navigate the challenges she too had faced.
Navigating Menopause
When Lisa hit menopause, she began experiencing unsettling symptoms like heart palpitations and other changes she didn’t initially understand. “I started having a lot of symptoms over some time, and I really just didn’t know what was happening to me,” Lisa shared. “I felt like it was probably something to do with aging, and when I went to doctors, I found very little support.”
Refusing to let these symptoms dictate her life, Lisa turned to the research skills she honed as an educator. She explored ways to manage her symptoms, from working out with a personal trainer to becoming a menopause doula and women’s wellness coach. But a personal injury to her back and hip and being an active grandparent, left her in pain and searching for a sustainable path to recovery.
Discovering StrongerLife
Once again Lisa used her research skills to find a gym. She was under the care of a chiropractor and she asked what they thought about StrongerLife. The chiropractor praised StrongerLife and said they had referred other patients there. So she came to try her FREE class! Lisa says she was hooked after the very first class.
What stood out most to Lisa was the supportive community, the energy of the classes, and how the coaches were genuinely engaged, modifying exercises to meet her where she was.
“ I love how the coaches engage with us. You feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
As an educator, Lisa also appreciated the structured approach to fitness and the way classes were designed with purpose.
“Each StrongerLife is designed specifically for the needs of older adults,” says Jeff Musgrave, StrongerLife Co-Founder, “For example, we focus on functional movements like squats that make standing up from a chair easier or burpees that help us get up and down from the ground. What we do in the classes is invaluable for life outside of the class like fall prevention, caring for loved ones, lifting heavy objects confidently with strength, and taking beautiful long hikes without tiring.” For a great podcast on functional training for the older adult and more check out the CrossFit Training podcast episode, “Coaching the Aging CrossFit Athlete With Dr. Dustin Jones.” Eric O’Connor (CF-L4) chats with our StrongerLife co-founder Dustin Jones.
Lisa even noted, like many members do, that she might have given up at another gym—but not at StrongerLife. On one recent snowy day when she wasn’t in the mood to exercise, Lisa pushed herself to attend a class—and it completely changed her day.
“Everyone at StrongerLife is so welcoming and approachable,” says Lisa, “from the staff to the members. From the first class I felt like a member of the team. And this makes it so much easier on those hard days.”
Feeling Better Than Ever
Now in her late-50s, Lisa feels better than she did in her 30s and 40s on most days! She’s stronger in her yoga practice, experiences less pain, and has regained mobility and confidence in her daily life.
“I’ve been surprised at how much strength training has impacted my yoga practice. During menopause, I began to lose muscle mass and strength, and experience new joint pain, which are all challenges of aging. But since adding Stronger Life to my movement practice, I see first hand how important it is to not only stretch but strengthen. My hips and hamstrings are much happier!”
Join the StrongerLife Community
Lisa’s story is a powerful reminder of how strength, support, and community can help you reclaim your health and live your best life. At StrongerLife, we meet you where you are, providing tailored programs to help you build strength and confidence.
If you’re ready to take the next step, join our StrongerLife community in Lexington, KY. Would you like to learn more, try a FREE class, or tour our facility? Click the button below, “Schedule a Call.”
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your inspiring StrongerLife journey!