Many people have fitness role models- athletes, physique competitors, or influencers. For me, it's my grandmother-in-law, Pam.
At 90, Pam still goes to the gym and competes in the 3K with the Mentone Masters Athletics Club. When she ran her first half marathon at 84, I was an early-career personal trainer focused on goals like strength, speed, and aesthetics. However, Pam's love of all things athletic shifted my perspective.
She isn't just passionate about fitness, she's strategic. She tracks personal bests and normative data for 5K races by age, setting benchmarks that acknowledge natural decline while still striving for progress. She considers it a win if she slows by 20 seconds, but the average loss is 30.
Pam embodies longevity, consistency, and a love for movement. Three of the things I admire the most about her fitness are:
1- She is fit enough for family and life
When Katherine was a teenager, she was able to run the Mother's Day Classic with her grandmother. Pam took her to athletics as a child, and now that Kat is 30, Pam is still fit and strong enough to live independently and take an active role in her children and grandchildren's lives.
2- She has an active social life
Pam is a social butterfly, and Athletics plays a big role in her life. While she would undoubtedly have many close friends regardless, I admire how active she is every week. With lunches, training, and time with friends, her retirement is full and vibrant.
3- She is a pro at setting and resetting the goal posts
I've seen many people face injuries and setbacks that cause them to stop doing activities they love or give up on fitness altogether. This summer, Pam had a minor foot operation. At 89, many people would not have had the foot operated on, but Pam didn't want it to impact her training and competing. When we spoke at Christmas, she told me how much she was looking forward to getting back into running and how she was counting the weeks until she could train again.
Pam's approach to fitness is a powerful reminder that fitness isn't just about performance and aesthetics- it's about longevity, adaptability, and joy. No matter their age or stage in life, helping your clients be active will enhance their health, social connections, and overall quality of life.