*Names have been changed for privacy.
When I first started Maiden Resistance, I had a specific client in mind. Working women in their late thirties, early forties who have children that are middle school and/or high school age, are the type of women I believed my client base would be made up of. Some clients fit this bill, but there are so many other types of women that have walked through the doors of Maiden Resistance.
“I’m 70 years old, and I’ve never had a workout routine in my life. Do you offer anything that would help me?”
This message landed in my inbox. As a newer trainer, I had never worked with a person of this age, but I was definitely up for the challenge. She could feel that she wasn’t as strong as she used to be, and everyday tasks were becoming harder. We agreed to meet one time per week, and I would write two extra workouts for Dorothy that she could do at home. Saturday morning at 8:00am became our personal training time.
A few weeks in, I received another message. “Hi there, I saw your article in the paper. I’m 70. I’m not sure if Maiden Resistance would be the right fit but I need to start exercising.” I approached Dorothy and told her that another woman contacted me about training. I asked Dorothy if she would be okay with us expanding our group a little bit. She loved the idea.
Soon, one 70 year old turned into two. Dorothy and Janis turned out to be classmates. They were nurses together at the same hospital and rekindled their friendship. They knew each other’s families, husbands, and kids. Every week is a walk down memory lane. Both share stories and laugh at the mischief they used to get into.
As the weeks went by, a few more messages rolled in. Denise is 62 and joined Maiden Resistance in order to get her blood sugar in control. Her doctor had told her that she needed to adopt an exercise routine. Denise walks every day, but she knew that wasn’t going to be enough. When Denise joined, I explained that we have group classes or I have a few ladies that meet on Saturday mornings. Denise opted for the group classes. After four month of classes, Denise has only missed two. She is there four days a week religiously. She works so hard in class that her doctor has noticed a huge difference.
A pair of sisters in their 60s, Sheryl and Deb, reached out because they wanted to exercise together. Like Janis and Dorothy, they were concerned because they had never exercised before. This made them very nervous. They were very unsure of starting because they didn’t want things to be too difficult for their level. After some reassurance, they began to attend on Saturday mornings. My group of two turned into a group of four. I jokingly call them the “Golden Girls,” and they get a kick out of it.
These women have taught me a lot in the short amount of time I’ve been working with them. The most important thing I’ve learned is that while starting something new is scary, there will never be a perfect time to begin. You have to jump right in. All of the women mentioned stepped out of their comfort zone in order to do something very important for themselves.
The best time to start a new habit is now. Days will tick by and you’ll play the “shoulda, coulda, woulda,” game with yourself until you decide to jump in. Let these women serve as inspiration to you. They began a habit that most wouldn’t even think about doing at that age.
Maiden Resistance is a great fit for all levels.. Modifications are provided for those who need them, and the exercises can be made more challenging as well. Women of all shapes, sizes, and experience levels walk through the door. Every one of them walks out feeling more confident in their ability. There’s much more that Maiden Resistance gives to women and that is community. All of the women become friends. They check in on each other. They ask about each other’s lives. They cheer each other on.
Maiden Resistance gives women so much more than a workout.
To you, my Maiden Friend!
- Coach CoJo