In 2023, at 56 years old, after 30 years in the corporate sales world, finishing up as a Global Account Manager at Telefonica (one of the world’s biggest telecommunications companies), I decided to make my “Shift.” I was offered early redundancy, took the pay-out, had some time-out and then retrained as a personal trainer to do what I love: helping people over 50 find their strength.
But one year down the line from launching Shift Fitness, my personal life was hit with a massive earthquake. My 25-year marriage broke down, leading to the beginning of a divorce process that we are still navigating while still living in the same house together!
If you’ve ever walked that path, you know it’s not just “awkward.” It’s an emotional grinder. I have been through the full spectrum of emotions: depression, anger, rejection, denial, even excitement and then with my 3 children all young adults, starting out in their own careers, a paralyzing fear of being lonely in my 60s. Finally came acceptance and only then could I start planning for the future, the ‘Second Act’ so to speak.
I’m trained in the mechanics of physical health. I know the sets, the reps, and the nutrition plans. But let me be honest: for a while there, knowing “the right thing to do” physically meant very little when I was fighting just to get out of bed mentally.
My focus wasn’t on “optimizing performance”; it was on survival.
I am incredibly lucky to have a wide circle of friends and and some deep rooted friendships. My oldest friend, Simon, whom I’ve known since we were ten years old at Bradford Boys Grammar, stepped in. Having been through a divorce himself, and recognising from speaking with me that I was struggling with elements of my life and that there was a danger of spiralling into a serious depression, he brought me to his home in Singapore for ten days.
It was exactly the reset I needed. We walked, we talked, we ate incredible food, and we laughed. We played board games until we drew (11 wins each, a perfect tie!). And importantly, we shared the quiet camaraderie that only an old, true friendship can offer. He helped me to step back and analyse my situation, the huge positives in my life, and areas that need to change.
What those ten days taught me—what I am now truly bringing back to Shift Fitness—is that fitness is never just about the body. The experience has given me new perspective and re-shaped my approach to coaching.
If your mind is under that much stress, you cannot lift the heavy weights in the gym. If your heart has been broken, a meal plan isn’t a priority. You can’t separate the physical “shift” from the emotional “shift.”
When I train you at Shift Fitness, I’m not just looking at your form on a squat. I understand the pressures of age and experience. I’m helping you build a body that can handle the stresses of life.
I’m asking:
- How are you managing your stress today?
- How is your sleep (and why isn’t it better)?
- Are you training for aesthetic goals, or are you training so you have the resilience to handle the challenges life throws at you – whether that is a career change, a major health scare or a relationship breakdown?
At nearly 60, I’ve not not just retrained for a new career; I’m retraining myself to live a new life – one I never thought I would have to plan for, my ‘Second Act’. It’s hard, it’s frightening, and sometimes it’s very quiet. But I’m still here, I’m re- launching my business, and I’m dedicated to helping you make whatever “shift” your life demands too.
Get in touch and let’s find our strength together.
