Old Ladies on Fire is designed for midlife women (typically 50ish and up) who know that a strong and flexible body means so much more than body image. It's about having the physical ability to do whatever you want in life, but also the mental and emotional strength that is so often needed navigating this second half. It's for women who are on fire and need their bodies to keep up.
Old Ladies on Fire fitness classes aren't your typical fitness classes. They are not about weight loss (although some of us do have some extra Covid pounds we'd like to lose) or keeping up with the group or doing things that don't suit your body, just because everyone else is. We need more than having a weekly class on the calendar to stick with it, and to enjoy the benefits long-term. Like forever. Because this is the time to get serious about your wellbeing. You can expect...
Old Ladies on Fire fitness classes aren't your typical fitness classes. They are not about weight loss (although some of us do have some extra Covid pounds we'd like to lose) or keeping up with the group or doing things that don't suit your body, just because everyone else is. We need more than having a weekly class on the calendar to stick with it, and to enjoy the benefits long-term. Like forever. Because this is the time to get serious about your wellbeing. You can expect...
Individual attention. Small class sizes. Time to connect, learn, and get a great, enjoyable workout in. Because you aren't just a participant in a random class - you are an Old Lady ON FIRE!
Getting outside, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun and the wind
on your skin, feeling the earth under your feet.
Being part of a community of women just like you, who you can relate to, share life experience with, want to have a coffee with after the class! Feeling connected and supported, and camaraderie, because it's so much more fun with other people.
Why the focus on Strength and Mobility?
Truly, because we HAVE to. The physical reasons are many, and even more important as we age. (Read more about why it's so important - here). The intangible benefits matter too of course - like confidence, resilience, balance, empowerment, even decision making. When you feel strong and flexible physically, it's so much easier to feel strong and flexible mentally and emotionally.
Getting strong and flexible doesn't have to be hard, boring, painful, or a thing you have to do but really don't want to.
Our classes are just as much about connection, celebration and support. Enjoying feeling good in your skin. Enjoying moving more and seeing your muscles getting toned and strong. And working on your mindset as well as your muscles!
And we don't have to do this alone. It's hard to get enthusiastic about a workout in your basement, or in a gym full of 20 and 30 somethings. Old Ladies on Fire is really about community. Because we need each other for the interaction and the support and the laughs while we do the relatively hard work of getting stronger.
I designed this community because I need it too :). And I'm pretty uniquely qualified to offer it. If you want to know more about me, please click here. And if you're ready to sign up for the next bootcamp - Saturday June 25 - click the button below.
Here's what to expect at a class.
- A focus on FORM. Why? Because it's so important to use your body correctly to avoid injury, strains, and future issues. We can't, at this stage of life, necessarily just walk into any class and expect to get the instruction we need.
- EXERCISES that will help you be functionally fit. To strengthen the muscles you use in your everyday life and to ensure that you're mobile and have great balance. (the hip fracture stats are actually kind of scary).
- Simple RESISTANCE training equipment that you can find easily and use at home - if you want to, in between our classes.
- JUST RIGHT class sizes - big enough for great connections but small enough for lots of personal attention.
- A little bit of CARDIO - we'll get your heart rate up a little, enough to burn some calories, and feel the satisfaction that you can only get from that.
- FUN! Great music, connections with other like minded women, and lots of fresh air.
BUT WAIT! What if I'm nervous about this?
That's good actually. Our bodies at midlife do need special attention. We aren't in that stage of rapid healing anymore! And injuries or pain can put us out for days, weeks and months. So, if you haven't been in a gym in ages, or don't do much weight or strength training, I'd suggest you start with a one on one assessment.
If you have injuries or aches and pains that affect you and keep you from doing the things you want and fully enjoying your life, starting with a fitness and form assessment and some guidance on how best to support your body in daily life and in working out, is highly recommended. Maybe you were really active in your earlier life, or even pre-Covid, but a couple of years of being more sedentary than you'd planned has left you with achy hips or back issues (I'm speaking from experience here...) You might be finding that you're more easily fatigued, can't walk or hike as far or as long, find carrying groceries, or a grandchild, is harder, sleep is a challenge, or you're not nearly as balanced at yoga or on your bike.
Having a one on one assessment is a great place to start before you jump into a class. You'll know what your body and muscles need, understand how best to do the exercises to get strong, flexible and stay injury free, and you'll be able to participate in the class without wondering what you're doing wrong, or worrying about what everyone else is doing (again speaking from experience :)). Several years ago, I completely messed up my knee and now have some pretty major limitations that keep me from just doing what everyone else is doing. But knowing that, and knowing what I can and can't do, frees me up to just enjoy the environment, knowing that I'm doing what's best for me, and getting the exercise that I'm there for.
If you have injuries or aches and pains that affect you and keep you from doing the things you want and fully enjoying your life, starting with a fitness and form assessment and some guidance on how best to support your body in daily life and in working out, is highly recommended. Maybe you were really active in your earlier life, or even pre-Covid, but a couple of years of being more sedentary than you'd planned has left you with achy hips or back issues (I'm speaking from experience here...) You might be finding that you're more easily fatigued, can't walk or hike as far or as long, find carrying groceries, or a grandchild, is harder, sleep is a challenge, or you're not nearly as balanced at yoga or on your bike.
Having a one on one assessment is a great place to start before you jump into a class. You'll know what your body and muscles need, understand how best to do the exercises to get strong, flexible and stay injury free, and you'll be able to participate in the class without wondering what you're doing wrong, or worrying about what everyone else is doing (again speaking from experience :)). Several years ago, I completely messed up my knee and now have some pretty major limitations that keep me from just doing what everyone else is doing. But knowing that, and knowing what I can and can't do, frees me up to just enjoy the environment, knowing that I'm doing what's best for me, and getting the exercise that I'm there for.
When & Where?
OUTDOOR CLASSES: 2 Classes a week starting on June 25: Wednesdays at 5.30pm, and Saturdays at 9.30am. For right now, all classes will be held at Douglasdale Community Gardens in Calgary SE but I am looking for new venues and, if you know of one, I will happily come your way.
FITNESS & FORM ASSESSMENTS: Thursday evenings and Friday mornings (or, if neither of those work, let me know), in my home gym in Douglasdale. Check out the Start Here page for details.
In addition, if you want to get 4-5 friends together for a class, let me know and we can work that out as well, anywhere in the city.
FITNESS & FORM ASSESSMENTS: Thursday evenings and Friday mornings (or, if neither of those work, let me know), in my home gym in Douglasdale. Check out the Start Here page for details.
In addition, if you want to get 4-5 friends together for a class, let me know and we can work that out as well, anywhere in the city.