I’m saved in my friend’s phone as “Fitness Louise.”
It makes me smile. But it also got me thinking about how people see you.
I’m a Pilates instructor and a PT. I run, I swim, I cycle. So, everyone assumes I’m fit. Yes, I am. But here’s what people don’t quite believe. I have to put the work in, just like you do. When I’m teaching, I’m not working out. After a full day of teaching, exercise is often the last thing I want to do.
But I make the time anyway. Because strength training for runners over 40 isn’t a nice extra as we age. It’s the thing that keeps us doing what we love.
Did I tell you I got on the podium at my last triathlon? At 61. And I want to keep racing for as long as I possibly can.
But it’s not really about the racing. It’s about staying strong enough to live my life fully for years to come.
You see, I was an older mum. My “baby” is 21 now, so I’m nowhere near being a grandma yet. But one day, if I’m lucky enough, I’d love to be there for my grandchildren. Strong enough to be in it with them, not watching from the sidelines.
Training makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I can do anything. So why wouldn’t you want a bit of that too?
Meet Bill – 98 years young
You might have seen my post about Bill. If not, you can watch it here.
Bill is 98. And he does 40 press ups every single day. Twenty in the morning, twenty at night.
Why? Because he knows that if he stops, he’ll lose the strength and mobility he’s got and he’s not willing to give that up.
When I shared it, the comments came flooding in. But one from a member stuck with me:
“Oh man, he’s set the bar high. If he can do it, I definitely can.”
That’s it, isn’t it? Sometimes we just need someone to inspire us. Someone who makes us believe we can do it too.
Am I inspiring? Or am I just consistent?
When I race, people say “you’re so inspiring.” It’s lovely for the ego. But am I, really? I just do my training. Consistently. Because I’ve still got goals I want to achieve.
So let me turn it around. What’s stopping you?
Here’s what I hear most:
- I don’t have time
- I don’t know what to do
- I’m not sporty
Any of those ring true?
Here’s the good news. You don’t have to do triathlons. You don’t even have to run a 5K although who knows, that might be a goal you set once you’re stronger. But you do need to start.
Strength training for runners over 40 starts with one habit
That’s where July comes in. (2026)
This month in the Pilates for Runners membership, we’re doing a press up challenge inspired by Bill himself.
Now, before you tell me press ups aren’t for you… they are. As one of my clients said only the other day:
“Thanks to you, I can finally do press ups at the age of 57!”
So, if you’ve always thought press ups weren’t for the likes of you, come with me for July. Let’s prove you wrong together.
We’ll use my “This month on the mat” tracker to keep tabs not to chase big numbers, but to start a habit. Because one habit started makes the next one easier and before you know it, you’re moving for 10 minutes a day. That’s how it builds.
Come and join us
If Bill has inspired you and I hope he has come and do this with us.
JOIN THE PILATES FOR RUNNERS MEMBERSHIP HERE