Age is just a number, or so the saying goes, but what does advancing years mean for your fitness?
One look into the extremely lucrative world of personal training, and it would seem the majority of PTs (personal trainers) are of a certain age and physique.
One could argue that someone in that line of work should embody the look you’re trying to achieve, but health is about so much more than your reflection in the mirror.
It’s about how you feel, both mentally and physically.
Blonde and a size six, Michelle Milligan might appear to fit the aforementioned fitness stereotype.
But aged 53 and with three grandchildren to keep her busy, it’s clear that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Your Life caught up with Michelle, and found out why qualifying as a PT aged 48 was just the beginning of a fabulous journey for this exercise junkie.
Fit way of life
Michelle, who is based at the popular private health club Kippie Lodge, has been teaching fitness classes for 28 years.
She currently throws herself into 16 classes every single week, so it’s no wonder that her sporty physique is enviable to say the least.
She believes she is popular with older clients in particular, perhaps because she is that bit more relatable.
Her fellow PT colleagues are all under 40, whereas Michelle counts a 72-year-old female power-lifter, and 80-year-old gentleman among her clients.
“I started working at Warehouse when I was 18 years old, I was on reception,” said Michelle.
“It’s actually where I met my husband, and I started taking part in fitness classes.
“That’s when I decided that I wanted to teach classes myself.”
High intensity is Michelle’s poison of choice, but she was regularly asked if she could train clients over the years.
Back to school
But instead of doing a quick six-week course, Michelle decided to attend college and achieve a two-year qualification.
“I went to NESCOL, (North East Scotland College) and I was the oldest on the course,” she said.
“Everyone else was in their twenties or younger. I was nervous, but I was never ashamed of my age.”
Michelle soon discovered that she was in demand for any team-based activities, where her fitness meant she was an asset.
“Any kind of fitness training we had to do, I always put my all into it,” she said.
“So everyone always asked me to be on their team.
“I was even asked on a night out. They turned up on my doorstep, I had my slippers and PJs on.”
Needless to say, Michelle graciously declined the invite, and went on to officially qualify as a PT aged 50.
Athletic at 80
“One of my clients is away to turn 80,” said Michelle.
“Of course he moans and groans every session, but we have such a good rapport.
“When he first came to me, he couldn’t lift two kilos. Now he’s lifting 17 and half kilo dumbells over his head. He’s found it has made such a difference when he’s gardening.
“He used to have to drag bags of compost because he couldn’t lift them.
“Now he can pick them up, and he’s climbing ladders with ease to trim hedges.”
Why is it so difficult to find a PT who is more mature in years though?
“Going by what I see, I don’t think a lot of people commit to their own fitness,” said Michelle.
“I think they maybe just give up when they reach a certain age, whereas I just keeping pushing through.
I love feeling strong and capable, and I like the shape it gives me.
“I enjoy not being your stereotypical menopausal grandma.
“I eat as well as I can, although I still like wine and chocolate.”
Michelle has three grandchildren, aged nine, four and one, and admits to still feeling exhausted after they leave.
She believes that her job can be part trainer, part therapist.
“Women, especially, need to understand that their bodies are changing as they get older,” she said.
“I can be a soundboard for them, an agony aunt.
“They might not be 100% committed to getting fit, but for that one hour a week they can come and talk to someone the same age as them.”
For Michelle, fitness goes far beyond what you look like, or a number on the scales.
“Its not just about losing weight, or looking like a size-six model,” she said.
It’s never too late to invest in your health, or look after what’s on the inside.
“It’s having that strength to get up and down from the chair, or move your furniture to hoover underneath.”
Despite her busy schedule, Michelle stills finds time to enjoy life.
“Ultimately life is for living and food is for enjoying,” she said.
“I have never been on a diet in my life, it’s all about balance.”
