Strong At Every Age: Karen Galen

We can't tell you how many times we've heard...well I'm just getting old and I guess I can't do those things anymore. Now, it's no secret that your body handles things differently than a 20 or 30 year old when you hit 40+. BUT, let's never use that as an excuse. You can do so much more than you think, all you have to do is try.

We see a heckuva lot of strong women over 40, over 50 and over 60 at our gym and I've asked them to share their stories. They are so inspiring! And they aren't just strong for their age - they are just simply STRONG!

Next up is Karen! Karen is always ready to work hard and stir things up in class. You know it's going to be a great class when Karen is in it! Karen will also give it to you straight and that is one of the reasons we think she's the best!

Karen has been a member for 8 years!

Your age: Turned 63 in March

When did you start strength training? What's your previous experience (if any)? My first real weight training experience was when I joined Dragonfly in 2017 after a suggestion from a friend who was a member at the time. Previous experience was 40 years earlier as a college athlete. I would sneak out of the so-called weight training and go for a run instead. I was a soccer, basketball and softball player and I wasn’t interested in getting “big” muscles.

What have you found to be the most challenging part of sticking with training? Have there been hard moments? How did you overcome those challenges?! ?!  I can honestly say that there are times when I don’t want to come to class, but being a part of DF really makes you accountable. I never regret coming once I’m there and finished. It is a wonderful feeling every single time. I have dealt with some knee and shoulder issues and it is frustrating some times when I can’t do the required movements, but I have learned to embrace what I can do and not what I can’t.

What has surprised you the most about your strength and progress? ? It is amazing how much stronger I am.  My membership is only 10x a month so the progress is at a slower rate, but the progress is there none the less. I think it is cool when there is a movement you haven’t done in 2-3 rounds of 6-8 weeks, but when that movement comes back into the workout you can lift more or increase your ability because you have been using the same muscles but in a different way. Hence, getting stronger!!

How has your strength and fitness impacted life outside of the gym?  I have a house to take care of by myself and I am so glad that I can manage most things without having to ask for help. I have a lot of grandchildren and I want to be able to lift them, carry them, get them in an out of those damn car seats and just enjoy their youthfulness. Dragonfly is giving me the confidence and strength to do the things I want to do.

What do you feel like is your strongest quality when it comes to the gym/training?

I really try to push myself during the Circuit and cardio aspect of the strength classes.  Since I am there 10x a month I really try to get the most out of each class, by trying heavier weights or more challenging movements when I can.

What are some of your proudest moments in the gym? Brag brag brag!

·       40 lb Kettlebell Swing

·       130 lb Barbell Deadlift

·       75 lb Bench Press

·       106 lb Single KB Deadlift

I think about where I started in 2017 and what I can do now, it’s very rewarding to see the progress.

Anything else you would like to add? There is a lot of scientific literature talking about the importance of weight training especially in women and I really have embraced that at Dragonfly. I am a 17 year breast cancer survivor and the chemotherapy pushed me into menopause approximately 10 years earlier than normal. I was worried about my bone health and as I age, I am so glad I found Dragonfly as a place to grow old strongly!!  Joining DF is probably one of the best things I have ever done for my health and well being. I wouldn’t do this on my own and it is a great group of women to be a part of. Last but definitely not least…we have a lot of fun while getting stronger.