Strong At Every Age: Kristen Templin

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 Kristen! Kristen has such a wonderful attitude. It has been really special watching her get stronger, overcome injuries and do things she never thought possible!

Kristen has been a member for almost nine years!

Your age: 53

When did you start strength training? What's your previous experience (if any)?

I started my strength training with Dragonfly in October 2016 (at age 44). I had recently been diagnosed with osteopenia—which was a wake-up call for me. I drove past the Dragonfly sign (at the old location) daily and decided to make the call.

Previously, I was a high school athlete so I dabbled in some strength training, but nothing like what I do now. As a wife and mother, I worked full-time, so strength training—actually, any training—was non-existent for many years.

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?!

My challenges are both my schedule and my proximity (or lack thereof) to Dragonfly. (I live in Illinois.) I joined Dragonfly after my youngest finished high school, but life did not slow down. I toggle a full-time job, ministry work, and classes for my master’s degree in theology. When you sprinkle in family and friends, the schedule gets tricky. I have always been on the 8 classes/month membership and I would guess that I average 5-7 classes each month. On the days when it’s inconvenient or I don’t feel like working out, I know that simply showing up is half the battle. I never regret choosing to go.

What has surprised you the most about your strength and progress? I had not considered that the long-game, or consistency for eight years, would be the magic! 

When I began, I thought I could do everything. I ignored my body. I tried to keep up with the younger women (emphasis on tried). I had issues with the hip hinge…which eventually led me to get my lower back checked out. In the fall of 2018, I learned that I had degenerative disc disease (L5-S1 level) and enrolled in physical therapy. To be honest, I didn’t know how this would impact my time at Dragonfly. But after completing therapy, I started again at Dragonfly with various modifications. I trusted my body and the coaches to ensure that I was doing the movements accurately and you know what? I became stronger! I have not looked back.

Recently, Missy pulled me aside and told me that I was strong. We reminisced about my various injuries/ailments over the years and she simply said, “You are so strong.” I later told her that no one has ever directly told me that and how much it meant to me.

How has your strength and fitness impacted life outside of the gym? I immediately think of my health! I started Dragonfly to “get in shape” and because I knew it was the right thing to do. I was not thinking it would be good for my overall health. My bone density. My breast health. My mental health. Peri-menopause. You get the idea. The “over-achiever in me" loves to tell my physicians and medical team that I regularly do strength conditioning.

Additionally, I am confident! I tell family and friends all the time that I can carry heavy things. I believe I say, “I work out for a reason. I can carry this.” or something similar. I can get down on the floor with my grandchildren—and successfully get back up. I sleep better, too! 

To sum it up in three words—I feel better.

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

1. Loyalty and commitment

2. Trusting my body with all the movements

3. Camaraderie and fun

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

• Heavy kettlebell swings (before physical therapy on my lower back I could not do swings, so the fact that I can do kettlebell swings AND that I find heavier bells easier, is quite a marvel)

• Bench press

• The prowler

• Push-ups on the floor with a yoga block

• Rowing

What would you say to a friend who wants to start strength training, but is maybe nervous? Do it for your health. To make strength training a priority requires a commitment, even sacrifice, but it is worth it. Plus, strength training with other women is incredibly encouraging (and fun).

Anything else you would like to add? I could not have known eight years ago how much my body would change. I’m not a huge fan of being in peri-menopause, but find comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. And quite frankly, I am inspired by so many strong women (older, younger and the same age) showing up regularly for strength training.

Also, as an Illinois resident, I never expected to develop relationships at Dragonfly. But that’s simply not true. I consider all of my classmates (and coaches!) to be friends. Huge perk!