When Emily started personal training at CrossFit Alabaster, she was ready for change. At 52, she had spent years putting everyone else first: work, family, responsibilities and her body was starting to feel the effects. Her joints ached, her energy was low, and while she was active at her job, she knew it wasn’t enough to build the strength her body needed.
“I needed someone to help me with mobility and push me after I wanted to stop,” she said. “I wanted accountability and variation, something to keep me consistent.”
Emily came into the gym with a clear goal: lose weight, get stronger, and feel better in her body. What she found was much more than that.
Finding the Right Fit
When she decided to start personal training, Emily met with some of our coaches. “I’m at a point in my life where I need to get my crap together and be the best version of myself,” she said with a laugh. “I met with my coach Jim, he really listened to me and understood what I was trying to do. He made a plan that would work for me and that’s exactly what I needed.”
That connection made all the difference. Emily knew she wasn’t just signing up for workouts. She was partnering with someone who genuinely cared about her goals.
Small Wins, Big Changes
Over the last year, Emily has seen both physical and mental changes that have kept her motivated.
“My knees don’t hurt when I go downstairs now,” she said. “Mentally I feel clearer when I work out. I can do regular push-ups now, not on my knees! My strength is coming back, and I feel sexier about myself.”
It’s that combination of progress and pride that fuels her consistency. Emily is down multiple clothing sizes and has regained the confidence to walk into any store and grab something off the rack — something she hadn’t done comfortably in years. Her friends have noticed, too. “They’ve been so encouraging. It’s nice to have people cheering me on as I work toward getting healthier.”
What Keeps Her Going
When asked what she enjoys most about training, Emily doesn’t hesitate. “Jim listens to me. He lets me vent, deals with my crazy, and pushes me to keep going.”
That mix of accountability and encouragement has helped Emily stay on track, even when life gets busy. She knows that progress doesn’t come from perfection, but from showing up, doing the work, and getting back on track when life happens.
It’s that combination of progress and pride that fuels her consistency. Emily is down multiple clothing sizes and has regained the confidence to walk into any store and grab something off the rack — something she hadn’t done comfortably in years. Her friends have noticed, too. “They’ve been so encouraging. It’s nice to have people cheering me on as I work toward getting healthier.”
What Keeps Her Going
When asked what she enjoys most about training, Emily doesn’t hesitate. “Jim listens to me. He lets me vent, deals with my crazy, and pushes me to keep going.”
That mix of accountability and encouragement has helped Emily stay on track, even when life gets busy. She knows that progress doesn’t come from perfection, but from showing up, doing the work, and getting back on track when life happens.
Her Advice for Others
If you’re someone in your 40s, 50s, or beyond who’s hesitant to start, Emily’s message is simple: *It’s never too late.*
“Start with low weight and reps, and continue to build at a steady pace. Fitness isn’t a race, it’s a journey. If you quit for a week, it’s OK. Just start again. Your body will thank you for doing something rather than nothing.”
Emily’s story is a reminder that progress can happen at any stage of life. With the right support, consistency, and mindset, you can rebuild strength, regain confidence, and feel better than you have in years.
If you’re someone in your 40s, 50s, or beyond who’s hesitant to start, Emily’s message is simple: *It’s never too late.*
“Start with low weight and reps, and continue to build at a steady pace. Fitness isn’t a race, it’s a journey. If you quit for a week, it’s OK. Just start again. Your body will thank you for doing something rather than nothing.”
Emily’s story is a reminder that progress can happen at any stage of life. With the right support, consistency, and mindset, you can rebuild strength, regain confidence, and feel better than you have in years.