I began strength training. As a former ballerina and an avid exerciser all my life, I have always valued the importance of physical activity. Strength training took my body to the next level. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I didn’t know what I was capable of until I held real heavy weights in my hands. I couldn’t believe how difficult and easy it was simultaneously. Today, I can’t fathom how my body took the shape I had always aspired to, but never achieved even after years of merely exercising. As a middle-aged woman, strength training has been my saving grace inside and outside of the gym. It has been my fountain of youth from which I will never stop drinking. It has provided me with the calmness and a focus my mind needs to function effectively. I cannot, will not, be without strength training in my life. It’s more than just a choice or a way of life. To me, it is life. This will be my ninth year training with Chris Carlsen. I don’t even think about it anymore. I just show up. It’s like breathing; my body looks better now than it did in my 20s. I don’t question the process; I just surrendered to his methods. Chris deconstructed all my bad habits and re-trained me, literally, on how to stand, walk and breathe. He started me slow, explaining to me as we went along. In time, results began to manifest, and I never looked back, or better. Due to our longstanding relationship, Chris can “read” me the minute I walk into the gym. By reading my body language, he can assess if I am tired and need to lift light, or if I’m up to lifting heavier. It took a long time to get to where my muscle memory locks in and I can perform a lifting technique that will keep me injury-free and allow my strength to develop. The journey has been well worth it. I would highly encourage other (older) women to strength train. It not only keeps you healthy, physically and mentally, but the longterm dividends are priceless. As we get older, common ailments such as midlife weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and issues with bone density and stress wreak havoc on our bodies. Strength training gives us the ability to regain our stability and conquer our health. It will prevent longterm wear and tear and sustain the suppleness of our muscles, strengthening the core—which will aid to prevent debilitating falls as we age. There will be setbacks, but I personally have never had an injury under Chris’ diligent eye. Moreover, I don’t remember the last time I had a cold. Yes, it’s an investment in time and money, but it’s an investment in your body. Your body has to last you a lifetime. Just like your home, you need to take care of it. For further information, consult ironlionperformance.com, @ironlionperformance, or FB Iron Lion Performance. Julia Christodoulou 38 I BOROMAG.COM I FEBRUARY 2016 BODY & SOUL
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