Online Client Testimonial: Melisa D

Before joining TBFT, Melisa had started to feel like her body was changing. After menopause, extra family responsibilities, a change in work location, and an extra hour of travel each day, she found herself exercising less and feeling more lethargic. She was getting stiffer, her knee was starting to niggle, her hip would sometimes play up, and she didn’t feel as capable as she used to. Then came a real wake-up call. After a bone density scan, Melisa found out her bones weren’t in the condition she expected. She’d always walked, taken calcium, eaten yoghurt and thought she’d be fine — but she quickly realised walking alone wasn’t enough. Strength training mattered too. That’s when she found TBFT’s 50+ online strength training program. At first, Melisa was nervous about training on Zoom. She wasn’t sure whether it would feel real, whether she’d get the same connection as an in-person class, or whether having a trainer watch her would feel intimidating. But after the first class, those worries quickly faded. She found the sessions easy to fit into her life, supportive, personal, and genuinely connected. With Rob, Mitch and Emily watching her technique, adapting exercises around any niggles, and keeping her accountable, Melisa started building strength and confidence again. Two years later, the difference is huge. Her bone density has improved. Her endocrinologist was impressed with the change. Her knee and hip issues have settled. She’s hiking while travelling, averaging 13,000–15,000 steps a day, climbing rocky tracks, feeling steadier on her feet, and enjoying places she may not have felt confident exploring before. She’s also kept training while travelling in a caravan through Australia. With just adjustable weights, a mat, and sometimes a stool or caravan step, Melisa has been able to keep her strength training going from wherever she is — even in the East MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia with no phone coverage, using Starlink to stay connected. She’s trained in gravel pits, riverbeds, caravan park camp kitchens and games rooms. For Melisa, the biggest change is that she feels like herself again. She feels fitter, stronger, more confident, and able to do the things she wants to do — whether that’s hiking, travelling, bike riding, or keeping up with her grandchild. In this testimonial, Melisa shares why she started online strength training, what made her nervous at first, how the TBFT community helped her stay consistent, and why building strength after 50 has changed what she feels capable of. At TBFT, we help adults in their 50s and 60s build strength, improve balance, move better, and stay active through safe, supportive, age-appropriate training — whether in person or online. Because fitness after 50 isn’t about trying to train like a 25-year-old. It’s about building strength, confidence and independence — so you can keep living fully now, and in the years ahead. Learn more here: totalbalanceft.com.au CHAPTERS 0:00 Feeling lethargic after menopause and life changes 0:50 The bone density wake-up call 1:25 Why Melisa chose TBFT online training 2:15 Feeling nervous about Zoom classes 3:20 Building strength, confidence and consistency 4:10 Staying active into the years ahead 4:40 The value of trainer support and accountability 5:30 Improving bone density and reducing niggles 6:05 Hiking, travelling and staying active 7:00 The value of support and community 8:05 Keeping up training while travelling 8:15 Training from a caravan with minimal equipment 9:15 Training anywhere — gravel pits, riverbeds and caravan parks 9:45 Personal support and community 10:50 Melisa's advice to others #TBFT #FitnessOver50 #HealthyAgeing #StrengthForLife #Over50Fitness #FitnessAfter50 #WomenOver50 #OnlineStrengthTraining #StrengthTrainingOver50 #BalanceAndMobility #FitnessIsFreedom