At 63, I Transformed My Body—You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!

At 63, Andi Breitowich found a new path to health and vitality that transformed her life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For much of her life, fitness wasn’t a priority; her focus was on her family and career. But when she moved closer to her children and grandchildren, her daughter’s newfound commitment to fitness became a catalyst for change. “I wasn’t eager to start exercising, but I didn’t want to let her down,” she recalls, accepting an invitation to become her daughter’s workout buddy.

The initial workouts were challenging, and she often experienced soreness like never before. This was due in part to the program designed for her daughter, who is more than half her age. Modifications were necessary for exercises like Bulgarian split squats and pushups. Yet, as the days turned into weeks, Andi discovered the empowering feeling of lifting weights and the incremental strength gains she achieved. “Gradually, 5- and 10-lb dumbbells became 15, and I needed less rest time between exercises.” Within a few weeks, she had caught the fitness bug, eager to make exercise a regular part of her life.

Tailoring Fitness to Age and Goals

After two years of following her daughter’s regimen, which included a full-body program five days a week, Andi sought a fitness plan tailored to her age, abilities, and specific goals of building muscle and losing weight. Enter Amanda Lim, a midlife strength coach who introduced her to more advanced barbell lifts, including deadlifts, hip thrusts, and back squats. Amanda not only helped refine her form through video assessments but also educated her on nutrition, specifically how to count macros and increase her protein intake to support muscle growth.

As she committed to her routine, Andi noticed significant changes. Her body fat decreased, muscle definition became apparent, and she felt stronger in her daily activities. “I’ve learned that it’s never too late to prioritize yourself and your well-being,” Andi states. Her fitness journey became so impactful that she decided to become a certified personal trainer herself, aiming to continue learning and growing.

Now at 68, Andi’s primary focus is to keep building muscle and strength for longevity. Despite her new credentials, she continues to work with Claire Hurwitt, a coach who specializes in body recomposition and strength for longevity. Andi trains four days a week, alternating between upper- and lower-body workouts, focusing on progressive overload—the gradual increase of load to enhance strength. Each session typically includes six to seven exercises, with three sets of eight to twelve repetitions, and she incorporates supersets to boost endurance.

Deadlifts have become her favorite exercise, providing a full-body workout and a sense of empowerment. Originally aiming to lift her body weight of around 135 pounds, she has recently achieved a personal record of deadlifting 180 pounds. Andi also integrates cardio into her routine, committing to 30 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill once a week and aiming for at least 10,000 steps daily, often walking her dog.

Nutrition remains a critical component of her journey. Andi tracks her macros to simplify meal planning, a necessity given her recent gluten and dairy intolerance. She emphasizes protein-rich foods, with staples including ground turkey, beef, chicken, and salmon, while finding creative ways to add flavor through pickled veggies.

Andi’s Keys to Success in Strength Training

Andi highlights three essential factors that have contributed to her transformation:

1. Working with an experienced coach: Despite being a certified personal trainer, Andi appreciates the accountability and fresh perspective that a coach provides. “There’s real value in having a teammate,” she notes.
2. Openness to new approaches: Andi has learned the importance of maintaining an open mind in her fitness journey. Trying new programming styles and techniques has led to significant strength gains and has kept her motivated.
3. Seizing the moment: “I stopped waiting for the perfect time to start,” Andi reflects. Recognizing that the best time to prioritize health is now has been pivotal in her journey. She encourages others to embrace the present and make health a priority.

Andi Breitowich's journey illustrates that it is never too late to take charge of one’s health and well-being. Through commitment, the support of family and professionals, and a willingness to adapt and learn, she has transformed her life. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who may feel it's too late to start their own fitness journey. “Every day is a good day to get stronger, and I’m ready to make every day count,” she concludes.

Andi’s commitment not only highlights the physical benefits of strength training but also emphasizes the importance of support systems and continuous learning, making her journey relatable and inspiring for many.