Older and Bolder: Finding strength after 50

Part of our Older and Bolder Special Feature

For many women, life after 50 can bring enormous change. Hormonal shifts, changing energy levels and reduced mobility can all begin to affect everyday life, often at the same time women are juggling work, family responsibilities and caring for others.

At Fernwood Fitness North Lakes, trainer and Club Coordinator Tammie Rafferty says this stage of life can also become an opportunity for women to feel healthier, stronger and more confident. During a recent personal training session, Tammie and Fernwood member Karyn Arthur spoke with Moreton Daily about the importance of staying active and building strength as women age.

Fernwood member Karyn says regular training has transformed not only her physical health, but also her energy and confidence in everyday life. After joining the women-only gym more than three years ago, she now attends several times a week, combining strength training, reformer Pilates and group fitness classes.

“I’d been to other gyms before, but I gave up because there was no support,” Karyn says. “Here, there’s so much more support.”

Karyn says exercise has helped her manage the effects of menopause and improve everyday activities that once felt difficult.

“I can keep up with my grandchildren and do things that used to leave me out of breath,” she says. “Even getting up the stairs at the train station is easy now.”

Tammie, who is currently nominated for AUSactive’s People’s Choice Exercise Professional of the Year, says many women feel intimidated about returning to exercise after years away from a gym environment, particularly after spending years caring for others or putting themselves last.

“The hardest part is usually just walking through the door for the first time. Women often think they need to already be fit before they start, but fitness is something we build over time.”

Finding community in fitness

As women move through perimenopause and menopause, Tammie says the body naturally begins to change, often leading to a loss of muscle mass, bone density, balance and mobility if women stop moving. Strength training becomes increasingly important with age, helping women maintain independence, improve posture and balance, and make everyday activities easier and safer.

At Fernwood North Lakes, the focus is not simply on fitness, but on creating a supportive community where women feel comfortable moving at their own pace. Programs such as strength training, Reformer Pilates, group fitness and functional movement classes are designed to help women improve mobility, coordination and overall wellbeing in a welcoming environment.

For Tammie, staying active later in life is about far more than appearance or weight. 

Regular movement can support mental health, sleep, energy levels and long-term wellbeing, while helping women continue doing the things they love for years to come.

“You do not need to be the fittest person in the room,” she says. “You simply need to start."

Staying strong as we age

• Supports bone density and muscle strength

• Improves balance, posture and mobility

• Helps manage menopause-related symptoms

• Assists with everyday movement and independence

• Boosts confidence, energy and overall wellbeing

Find out more

Fernwood Fitness North Lakes is a supportive women-only gym offering personal training, group fitness classes, Reformer Pilates and strength-based programs for all fitness levels.

Learn more or book a tour at Fernwood Fitness North Lakes.