Starting a New Career in My 60s: Am I Too Old, or Just Crazy?

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be starting a whole new career in my 60s, let alone running a gym, I would’ve thought you were out of your mind. I mean seriously 😳 , me? Owning a gym? After not working for 20 years! Yet, here I am, diving into something completely new—no dream job, no lifelong passion, just a great opportunity that felt too good to pass up.

Trying something new at any age is a bit of a leap, but in your 60s? It feels like you’re signing up for an adventure where you’re wondering if the parachute will actually open. But sometimes, you just gotta make the jump, right? So here it is…the BIG question that’s been on my mind (and probably yours, too):

Am I Too Old for This?

This is the first thing I asked myself when the opportunity came up. The fitness industry is all about energy, enthusiasm, and hustle—things I’ve done in other areas of my life, but does it apply here? Am I too old to keep up? Here’s what I am hoping…Age won’t be the problem—it will actually be the solution.

I’m not bouncing around like a 25-year-old (I mean, have you seen my knees?), but what I do bring is years of life experience to the table. I know how to connect with people, stay calm when everything’s falling apart, and think on my feet. Plus, I’ve spent enough time in gyms as a member (semi-regular, but who’s counting? 😉 ) to understand what it’s like from the other side.

So, nope. I’m not too old for this. If anything, I’ve got a whole lot of experience in making things happen—whether it’s managing a household or running my own life. Age just means I know how to bend the rules a little and make things work.

Is This Really What I Want to Do?

I get it: starting a new venture isn’t always about chasing a lifelong dream. Sometimes, it’s about grabbing an opportunity that lands in your lap. And this one did. And I’ll be honest, at first, I was like, “Am I sure this is what I want to do?” But once I started thinking about it, I realized how much I love the idea of helping other people crush their goals.

That’s what really excites me—seeing people come in, set a goal, and then actually hit it. The thought of being part of their journey? Now that’s pretty cool. I am all for helping  others feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.  Plus I know that I personally will become stronger, healthier and more confident too. Isn’t that the healthiest attitude to have towards aging?

What Are People Saying About Me?

The reaction has been a mix of admiration and confusion. A lot of people are like, “You’re brave!” (thanks, I think?), some have said “Good for you, but I could never do that.” and a few have straight-up asked“Are you f*** crazy?”  Not gonna lie…I have wondered the same thing. 

Here’s the truth: I didn’t start this because I was fearless or looking for fame. I did it because the opportunity just felt right. It was a chance to try something new, push myself, and challenge myself in a way I hadn’t done in years. Maybe some people think it’s crazy, but hey, a little craziness is just a sign that you’re shaking things up, right?

The Perks of Trying Something New Later in Life

Believe it or not, there are some surprisingly awesome perks to starting a new career in your 60s:

1. Perspective: After years of figuring out what really matters, I’m able to focus on building something meaningful—something that makes a difference in other people’s lives.

2. Network: Decades of meeting people means I’ve got a strong network supporting me. I’m not starting from scratch, and that’s a huge advantage. 

3. Time: The kids are grown and out of the house. I taught Steve how to use the washer and dryer which means I can pour energy into this new opportunity without worrying about juggling a million other things. 😝

4. Confidence: Life has thrown a lot our way, and together Steve and I survived it all. So now? Failure isn’t as scary as it used to be. I know I can handle whatever comes my way especially with Steve in my corner.

Am I Crazy to Do This?

Maybe a lil’ bit. But honestly, aren’t the best opportunities the ones that make you feel a little bit nuts?

I didn’t dive into this new chapter because it was safe or easy. I did it because it felt like the right challenge for this moment in my life. It wasn’t about finding a dream job—it was about finding an exciting, fresh opportunity that pushed me to grow.

And if you’re thinking about trying something new, no matter your age, my advice is simple: Go for it. The worst thing that could happen is that you try, learn, and grow. The best thing? You might just surprise yourself.

Here’s to new beginnings, even when they don’t look like what you expected!

You can visit www.gymonplains.com for more photos and follow my new blog on that site. (Top right corner tab) I am still getting the kinks out trying to learn a new system 🤦‍♀️ but by April 1 the blog posts should be a regular – weekly occurrence.