Blog
Making Room for Herself
Andrea Newcomer plans events for a living. Between work and raising a 12-year-old son, her days are built around lists, checklists, and constant decision-making.
1 year ago, she decided it was time to make room for something just for her — and found it at PowerStrength.
EASING BACK IN
Andrea’s decision to join PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s came from a simple realization: she needed to move more.
“I saw a Facebook ad geared toward women 40 and older, and I just wanted to start getting more active — moving my body more,” she said. “I was like, I need to do something. I need to join something.”
She’d worked out at a boot-camp style gym before, but wanted a change.
“I just wanted to try something new, and I actually knew a couple people who had been members here.”
It had been a long time since Andrea had been consistent with any kind of exercise.
“I hadn’t worked out since basically before COVID,” she said.
Rather than throwing her into the deep end, PowerStrength met her right where she was and built from there, at a pace that actually fit her.
“So far, so good,” she said.
THE STRENGTH GAINS
Starting from scratch didn’t stop Andrea from building real strength over the past year.
“I started with basically zero weightlifting experience — I never lifted in high school or college,” she said. “I started really light because I wasn’t sure how much I could lift. A year later, I’m pretty proud of myself.”
THE MENTAL RELIEF
For Andrea, the biggest benefit isn’t just physical — it’s the mental break from a job built on constant decisions.
“I plan events for a living — I make like 4,000 decisions a day,” she said. “When I come here, the workout is already planned out for me. All I need to do is listen, take the direction, and give it my all. I don’t have to think about anything, which is the big benefit.”
She’s also noticed a broader shift in her mood.
“I think working out just makes me happier. If I’m happier because I work out, then I’m happier in life and happier at work.”
WHAT HER SON NOTICES
Andrea’s commitment to her training hasn’t gone unnoticed at home.
“My son is 12, and he’ll see me and say, ‘Mom, you’re ripped,’ little comments like that,” she said. “I don’t think I really am — but I think he’s just proud of me for doing something.”
THE COMMUNITY
Beyond the workouts themselves, Andrea points to the atmosphere as a big part of why she keeps coming back.
“From the moment you walk in, they all know your name,” she said. “It’s like the Cheers bar of a gym — everybody knows your name. And it’s not even just the instructors — the people are very nice and genuine. They try to get to know you too.”
WHY IT MATTERS
Even on the younger end of PowerStrength’s adult demographic, Andrea sees the long-term value in what strength training builds.
“With strength training — which you should be doing at my age and older — I think it’s going to help your bones get stronger,” she said. “It’s flexibility, it’s movement, and movement is what you need, especially as a woman.”
HER ADVICE
Ask Andrea what she’d tell someone considering PowerStrength, and she’s honest that it’s not effortless — but worth it.
“I would encourage them to come try it out — they offer a free trial to make sure it’s something you’d be interested in,” she said. “The general feeling of the place is everybody’s really friendly. They push you, but in a good way, because they feel confident in your abilities.”
Looking back on her own first year, Andrea has no regrets about making the leap.
“I’m really proud that I made the commitment when I did,” she said. “I didn’t quit after a month, and I found that I really, really like it.”
Asked to sum up what PowerStrength means to her, she kept it simple.
“PowerStrength is fun,” she said. “And it’s challenging at the same time.”
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT 10 YEARS YOUR STRONGEST EVER?
Men and women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to get stronger and have more energy can join the Personal Training Program at PowerStrength at any time. No previous workout experience is required — each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.
Multiple personal training sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening. Find your nearest PowerStrength location — Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center.
Click powerstrengthpro.com/adult/contact-adult to learn more and schedule your risk-free consultation.