Strength Training with My 80-Year-Old Mum – Session 4 & 5

There is something very motivating about learning and growing stronger together with my 80-year-old mum. In our recent strength training sessions, our personal trainer, Sharon, introduced us to a variety of exercises designed to strengthen our upper body, lower body, and core muscles.

Every session feels different and exciting. We get to try various equipment and training methods — from weight machines and dumbbells to kettlebells and resistance bands. The elastic band exercises may look simple, but they are surprisingly challenging and really work our legs, arms, hands, and core muscles.

The first few sets are usually the toughest. Our muscles feel tired quickly, and sometimes we wonder how many more repetitions we can manage. But interestingly, after a while, the movements begin to feel smoother and lighter, almost as if the body is slowly adapting and becoming stronger.

Strength training is definitely hard work, especially at our age differences, but it is also very rewarding. Day by day, we can feel improvements in our strength, balance, and endurance. It is not just about lifting weights — it is about building confidence, staying active, and taking care of our health together.

Most importantly, these training sessions have become precious bonding moments for my mum and me. Growing stronger together is truly a wonderful journey.

You can watch the video of our strength training sessions on my Facebook page.

Strength Training With a Personal Trainer - Session #2 | My 80-Year-Old Mum & Me (53)

 Our second strength training session with Sharon, our personal trainer, was both fun and very rewarding 💪

This time, we focused on strengthening both our lower and upper body using different weight machines. Sharon patiently guided us step by step, making sure we used the correct posture and technique to avoid injury and get the most out of each movement.

We also learned how to do squats using dumbbells—something that looks simple but actually requires proper form and balance. It was a great exercise for building leg strength and stability, especially important as we age.

One of the most valuable things Sharon emphasized again was proper breathing during weight training. Knowing when to inhale and exhale may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in improving performance, maintaining control, and ensuring safety during each exercise.

What I really appreciate is how the training is tailored to suit both Mum and me, taking into account her age and condition while still allowing us to progress at our own pace.

We’re both enjoying this journey so much, and it’s really encouraging to see Mum staying active and committed. Can’t wait for our next session (even if it comes with a little muscle soreness 😄)

You can watch the video here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/2013641946211005

Strength Training At 53

Today, my 80-year-old mum and I attended our very first strength training session with a personal trainer 💪

Before we even started, our trainer Sharon (IFC Gym, Ipoh) —such a warm and friendly lady—sat down with us to understand our health conditions, daily habits, and diet. I really appreciated this part, because it made the session feel very personalised and thoughtful, rather than just a “one size fits all” workout. She also shared some simple nutrition tips to support our training.

One of the most important things she taught us was proper breathing technique—when to inhale and exhale during each exercise, whether we were using weights or not. It sounds basic, but it actually makes a big difference in how effectively and safely we exercise.

We were then guided step by step on how to use the different weight machines correctly (no more guessing at the gym 😄), followed by a short floor exercise session.

Since Mum has been dealing with sciatica, Sharon also showed us specific exercises to help relieve the pain and loosen tight muscles. It was very reassuring to know that these movements can be done safely and consistently to improve her condition over time.

Overall, it was such a positive and encouraging experience. Mum and I really enjoyed the session, and more importantly, we feel confident and motivated to continue.

Can’t wait for our next class… even if it means a bit more muscle soreness tomorrow 😆

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️

Stronger Together: Mum and I Start Our Strength Training Journey

Yesterday, Mum and I attended a strength training workshop at IFC Gym—currently the only gym in Ipoh that offers specialised programmes for senior citizens.

We first heard about it through Mum’s 88-year-old friend, who has been training there and has seen noticeable improvements in her mobility. That was encouraging, especially since Mum has been dealing with persistent joint and limb pain every morning. She was advised that strength training could help improve her mobility and potentially ease those aches by strengthening both muscles and bones.

We attended the theory session last month, and this time, it was all about hands-on practice.

The workshop was divided into three parts: lower body strength training, upper body strength training, and bodyweight exercises using free weights and resistance bands. There was also a complimentary antioxidant test, which measured our body’s antioxidant levels—quite an interesting addition to the session.

Having lived in a condo with gym facilities for 17 years, I have to admit I barely used most of the equipment beyond the treadmill, air walker, and rowing machine. It felt a little ironic that we are now paying to properly learn how to use these machines—but honestly, it’s worth it. The personal trainers were incredibly patient, friendly, and attentive, guiding us step by step.

Most participants were senior citizens, and I think I was among the youngest there—which made the experience even more heartwarming.

The antioxidant test results were a pleasant surprise. Mine came back very high (in a good way!), and I suspect my daily matcha, green tea, and “an orange a day” habit might have something to do with it.

By the end of the workshop, Mum and I were so convinced that we signed up for a personal training package (10 sessions) along with a gym membership. As a bonus, the lifetime membership fee was waived since we signed up on the spot.

We genuinely enjoyed the session and are looking forward to our first personal training class.

The only “downside”—or maybe a good sign—is that my arms were aching throughout the night, similar to that post-vaccine soreness. But I can already feel my muscles waking up… even the little flab under my arms is starting to feel firmer 😄

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️