Hey, this is Cara-Michele with another client spotlight interview.

Staying focused on self-care as a tool for recharging my batteries is not always easy. 

So, I love showing off folks that keep me inspired and motivated. But, I always have mixed emotions when my older female clients tell me that they are ready to start exercising more.

I’m excited for them because more strength training leads to better cardiovascular health, greater mental cognition, excellent balance, and higher quality of life. 

I am equally nervous because I know how hard it is for them to find personal trainers who understand how to help older people gain strength without hurting them. So, in 2016 I became a certified personal trainer who works with folks 50 and older.

Might Me! Nutrition and Exercise program. If you ever want to see me tear up, just ask me what it has been like to watch my students grow in strength, mobility, and confidence.  

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to interview a student close to her first anniversary.

Check out her story. I’m sure you will be as impressed with her as I am.

Hey there Bernedette, you’ve been a part of the Might Me! Exercise classes for a little over a year now. How is it going?

Bernadette, you are 65 years old and have been married for 40 years. You’ve had an entire career and raised two kids. Yet, I remember you telling me that you had a long period when you were not as focused on your self-care as you are now.

Bernadette: As you said, I had been mostly focused on family, and the job. You know I would have taken a walk here and there but not consistently. I definitely see the difference now that I’m being more consistent.

Our work together has included acupuncture, nutrition, and exercise classes. How have nutrition and acupuncture supported you?

Bernadette:  The nutrition conversations we’ve had have been fabulous.  I didn’t know if I was gonna be able to do all the things you were recommending like cutting back the carbs, but it’s been great.

I didn’t think about all the chips and crackers that I ate everyday so I didn’t realize how many carbs I was taking in.  Now I know that cutting back makes a tremendous difference in my energy levels and how I feel in general. In the end, it really wasn’t that difficult to do at all. I don’t even really miss those foods.

I love acupuncture because it’s easier on my body than some of the other options I had to choose from.  Like when you go to the doctor orthopedics and they want to do more invasive kind of procedures. 

Acupuncture with you is relaxing at the same time alleviates pain. So what better combination can you have? 

Do you find the Mighty Me exercise community supportive?

Is there a difference between feeling challenged and being injured in an exercise class? For example, do any exercises in class make you feel like you’re going to hurt yourself, or do you ever feel like you’re injured afterward?

Bernadette:  No. No, because you coach us to ensure we’re doing the exercise correctly. I don’t have those issues. I don’t think any of us do because we keep coming back.

Bernadette, you have lost 15 lbs, are moving around with less pain, and feel more energetic. You must be excited.

Thanks for checking out this interview blog.

If you are over 45 and looking for a fun community of like-minded women working on their self-care, set up your FREE consultation and then try the 8 am or 5:30 pm online class for FREE. 

You’ve got nothing to lose and enjoyable life to gain.

Cara-Michele Nether Self-Care Consistency Partner

Growing up, my dad told me that our job in life was to care for each other. I watched the adults working hard to create more opportunities for themselves and their families. Ms Ruby, my maternal grandmother, came to live with us when I turned five, making our home the natural hub during the holidays. Having my mom's six siblings and their for extended weekends was bittersweet. I was excited to see everyone, but I resented the pressure it put on my parents. Especially my mom.

For 19 years, I've worked in women's health as a licensed acupuncturist, functional nutrition counselor, and personal trainer. In 2020, the pandemic allowed me to document all the information and strategies I'd been using to help women integrate into their daily routines.

The Strength & Vitality Accelerator is a 12-month training for women 45-65 on the slow-drip process of mastering consistency practices around the foundations of health and wellness. Our Consistency Framework provides a safe community and work pace for the exploration needed to craft daily routines that fit women's individual circumstances and develop the skills needed to get back on the rails when we fall off.

This gives members control over their mental and physical strength, agility, and flexibility. Because pulling the correct energy-producing levers is now a habit, they have control over presenting as the person they truly want to be no matter the time of day or stressors ahead.