When life gets in the way, it’s easy to put our fitness goals on the backburner, but for Carole Munro, 71, it’s never too late to start anew and become the strongest she’s ever been. Despite having two hip replacements and waiting on a third, Carole has become a force to be reckoned with in the fitness world. With a newfound passion for weight training, she’s discovered a sense of purpose and excitement that’s hard to find elsewhere.
A Change in Perspective
Carole’s journey began when her son Stuart, an F45 trainer, invited her to try out one of his sessions. Initially, she was hesitant, fearing that she’d be surrounded by super-fit individuals, but her worries were quickly alleviated as she was made to feel welcome and supported from the start. The studio buzzed with a palpable sense of community, and Carole was hooked from her very first session.
- Her training at F45 encouraged Carole to take part in the fitness competition Hyrox, which she says is a great combination of cardio and strength.
- She aims to do well at the Hyrox World Championships in Chicago in June and eventually participate in a Hyrox Doubles with her 11-year-old granddaughter.
From Weight Training to Fitness
Carole’s introduction to weight training was a game-changer, as it helped alleviate her back pain and increased her flexibility. She now has a barbell in her living room and enjoys lifting weights with her son or his fiancée. Her weekly routine is filled with a mix of cardio and strength training, ensuring she stays flexible and strong.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Morning weight training and a running club in the evening |
| Tuesday | Long cycle |
| Wednesday | 5 km run with Turriff Run club |
| Thursday | Weight training |
| Friday | Rest day with a sea swim |
| Saturday | Local parkrun |
| Sunday | Sea swim |
A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Carole believes in the importance of a balanced lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate supplements. Her supplement routine includes creatine, whey protein, electrolytes, glucosamine, cod liver oil, and vitamin D, which she believes are essential for maintaining strong bones and overall well-being.
“I stopped drinking alcohol in December 2024 after qualifying for Hyrox’s world championship. It was a tough decision, but I knew it was necessary for my health and fitness goals.”
Sharing Her Experience
Carole’s journey has inspired countless others, and she encourages women to take up weight training as soon as possible. She emphasizes the importance of having a coach or joining a fitness class to ensure proper form and technique. “Strength training is so important for bone density, body shape, and mental wellbeing. I’d highly recommend getting a coach or joining F45 class to do the Hyrox classes, so you can be sure you’re doing it correctly from the off.”
A New Generation of Fitness
Carole’s enthusiasm for fitness has been passed down to her granddaughter, who’s currently 11 years old. Carole aims to participate in a Hyrox Doubles competition with her granddaughter in the future, and she believes that this will inspire a new generation of women to take up the sport.
