Firstly, a massive congratulations to you! I know competing has been a discussion many times. What finally made you decide to jump into it and compete?
In all honesty, I didn’t need much persuading! At my age, I don’t pass up any new opportunities because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Plus, it was my coach Jonathan’s gentle and subtle encouragement that I could actually do it that made me take the huge leap into the unknown.
How did you find the preparation and change in training structure in the build-up to the competition, would you do anything differently?
The shift into competition prep and getting in three coaching sessions a week was definitely a whole new adventure! I loved the added structure and it was so rewarding to see everything coming together week by week. As for doing anything differently? Honestly, not a single thing! The whole journey was such a fantastic learning process, and I loved every minute of stepping out of my comfort zone.
For those who don’t know, you’ve had your fair share of injuries, operations and challenges. How did it feel knowing you’ve proved many people wrong who told you to stop lifting heavy weights, and then doing it on the big stage?
It felt absolutely incredible! When you’ve been through injuries and surgeries, plenty of well-meaning people and especially Doctors, tell you to play it safe and never lift anything “too heavy”. But since meeting Jonathan and encompassing his belief that staying strong is what keeps us moving and thriving. Standing on that stage, lifting heavy, and doing it safely with proper guidance. That was the ultimate ‘I told you so’ moment.
Proving to myself. And anyone who doubted it. That our bodies are far more capable and resilient than we give them credit for was easily one of the best feelings in the world!
Your family is a big part of your life. What were their initial thoughts on you competing, and how did they help you through the process?
They were my biggest cheerleaders! From them putting up with me constantly talking about deadlifts, protein, macros and gains in kg’s, I had nothing but 100% love and encouragement. Their support throughout my journey made the whole experience so much sweeter.
When you first started training with Body Mentors, was competing ever
on the cards for you?
Goodness, no, not in a million years! When I first began training at Body Mentors, my goal was simply to get a bit stronger! Competing on a powerlifting stage wasn’t even on my radar—if you had told me four years ago, when I could barely squat without any weights, that I’d be stepping onto the platform at 78, wearing a singlet and lifting in front of a crowd, I would have laughed out loud!
It just shows how far you can come when you have the right coach behind you, someone you trust implicitly! Jonathan set goals that seemed beyond reach…. yet here I am, all of them accomplished! Body Mentors built up my confidence little by little until what once felt completely unattainable became the most exciting next step!
Have you noticed a change in mindset since starting strength training when it comes to facing new challenges, such as competing for the first time?
I honestly thought I couldn’t get any happier! I’m retired, happily married with a wonderful family, lots of fantastic friends, and a brilliant social life. But then I began weight training, and it completely transformed my perspective on life. Not only have I lost the 23kg that I’d been struggling to lose for years, but it has added a whole new dimension to my happiness. Beyond the physical fitness, it’s given me an extra joie de vivre, a boost in confidence, and a real ‘can-do’ attitude.
Weight training and getting stronger has been incredible for my mental health—it’s shown me that I can tackle any obstacle that comes my way, both mentally and physically, even stepping onto a powerlifting platform!
After completing your first competitions, can you see yourself competing again?
Absolutely! Now that the dreaded “imposter syndrome” is out of the way and I’ve had a taste of that incredible atmosphere, I’m totally hooked!
The buzz of stepping up to the bar and pushing your own limits is just addictive. Plus, now I’ve set my benchmark, I’ve got personal bests to chase down! You definitely haven’t seen the last of me on that platform!”
How did the experience of competing match up to your expectations?
It was an amazing day! I was expecting a high-pressure environment with everyone focused purely on themselves, but it couldn’t have been more different. The atmosphere was so warm, welcoming, and bursting with energy. Everyone—from the referees and organizers to the other lifters—was genuinely cheering you on and wanting you to succeed. The whole experience was far more exhilarating and uplifting than I ever imagined!
What you’ve accomplished throughout your training career is inspiring. What would you say to someone who is thinking about entering their first competition or even starting strength training?
I would say: just take that first step! It’s so easy to let self-doubt or fear of the unknown hold you back, don’t let age, past injuries, or operations (I’ve got two knee replacements) or lack of experience stop you. You don’t need to be experienced or strong —you just need the courage to start. Body Mentors coaches will believe in you from day one, take it one small step at a time, and
prepare to be amazed at what your body can achieve. You’ll never know what you’re truly capable of until you give it a go, so don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’—just jump in and enjoy every moment of the journey! And for slightly “less young” people like myself I would say, just go for it! Age is truly just a number, and you’re never too old to surprise yourself. Step out of your comfort zone, surround yourself with supportive people like Jonathan and the Body Mentors team and enjoy every single moment of the ride.
If you want to see how far Christine has come, here is a previous blog post from just over a year ago!
