Don't Stop Believing!

This January, I turned 50—and set myself a goal: by midsummer, I wanted to be able to do an unassisted pull-up. Not exactly your average birthday resolution, but I’d never managed one in my life. Not at 20, not at 30, not ever. I think I just didn’t have the arm strength. But this year, I decided to change that.

Spoiler alert: I did it. 🎉(There’s an Instagram reel to prove it—featuring a lot of failing and one triumphant moment.)

Here’s what I learned along the way:

1. Consistency beats intensity. I did band-assisted pull-ups 3x a week, every week. That’s it.

2. Too much too soon = injury. I learned that the hard way in week two. I think this is a very human thing to do. I see this in students quite often. We throw ourselves into a healthy regime with too much vigour and enthusiasm. It's unsustainable and even if it doesn't lead to injury, it is unlikely to lead to a consistent practice. See lesson 1!

3. Age is not the boss of me. I’m now stronger at 50 than I was at 20.

4. Don't stop believing!

They say strength declines with age or menopause. Maybe. But not without a fight. I’m holding on to mine with both hands (literally hanging from a bar).