This 52-year-old revealed the secret to ‘ageing backwards’ and transforming life

As we grow older, it may sometimes feel like our best years are behind us as our energy levels begin to decline.

But that’s not necessarily true–no matter what your age is, it’s never too late to take back control of your life.


Just ask 52-year-old Denise Kirtley. She recently became a fitness influencer after shedding over 18kg and taking up bodybuilding.


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Denise Kirtley recently became a fitness influencer at age 52. Image source: Instagram/@fiftyfitnessjourney.


'When I started my transformation in 2020, I was perimenopausal, and I had been sedentary for a long while,' Kirtley said.

The turning point for Kirtley came two months before her 50th birthday when her wedding ring no longer fit on her finger. To tackle her health and fitness transformation, Kirtley decided to start by aiming to complete simple and safe exercises five times per week.


Kirtley believes action ‘often precedes motivation’ and said: ‘Action begets action. We can’t wait for motivation to kick in. That often comes later.’

‘If you can start taking action, any action, you will build momentum. That momentum will propel you forward. It does get easier,’ she added.

Now, Kirtley’s even joining bodybuilding competitions. She spends two days working on the upper half of her frame and the remaining days on the lower half of her body.

Kirtley has also changed her eating habits and now has five meals per day, regularly consuming high-protein waffles, salmon, zucchini fritters with salad, and banana protein oats. She claims cutting carbs out of her diet has made a huge difference to how she looks and feels too.


In addition, Kirtley says she’s not only transformed her body but her attitude to growing older as well.

'We really do get to choose how we age. It’s all about your mindset,' Kirtley said.

'Old and ageing are very different–there’s nothing wrong with ageing, I embrace my age. But the word “old” makes me think of decline, and like my best years are behind me.'


Her fitness flip also had a positive effect on her marriage.

'Today, as a couple, we are both healthier. My husband’s eating habits have also changed dramatically. And, he’s more active as well,' Kirtley said.

‘Dates now include walks and hikes instead of pizza and wine. The sacrifices are real, but the rewards are more than worth it. And our relationship is better because of it,’ she added.


You can follow Denise Kirtley’s journey through her Instagram account below:



Key Takeaways
  • Denise Kirtley has become a fitness influencer in her 50s after losing over 18kg and taking up bodybuilding.
  • She began her fitness journey two months before her 50th birthday after finding her wedding ring did not fit her finger anymore.
  • Kirtley’s regular fitness regime includes working out five times a week, specifically focusing on strength training.
  • She also transformed her mindset about ageing, embracing her age while emphasising the importance of remaining strong, vibrant and spirited.
Here are some exercises that will only take you a few minutes a day and can improve your muscle strength! Just remember to consult with your doctor first before starting any fitness regimen.

Sharing is caring–if you have any tips or tricks you’ve found to help you stay fit as you age, please share them in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our community strong and healthy!
 
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There is nothing wrong with being fit and healthy looking .
I like to do my main exercises in the morning and feel so much better for it and my husband keeps telling me how he likes my body appearance.
It’s not that hard , most people have excuses like “I have no time “ . You just make changes , getting out of bed a little earlier and make priorities .
 
I’ve lost 17 kilos - but I look nothing like her lol. It’s taken over a year and I still have a way to go. I cut out sugar from my diet, due to being diagnosed diabetic, and increased my exercise - which was basically from doing nothing! I’m in no rush to lose the weight, as long as it’s going in the right direction. I’m done with the fad, yo-yo dieting I’ve been doing all my life. It has to be a lifestyle change but with a couple of treats along the way which I usually save for special occasions
 
I don’t think she looks old as someone stated before and her body is in good per portions. I just think she has not lost 18 kg , but she does not need that . Good for her , just change your lifestyle.
 
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Reactions: mylittletibbies
Good luck to her, wish I could do the same and get rid of muffin top and a bit of excess on the stomach.
Nothing seems to work and as I am 5 foot 10, and weigh 69kgs Dr says I definitely don't need to loose weight.Have bad osteo arthritis in my knees and back so exercise is limited to my somewhat large garden, which is quite a chore, my block is 1200 sq.mtrs.
Guess my days of being a super model are over lol.
 
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Reactions: Mina vriesekolk
I am short 158 cm , which is about 5 foot 2 and weigh 53 kg , no belly , no muffin top .
I’ve got a few issues like osteo arthritis in knees and hips , had a hip replacement 6 yrs ago and try to hang in there with the knees , I can cope with that . No meds. Also fibromyalgia and under control , I think the exercise I’m doing certainly helps me and I do not give in or give up. Every day I do 20 sit ups , that is one of the reasons I have a flat stomach . Do also cardio and resistance every day and have to look after my garden as well. Our block is 3000 m2. We both like bike riding , usually once a week.
 

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