Why I Signed Up - Amy - Masters / 35+ Camp
Proving it’s never too late to get strong, push limits, and start again.
Amy competing at the London Hyrox.
Movement has always been part of my life. Even before structured training, I was always active, dancing, walking everywhere, and naturally choosing the harder option. It wasn’t about fitness back then, it was just who I was.
Around 16 years ago, I helped set up a bootcamp, where I first picked up a barbell. It wasn’t structured or performance-driven, but it planted the seed for what was to come.
Over the years, I’ve continued to challenge myself, taking on 100km charity walks through the night and two 100km mountain bike rides before turning 50. Running was always for enjoyment rather than performance, mainly trail runs with my dog around the Punch Bowl in Surrey.
Lockdown became a turning point. I bought my own barbell and began working with a PT, following structured programmes and setting a clear goal: to achieve a pull-up before 50. That journey changed everything, building not just strength, but confidence in what my body was capable of.
Approaching 51, I set myself a new challenge, Hyrox London . Stepping into a local outdoor gym environment, I embraced a completely new style of training: sled pushes, ski erg, rowing, tempo work, and hybrid sessions. With no running background and very little exposure to this type of training, it was a big shift. After seven months, I completed my first solo Hyrox in 1:40. Not perfect by my own standards, but a huge achievement and one I’m proud of. It marked a new chapter in pushing boundaries and stepping outside my comfort zone.
A few years ago, I planned to start my personal training qualification, but losing my mum put everything on hold. I returned just under a year ago, and I’m now close to qualifying. Alongside that, I’m working with a small number of clients to gain experience, build confidence, and deliver results.
What drives me now is helping women in their 40s and 50s realise what they’re capable of. As a menopausal woman myself, I understand the physical and mental challenges, and I want to show others that strength training and hybrid fitness aren’t just effective, they’re empowering.
Recently completing my first official 10K at Hampton Court, I continue to prove that it’s never too late to set new goals and achieve them.
I first heard about Camp Kaizen from a younger friend, Maddie, aged 26, who posted about it on Instagram. Within seconds, I knew it was for me. Training outdoors in the Lake District, somewhere I’ve never been, alongside people with similar goals, and supporting George’s mission, felt exactly right. I haven’t been able to rope anyone else my age in, which just shows how few women my age are doing this, but I hope to come back, spread the word, and encourage more of us to get out there. It’s never too late.
At Camp Kaizen, I’m looking forward to being challenged, learning from experienced coaches, and training alongside like-minded people, especially others closer to my age. For me, it’s about continuing to grow, understanding where I can improve, and pushing my limits further.
“I want women to realise it’s never too late. You’re not stuck, you’re not past it, you just have to start. Strength changes everything, and I want more women to feel that.”