At 72, Roberta (Robbie) Halstead, is proving that age is just a number when it comes to fitness and strength. Robbie recently switched up her workout routine by joining our Small Group Training membership with a goal to get stronger and she’s absolutely smashed all expectations by now being able to lift 90% of her body weight.

Dive into our QnA below to learn more about her journey and how Small Group Training sessions helped Robbie achieve her goals.

What made you want to start SGT?
I wanted to lose body fat and get stronger. For a couple of years, I was doing Powerzone 3-4 times a week and I decided to change what I was doing and focus on strength.

What do you love most about SGT?
I love the challenge of lifting heavy weights and proving to myself that I can do it. With the guidance of my PTs, Tracey and Celina, I feel confident in my abilities. Another thing I really appreciate is having a structured program through the PARC Fit App. It gives me a clear plan to follow, complete with videos, so I can confidently do two of my sessions on my own. The variety is great too—day 1 and day 2 have different routines, and I finish off my week training with my group and my trainer.

What is something you are most proud of/goal that you’ve reached?
I’m proud that, at 72, I can almost barbell squat my own body weight! Being able to confidently lift heavy weights and feeling stronger is such an accomplishment. Plus, I’ve gained extra stamina, which definitely comes in handy when I’m chasing after my grandkids!

What is your advice for anyone wanting to be more active but are not sure where to start?
If you’re new, I recommend starting with Powerzone. It’s only 30 minutes, including warm-ups, so it’s a quick workout, and most movements are pretty easy to follow. Jumping into a 60-minute class can be tough for beginners, but 30 minutes is much more manageable. Just go at your own pace and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.

When I transitioned to weight training with SGT, I wanted guidance from a PT to learn proper technique and stay accountable. Working with a PT in SGT has been incredibly valuable for me.