“If they can do it, I can do it”: experiences of older women who engage in powerlifting training

ABSTRACT

Older adults’ participation in resistance training is low. Recent research suggests social aspects are important determinants of exercise engagement. In this study, 13 older women (50 years and older) were interviewed to examine their experiences of powerlifting training. Data were thematically analyzed revealing two main themes: Challenging Beliefs and Positive Social Influences. Peer advocates were essential for uptake, with social interactions in group resistance training, and having a skilled trainer, identified as important adherence factors. Strategies to improve resistance training uptake in older women could leverage off the experience of others and powerlifting training culture and practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Exercise
• resistance training
• aging

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Real Strength Studio for assistance with participant recruitment, and the women who participated in interviews for this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University.