Picture this.
You’re standing at the top of a ladder inside a skylight when it suddenly slips backwards.
There’s nowhere to jump.
No time to think.
So, you ride it down like a surfboard and do a press-up as you hit the ground.
Most people would expect a serious injury. Instead, Mary walked away with little more than a sore ankle.
“I felt superhuman,” she laughs. Mary was 65 at the time.
Now, approaching her 70th birthday, Mary looks back on that moment as a reminder of why strength training matters for seniors.
“It’s insurance for a strong, healthy, active life,” she says.
For more than ten years, Mary has been making the trip from Hillsborough to Body Torque Gym in Newmarket to strength train. What started as a commitment to staying fit has become one of the most important investments she has made in her future health and independence.
Like many women as they age, Mary’s biggest health challenge has been bone density, but she recently received some remarkable news.
Mary’s latest scan showed a significant improvement in her spine since 2024. The results were so unexpected that the clinician reviewing the scan initially questioned whether there had been an error.
“The graph was right off the charts,” Mary says.
The improvement has been attributed to a combination of medication and consistent strength training using progressively heavier weights.
Mary’s hip readings have also improved, returning to levels last seen in 2017.
While Mary knows there is still work to do, these results have reinforced her belief that ageing does not have to mean becoming weaker.
“My goal is to improve it even further so I can march into old age fit, robust and independent,” Mary says.
It’s a philosophy we share at Body Torque. Our Healthy Retirement Programme helps people build the strength, balance and confidence needed to remain active, independent and capable for years to come.
One of the things Mary values most about Body Torque is the people.
“There’s an incredible community spirit. It’s a welcoming space where we support each other, laugh, and train hard. The combination of expert coaching, a supportive environment and a long-term focus on healthy ageing has helped me achieve results many people believe becomes impossible with age,” Mary says.
Today, Mary is still getting stronger. Her story is a powerful reminder that while ageing is inevitable, becoming frail is not. With the right training, consistency and support, it is possible to build strength, improve resilience and maintain independence well into your later years.
If Mary’s story resonates with you, you are not alone. Many people in their 50’s, 60’s and beyond want to stay strong enough to travel, enjoy hobbies, keep up with the grandchildren and remain independent for as long as possible.
Call Alex Flint on 021 808 210 to book an assessment to discover what’s possible.
Not at all! In fact, your 40s, 50s and beyond are the perfect time to start training. We work with people of all fitness levels and will tailor your program to your body, your goals, and any injuries or concerns you may have.
Yes. We specialise in training around pain or injury with an ultimate goal to correct any imbalances you may have to help alleviate you from pain. Our coaches are experienced in creating safe, effective programs that will help you to build strength, increase your energy levels, and get you moving better.
We often hear our customers say they join for personal reasons, but they stay for the friendships, the motivating community vibe and the high level of expertise. Furthermore, our services also include 3D body scanning and integrated MyZone technology to help keep you motivated and track your results. It’s not about looking a certain way at Body Torque — it’s about feeling strong, confident, and supported.
Absolutely. Many of our members felt the same way when they started. We’re a welcoming, non-intimidating space. Minimal mirrors, no ego — just good people working to feel their best.
Your MyZone belt tracks your heart rate and effort in real time. You earn points based on how hard you’re working, and can see your stats on our gym leaderboard or via the app. It’s a great way to stay motivated — and a little friendly competition never hurts!
Yes — our online coaching service means you can train anywhere anytime under our guidance.
Our 3D body scanner gives you a detailed, accurate snapshot of your body’s shape, measurements, posture, and progress over time — far beyond what a scale or mirror can show. It’s a private, quick, and non-invasive way to track fat loss, muscle gain, and changes in posture or balance. It helps you stay motivated with real results you can see, not just feel.
Book a free 15-minute intro session. We’ll chat about your goals, assess where you’re at, and build a plan that works for your life if you wish to proceed. No pressure, no contracts — just a chance to see if Body Torque is right for you.
Drop us a line at info@bodytorque.co.nz or call Alex on 021 808 210
