Watching My Parents Get Stronger After 50 at Body Torque Gym
A daughter’s view of life at Body Torque Gym
When your parents get healthier, you notice. Not just weight loss or new muscles but energy, confidence and laughter.
We spoke with Leish about her mum and dad, who both train at Body Torque in Newmarket, a strength training and fitness gym designed specifically for men and women over 40. What started with Leish’s mum “joining a gym” quietly turned into something much bigger.
Here’s their story, through her eyes.
Before joining Body Torque gym…
“Dad has always been active. He’s run 19 marathons and we did a lot of running and cycling together. But he’d never been a gym person. He actually hated treadmills.
Mum loves golf. She’d tried gyms before but never stuck with them… her weekly fee basically turned into a charitable donation.
They cared about their health, but it wasn’t front-of-mind. Dad had done a lot of cardio fitness, but no real strength or mobility work. His energy was mostly chocolate and caffeine, and he didn’t sleep that well.”
The surprise?
“Mum joined first. I honestly assumed she wouldn’t stick with it but I was very wrong. She’s been going consistently for six years.
Then Dad felt like he was missing out and went along to meet this ‘Alex’ guy Mum kept talking about. Now he trains six days a week and has developed a proper man-crush on Alex… like everyone else at the gym.”
The change in lifestyle?
“They genuinely got a new lease on life. When my sister and I moved overseas and Dad retired, I quietly worried they might get bored or isolated. Instead, they found a new community, new goals and a morning routine that gets them out of bed early. They’re both happier, Mum seems more confident and they’ve made so many friends, which surprised me because they’re naturally a bit introverted.
Their daily habits have changed massively too. They stopped drinking alcohol after a 30-day challenge and just never went back. They sleep better, train 4-6 times a week, take supplements, and are way more nutrition aware. I never thought I’d see the day neither of them drank, but here we are.”
What about the physical changes?
“Dad has started wearing singlets to show off his newly discovered arm muscles and Mum carries herself differently. She also says her golf shots are going further now. And when we plan active family holidays, nobody even questions if they’ll cope. It is just assume they’re up for it.”
Has it just been about getting stronger?
“Honestly, the biggest thing is how much joy they get from the Body Torque community. They don’t stop talking about their gym friends. Gym and a coffee afterwards are the highlight of Dad’s day. And the guys in Mum’s class quietly put her weights on the bar for her which is really sweet.”
How Body Torque has changed our family?
“It’s just lovely seeing them invest in longevity and actually enjoy it. They’ve found something they share which is friends, goals and a healthy routine. When I’m back in NZ visiting, I get up at 4.30am to train with Dad so I’ve met all his gym mates. I never thought I’d be doing that on holiday, but it’s become our thing.”
Tell us about your experience?
“It’s not cliquey or intimidating, people introduce themselves and they remember your name. Also if Dad misses a session, his friends text to check in. It feels like somewhere you genuinely belong.”
What are your final thoughts?
“I’m proud they tried something new and stuck with it. It’s become a core part of their identity in such a positive way. And for families feeling nervous about joining a gym, there’s that saying the heaviest weight is the front door… but Body Torque makes the front door feel a lot lighter.”
Strength training after 40 isn’t just about fitness. It’s about independence, building confidence and being a part of a supportive community. It’s about being strong enough to keep showing up for the people you love.
Leish’s parents didn’t just join a gym, they found their people.
If you’re ready for your own next chapter, you can learn more at bodytorque.co.nz or you are welcome to come and see what Body Torque feels like. Alternatively, feel free to give Alex a call 021 808 210.
