Laurie Sperandio

I am a 58-year old woman who began weight training in my early 20’s when only a small number of women had any idea of the benefits of weight training. But, it was only after giving birth to a baby at age 40 that I understood how youthful weight training had kept my body. Soon after I left my corporate career to start my career as a personal trainer. I am today a  successful personal trainer, focused on women over 40.

At age 53, I won the NY State All-Natural Body Building Master’s Division (over 40). At 54, I won the NY State All-Natural Body Building championship over all age groups. The positive reaction of the audience and fellow participants surprised me and made me aware how astounding it was to others to see a woman my age look like I do. These experiences triggered a drive in me to get the message out to women over 40 that with  healthy, careful, and correct training women can reach their personal best well beyond the age of 40. Today at 58, I am at my strongest, look my best and intend to go on well into my 60’s and 70’s.

While the physical benefits are obvious to any one who looks at me, it took many years to understand that the model I was developing for myself and my clients could result in women not only looking better, but feeling stronger about themselves and that this physical accomplishment can transcend into all areas of  life, such as having better relationships, a more sensual life and success in other areas that one doesn’t usually associate with improving one’s physical appearance.

With each year of my life past 40, I have become stronger, more confident, and am now finding myself committed to spreading the word about the benefits of weight training in relationship to aging. I believe that is an area in the fitness world that has been too long neglected and overlooked and I am passionate about changing this situation.

In discussions with women I have seen fear and resistance to weight training, as well as unhealthy cardiovascular habits. That resistance to weight training is only reinforced by the popular misconception that there is no gain without pain. Along the way I have observed that many women have been taught incorrect ways to approach fitness training, as well as an unhealthy relationship with food.  

Most women over 40 have lives complicated with husbands, children, work, family obligations and then later in their 40s are walloped with menopause. If women can find a few hours a week give themselves the gift of a full body interval training regimen that can begin with light weights, in no time at all there will be dramatic changes towards a more youthful, fitter, slimmer life.

Laurie Goldsmith Sperandio - Fitlaurie@aol.com