Beyond Appearances: My Approach to Transforming Fitness After 50

What a Fitness Professional Looks Like May Not Always Be What You Think

In an industry dominated by toned physiques and perfect Instagram poses, I don't look like the picture of a fitness professional that pops into your mind. As the founder, head coach, and yoga instructor at GET'N FIT in Ovid, Colorado, I've spent over 20 years proving that effective fitness guidance comes from expertise, empathy, and lived experience—not appearance.

"I love being able to talk to someone who also has and still experiences some of the same problems that I face. Richelle is helpful both physically and mentally she encourages me to keep going and I feel that I am not alone." — Renee Rundle, 68 years old, member since July 2023

I believe that my knowledge and what I can do for my clients has nothing to do with how I look, and everything to do with how my clients want to feel, be able to move, perform and look. This perspective has attracted a loyal community of clients, particularly adults over 50, who find in me a coach who truly understands their challenges, and makes their goals a priority.

Unlike many fitness professionals who project an image of effortless perfection, I bring authenticity to every interaction. I navigate fitness and wellness while managing a chronic illness that, though invisible to outsiders, shapes my unique approach to coaching.

A Personal Journey with Universal Lessons

When I first discovered the transformative power of consistent exercise, I was a young mother seeking relief from stress and depression. That personal experience evolved into a professional calling when I founded GET'N FIT with my mother and mother-in-law in 2004.

"Competing in team roping and rodeo I invest time and money in quality horses and equipment, so it only makes sense to invest in myself. The training programs and conditioning designed for me at GET'N FIT have improved the flexibility in my shoulders and back and helped improve my winning percentage." — Neal Reicks, 77 years old, member since January 2008

What distinguishes my coaching philosophy isn't just my extensive credentials—though I hold a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and numerous specialized certifications. It's how I translate my personal wellness journey into practical guidance for my clients.

I have learned to navigate my own energy needs or lack of energy at times and have discovered how to identify my edges and how to keep myself going without overdoing and being down and out for an extended period of time.

This hard-won wisdom resonates deeply with clients navigating their own health challenges, particularly those over 50 who may be experiencing changing energy levels, chronic conditions, or recovery from injury.

The Wisdom of Edges: Learning Limitations as Strength

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I offer my clients is how to identify and respect their own boundaries—what I call "finding your edge." In a fitness culture that often glorifies pushing beyond limits, this approach can be revolutionary, especially for older adults.

"The fitness coaches at GET'N FIT never get discouraged, their attitudes are contagious. They continually remind us that it is the small changes that slowly add up to amazing results. They have and continue to help me change my life." — Sue Reicks, 75 years old, member since April 2004

I think my experience gives me a unique perspective to share on how to compare yourself to yourself, not to others, and also how to respect what your body needs even if that is rest.

This philosophy stems naturally from my yoga practice, where finding the edge—the point where a pose becomes challenging but sustainable—is essential for growth without injury. Applied to broader fitness goals, it creates sustainable progress rather than the all-too-common cycle of intense effort followed by burnout or injury. I often explain it to clients like this: imagine your edge as the space between challenging yourself and hurting yourself. When you stay within that space, growth and change happens without overworking and over stressing your system.

"The pros of my GET'N FIT membership are that with age I've lost lots of flexibility and experience various cramping episodes to multiple areas of my body mostly during sleep hours. Since beginning yoga Richelle has helped me focus attention to detail to improve my flexibility. Both restorative and move better yoga sessions have greatly provided relief while greatly improving flexibility and core strength. I leave every session feeling better than when I arrived." — Dennis Hill, 67 years old, yoga member since November 2021

For my clients over 50, learning to find their sweet spot becomes increasingly valuable as they navigate changing bodies and varying energy levels. By teaching clients and students to honor their edges, I help them maintain consistent progress without the setbacks that often derail fitness journeys.

Beyond Movement: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

While GET'N FIT offers expert guidance in strength training and yoga, our approach also encompasses much more than physical movement. We recognize that wellness is made up of numerous interconnected factors—from sleep quality to stress management to nutrition.

"One of the pros of my GET’N FIT membership is that Richelle has extensive background with her education in the fitness arena and she uses it to  individualize the programs for her clients. I have noticed and appreciate how methods have been implemented through the years.  The new is being implemented with the tried and true.  I wish I would have known about all of the continuing education Richelle studies in order to help us with our individual issues, I truly appreciate it.  My membership is worth the money because not only do I have the value of Richelle’s experience, but she continues to find out about new exciting methods to work with the old tried and true ones. " — Kris Toyne, 71 years old, member since April 2004

Whether that is as small as working on your sleep patterns to get enough for your body or learning to keep your tongue in the roof of your mouth to help with better breathing and pressure balance in your body. Maybe what you need doesn't have anything to do with physical movement and everything to do with working on better nutrition, stress relief, or rest.

This comprehensive perspective acknowledges the complex reality of health, particularly for adults over 50. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, I help clients identify which aspects of wellness need attention at any given time.

I'm also refreshingly honest about what truly creates results. Overall, the unsexy fundamentals of fitness, nutrition, and yoga tend to be the ones we need to do well and consistently to make progress. They aren't the Instagramable, eye-catching things we see on social media, but they are the things that will help most people reach their goals.

The Journey Beyond Weight Loss

When new clients first arrive at GET'N FIT, many bring conventional goals centered around weight loss or appearance, and we have tools and the knowledge to help them reach those goals. Yet something remarkable happens as they progress through our programs.

"The things I love but didn’t expect are that when I have an ache or pain Richelle can help me.  She always knows what to do to relieve the discomfort and make things better.  It also surprises me that if something hurts or an exercise is uncomfortable it is probably because I am doing something incorrectly, and Richelle helps me make the small changes to get the most out of my workouts." — Bev Hollingsworth, 75 years old, member since September 2018

Most of our clients, especially those 50 and over, come to the conclusion that feeling better and moving better are also parts of the journey and usually come first in the wins they notice.

This natural evolution happens without judgment or pressure. As clients experience increased energy, reduced pain, and greater mobility, their priorities often shift organically. The focus becomes less about how they look and more about what they can do—whether that's playing with grandchildren, maintaining independence, or enjoying favorite activities without discomfort.

"Through the years of my membership I've gone from working out for how I look on the outside to now continuing my workouts for how I feel on the inside. Who I am is ok, I'm stronger, full of empowerment and peacefulness. I watch for the small changes because they are what matter, they are changing my life." — Sue Reicks

This shift isn't foisted upon our clients and can't be forced. Sometimes our why doesn't match up with the goal we want to achieve, and so we need to dig deeper to find the first step or the most meaningful work we need to do. This patient approach allows clients to discover sustainable motivation that goes beyond appearance.

Creating Safe Space in a Judgmental World

In a society quick to make assumptions based on appearance, I've created a sanctuary where judgment is replaced with understanding. This approach stems directly from yoga philosophy and what I've learned along my yoga journey.

"The workouts at GET'N FIT are challenging and change often enough to keep me interested.  My membership is worth the investment because of the individual plan for my needs, and workouts that are designed to improve several areas, not just strength. " — Marcia Hill, 67 years old, member since September 2012

In yoga we learn that each person has their own struggles they are going through and most are not visible. Kindness and believing that each person is doing the best they can in that moment in time can go a long way to helping each of us let go of visual judgments.

For many clients, particularly those who've felt intimidated or unwelcome in traditional fitness environments, this acceptance creates a profound sense of safety. It allows them to focus on their personal journey without the self-consciousness that often prevents consistent practice.

“To me yoga means physically feeling better, connecting and creating new friendships.  I was initially inspired to try yoga out of concern about loss of physical balance.  I researched briefly and thought yoga could help me restore my balance.  Practicing yoga at GET'N FIT has affected my life because I have discovered weak areas that need improvement and have started working on them.  I have a very high respect for Richelle, she studies, is very knowledgeable and talented and she addresses each person's individual needs. During my first yoga class the movements and poses made me feel like I had a full body massage.  It felt good." — Betsy Marquardt, 72 years old, Yoga member since May 2018

I like to think of our studio as a judgment-free container—like a protective greenhouse where people can grow at their own pace, without the harsh elements of comparison or criticism that might stunt their progress.

This non-judgmental community becomes particularly valuable for clients navigating the physical and emotional changes that often accompany aging. At GET'N FIT, these changes aren't viewed as limitations but as natural evolutions that inform each person's individual path.

Your Invitation to Authentic Fitness

Our approach to fitness after 50 offers something rare in today's wellness landscape: authenticity without judgment, expertise without perfectionism, and community without comparison.

"Membership is so worth the investment because I have discovered that exercise enables me to manage and I hope someday, overcome the chains that pain has put me in. I can keep going because of the help I receive. I look at the cost of the membership as much less than the price of one fibromyalgia prescription. Membership is the medicine that makes this disease manageable." — Renee Rundle

Falling in love with the grind and the habits are what help small wins snowball into big, completed goals. Sustainable transformation happens through consistent practice rather than dramatic interventions.

If you're seeking a fitness experience that honors your unique challenges and celebrates your individual progress, GET'N FIT provides a refreshing alternative to conventional gyms. Under my guidance, you'll discover what your body is truly capable of—not by forcing yourself into predetermined standards, but by building awareness, respect, and strength from exactly where you are.

The path to wellness doesn't look the same for everyone. I invite you to discover yours—one mindful step at a time.

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Ready to experience fitness that meets you exactly where you are? Contact GET'N FIT today to schedule your initial MAPPing session with me and begin your journey toward sustainable wellness.