“My lifting journey started when I faced severe knee pain at the age of 52. My son and I paid a visit to a hospital and they advised me to undergo an operation.

A couple of years earlier, my son had severe back pain and he was recommended surgery which he successfully managed conservatively without needing invasive options.

So my family and I decided against surgery for now and thought that we could try doing whatever we can from our end before opting for surgery.

I started with basic lower body exercises regressing and progressing based on how I had felt then on my son’s advice. I tried to be as physically active as I could. I went on walking, played with my grandson and did everything that took my mind off the pain.

The results were not immediate. But I could notice the difference in pain levels as I progressed. It took five months for the pain to completely fade away.

This process taught me how not to catastrophize when I’m faced with niggles and pain and how important physical activity is for one’s well-being.

Fuelled by his experience in dealing with pain and the extensive research he had done on human movements, my son went on to become a gym owner. He founded Madras Barbell in 2018. I had 24×7 access to my son’s gym and had no more excuses to shy away from training.

I’m thankful to my entire family, especially my husband for enabling me to do this. I’m 56 now and still work out, with no barriers in mind.

My daughter-in-law and I work out together now! We do squats, push-ups, bench presses and so much more. We recently competed in a Powerlifting event. I give my thanks to the Strength System team who allowed me to compete in a saree which isn’t the convention.

Nothing should stop you from trying, even your attire. If you are confident in your path, just go for it. Everything else falls into its place automatically.”