'I'm 71 and In the Best Shape of My Life—Here's the Exact Workout Routine I Swear By'

When you’re working toward certain fitness goals, you know that there’s that one moment when you realize that you’ve finally made it and you’ve accomplished something that you previously thought was impossible. For Terry Rosengren, the 71-year-old was getting plenty of exercise through her Northern Michigan jaunts to ski resorts and walking the beaches in the summer—but she knew she had achieved an entirely new fitness level when she was able to hold a 10-minute plank.

Staying in Shape

As a grandmother to three grandchildren, Rosengren has never let anything slow her down, and that includes her age. She says that previously, she completed two marathons, twelve half marathons, eight sprint triathlons and numerous 5K runs.

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Starting Barre Classes

But eventually, Rosengren realized that this intense amount of exercise needed to be taken down a notch. “I knew it was time to slow down, and that’s when I found Pure Barre,” she says. “I knew it was perfect for me because it was low impact and easier on my joints.”

As a combination of dance, Pilates and yoga, barre classes focus on high reps and tiny small-range movements that work muscles you didn’t even know you had. It can also make you strong enough to hold planks, a move in which you lift yourself up, place your elbows directly under your shoulders and hold a straight line in order to work your core muscles. It’s a challenging move that’s not for the faint of heart.

One study from 2014 found that female participants could hold a plank for about a minute and a half. But Rosengren can hold one for an astounding 10 minutes.

“My biggest achievement is the discipline and commitment that I have towards staying active,” Rosengren says. “This 10-minute plank was a direct result of the commitment that I’ve had towards Pure Barre Clarkston.”

There’s even an Instagram video that captured Rosengren completing one of her famous 10-minute planks, with fellow participants cheering her on the whole way.

Rosengren says that her classes at Pure Barre have made her feel good about herself.

“I also have made great friendships at Pure Barre Clarkston,” she says. “We are all cheerleaders for each other and keep each other inspired to work out daily.”

Related: ‘I’m 66 and In the Best Shape of My Life—This Is the Exact Workout Routine I Swear By’

Terry Rosengren’s Workout Routine

Barre

In general, Rosengren aims for at least an hour of exercise every day during the week, and some days, she’ll even do two hours. She works out at Pure Barre five days a week and will occasionally double up classes.

Rosengren says that she does two Pure Barre Define strength-focused classes a week “for a full-body workout with weights and dumbbells.” Then she rounds out the week with two Pure Barre Classic workouts that strengthen and lengthen the muscles. She also takes the Pure Barre Align classes whenever they’re offered, which aid with stretching and recovery.

“Through all of these types of classes, I have a really well-rounded week of strength, cardio and mobility training,” she says.

Related: What’s the Difference Between Barre and Pilates Classes?

Cardio

Rosengren says that she does “high-energy cardio” once a week. If you’d like to add high-energy cardio to your routine, this can include running, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes and cycling.

Seasonal Exercise

“In the summer, I stay active outside through golfing and biking, and in the winter, I am skiing,” Rosengren says.

Related: ‘I’m 73 and in the Best Shape of My Life—This Is the Exact Workout Routine I Swear By’

Words of Wisdom

“Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you have to let that ‘title’ hold you back. You can do anything you put your mind to,” Rosengren emphasizes. “It personally keeps me strong and able to keep up with my grandkids.”

She goes on to advise, “Eat healthy, exercise regularly and don’t think that you aren’t capable of doing the work.”

Up Next:

Related: If You’re Struggling To Hit Your Fitness Goals, It’s Time To Try ‘Cozy Cardio’

Sources

• Terry Rosengren, Pure Barre member.
• International Journal of Exercise Science: “Fitness Norms for the Plank Exercise”