Robin in her mid 50's - Shares her story to a lean, strong, healthy, and beautiful body

Many of you may already know Robin Duncan.  Robin trained with me side by side in the first DVD that I ever filmed back in 2008, "The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells."  Robin was in her early 50's during the filming.  I remember that day like it was yesterday.  We ended up filming for 16 hours in 110 degree weather on top of a building downtown.  It just happened to be one of the hottest days in LA.  She was such a trooper!  I wanted Robin in the DVD not only because I admired her strength, beauty, and youthfulness, but I wanted to show other people in their 50's, 60's, and 70's that they too can use kettlebells this way.  

Filming of kettlebell DVD

Robin in her 50's

Before working with Robin I was very enthusiastic about trying to convince my older friends and clients in their 50's and 60's, that training with kettlebells properly is a must!  Many would say things such as, "Lauren, as you get older you just have to accept the changes.  Our bodies get weak and I will never be thin like I use to be, it's a part of the aging process.  Kettlebells are for young, strong individuals like yourself."   To be honest, I was sick and tired of hearing this negativity that we had to accept weakness, sickness, weight gain, bad backs, just because of our age.  Why should we accept and let our bodies deteriorate if we don't have to?  Once you make up your mind and tell yourself you are too old for this and for that, what's the point?    Truthfully that's creating a barrier for yourself and not letting you live to your fullest potential, it's basically giving up.   That's why having Robin in my life, as a role model, has been such a breath of fresh air.   Prior to meeting Robin I was lucky enough to teach a few positive thinking ladies in their 60's one or two kettlebell exercises.  They loved it, became stronger than they ever had been before, but still had the mindset of wanting a more gentle routine due to their age.  Then I met Robin!  Below, Robin will share her story.  Robin is now in her mid 50's is still going strong and has never looked or felt better!!

Robin Duncan's Well-Being Story

My path to overall health has been an interesting journey.  For most of my adult life I was a runner, competing in half marathons and routinely placing in the top 10 women in my age division.  This was my life and my identity.  But a series of running injuries sidelined me.  I did not know where to turn.  I thought I needed running to feel strong, maintain my weight, and deal with stress. 

In desperation, I hired Lauren Brooks as a personal trainer to give me some tools to stay fit, just until I could run again.  At the time, Lauren was just starting to use kettlebells so I was one of her first devotees.  I was hooked!  Bells made me stronger, leaner and more overall fit than ever, and I wasn’t beating my body up the way I was with running.  Yet, I’m stubborn so I kept trying to ease back into running, but my body just wasn’t having it.  So after over 25 years of pounding the pavement, I hung up my running shoes.  This didn’t happen overnight.  I had to injure myself a few more times before I gave up the fight. 

Enjoying Yoga

Now I take long walks (trying to incorporate hills and sand) and do kettle bells with Lauren.  I love working with Lauren, and how she is a life-long learner of fitness and constantly adapting and making her training better all the time.  A few years ago, I got my yoga certification as well.  The most important thing that yoga taught me was to listen to my body – the breath, my mental state – all of it is crucial in maintaining overall health.   I feel strong, lean and youthful.   People routinely stop me to ask what I do to defy the years.  I tell them it is never just one thing! 

I have also learned so much from Lauren about nutrition and supplements.  I love food, but I am a nut about whole food, organic, and as unadulterated as possible.  Give me an organic kale salad drizzled with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a handful of cashews and I am a happy camper.  I do eat chicken occasionally, and love fish – especially sushi, but the bulk of my diet is raw and green.  Hungry mid-afternoon?  I grab a handful of almonds, or make a protein smoothie with almond milk, spinach and half a banana, or dip rice crackers into raw garlic spread (available at Jimbo’s and Whole Foods).   I try to avoid gluten and sugar because I just feel better when I don’t eat them – I really don’t have a sweet tooth so it is not too hard for me; however, a few bites of dark chocolate after a meal is a nice treat.

Robin Duncan, mid 50's, strong, lean, and beautiful

Now in my mid-fifties, I feel like I really have a handle on the right combination for my body – and I also know that life is about being flexible.  What worked for me in my twenties, might not work in my fifties, but staying fit, looking terrific and feeling good are something I can have at any age.

Thank you so much Robin for sharing this story with everyone.  I often get emails of people telling me that Robin is the one that inspired them to try kettlebells.  Even people in their 40's start using the "old" excuse, but upon by seeing Robin, it took all excuses away.  Being that the first kettlebell DVD, is still my #1 seller, I have also had many people ask and wonder what Robin looks like now.   Coming from everyone who gets to train with her regularly, we are all in awe of her timeless body, mind, and spirit of a 20 year old!  We know that age is just not a reason to have an excuse.  We create our own boundaries and limits! Thanks again Robin for being the role model and inspiration we all need in our lives!!