At first glance, a pull-up might just seem like another fitness move. But for me, it represents so much more.
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be doing pull-ups in my 60s. I also didn’t grow up imagining that I’d become stronger with age. But here I am, at 61, feeling more in tune with my body than ever before.
The Deeper Meaning Behind a Pull-Up
Training for a pull-up isn’t just about building upper body strength. It’s about resilience. It’s about staying curious about what your body can still do. It’s about defying expectations, especially your own.
As someone who has practiced yoga since childhood, earned my RYT-500 certification in my mid-fifties and regularly challenges myself physically, I’ve come to see movement as a form of self-expression. And pull-ups? They’re my punctuation mark on this current chapter of life.
Why This Goal Matters, Especially for Women Over 60
Let’s be honest, there aren’t many role models out there showing what strength looks like past 50, much less past 60. It’s no secret that aging women are often made to feel invisible. I’ve spent years challenging that narrative, not just with words but with actions.
Most sources say only about 20% of women can do even one unassisted pull-up. For those of us over 60, the number is significantly lower. That alone made me want to try.
But I didn’t pursue this to prove a point. I pursued it because I wanted to feel the thrill of lifting my body on my own terms. I wanted the challenge. I wanted to know what else might be possible if I kept going.
Small Wins, Big Impact
I’ve made a habit of setting decade-specific goals. In my 40s, I was running a half-marathon. In my 50s, I focused on a freestanding handstand. Now, in my 60s, it’s the pull-up.
None of these goals came easily. I wasn’t an athlete growing up, and I’ve had my share of injuries and setbacks, including a broken rib, frozen shoulder, and periods of burnout. But each time I’ve rebuilt, I’ve done it with more intention. I’m not trying to be younger. I’m simply trying to be stronger for this version of me.
I started seriously training for a pull-up in April 2024. By early 2025, I had it: one solid, unassisted pull-up. Then I hit two and three, with cleaner form. Even after being sick for weeks and losing momentum, I came back and kept going. Because that’s what strength is, it’s persistence.
What’s Next on My Pull-Up Journey
Next up? Working toward multiple reps with proper form. No swinging. No shortcuts. Just slow, controlled movement and full arm extension between each rep.
And of course, I’ll continue integrating strength training, yoga, and mobility work into my routine. Pull-ups are part of the bigger picture: aging boldly, aging visibly, and aging on my own terms.
I’ll keep showing up, not just for the pull-ups, but for everything they represent.
What’s one goal that might feel just out of reach but would make you feel powerful if you chased it anyway?