What Jean (at 85!) Reminded Me About Mindset and Strength

I’ve been a coach for a minute now, and I’ve worked with people of all ages and ability levels - moms of young kids, busy execs, former athletes, folks recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. 

But getting to coach Jean Ketcham, age 85, has been something special.

When Jean came to me, she was curious but clear: she didn’t want to train to look younger or chase a number on the scale. She wanted to feel strong again; capable and steady. She wanted to see what was possible - and she’s already doing that.

In just a few weeks, she’s gone from not having worked out in years to squatting, lifting kettlebells, and holding a plank for more than a minute. She’s moving with more confidence and getting more adventurous with the movements I give her. Watching her progress is inspiring.

In one month, training only one day per week, Jean’s planks have gone from 10 seconds to 1:40. Her squats have gotten 30% deeper and she’s added on 2 pounds of muscle and lost 1% body fat with very little training!

But the most powerful part of her transformation isn’t physical; it’s internal. Jean is unlearning the story that her strongest days are behind her and I’ve watched that mindset shift ripple out into the way she walks, talks, and shows up to each session.

The Real Work Is About Rewriting The Story

One of the biggest patterns I see in my coaching work is the presence of perceived limitations. They’re sneaky. They sound like:

• "I’m too old to start now."

• "I’ve never been disciplined."

• "I’m just not someone who works out."

• "I wouldn’t even know where to begin."

These stories aren’t always about health and fitness. I’ve heard clients say they can’t cook, just “aren’t a good sleeper”, aren’t organized enough to stick to a routine, or are “too far gone” to ever feel good again. They come into coaching convinced that their challenges are permanent.

And I get it. When you’ve been living with a certain pattern for decades, it doesn’t feel like a story, it feels like fact. But perceived limitations aren’t the same as real ones; they’re beliefs. 

And beliefs can change.

So How Do You Start To Get Past Limiting Beliefs?

It’s not about powering through or pretending they’re not there. It’s about meeting yourself with honesty and curiosity. 

Here are a few things I walk clients through when those old beliefs show up:

1. Name the story
   What are you telling yourself you can’t do—and why? Write it down.
   

2. Look for evidence
   Is that story actually true, or is it based on fear or a past version of you?
   

3. Start with something small
   You don’t have to overhaul your life in a week. Jean started with ten-second planks. That felt safe and doable and we built from there.
   

4. Track how you feel, not just what you do
   A client recently told me she didn’t realize how much better she was sleeping until we started writing it down. The data matters—but how you feel in your body matters more. (Sidenote: grab a spot on my calendar for a free health consultation here.)
   

5. Get support.
   Whether it’s a coach like me, an accountability buddy, or a fitness class you take twice a week, you don’t have to do it alone. Having someone in your corner makes it so much easier to challenge those old patterns.

You’re Allowed To Take Up Space

What Jean reminds me—and what I hope to remind you—is that growth doesn’t have an age limit. We don’t hit a cutoff for change. The door is always open, we just have to be willing to walk through it.

If you’re telling yourself you’re too old, too tired, too inconsistent, too late—pause. Ask yourself where that story came from and ask yourself who benefits from you staying stuck in it.

Progress Isn’t Just Physical

Jean’s journey also reminds me every day that progress isn’t just about the number of reps or the weight on the bar. It’s about how you feel, how you move, how you talk to yourself, and how you show up, even when part of you is still scared.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, telling yourself that it’s too late or too hard or too embarrassing to start—I promise you’re not alone. And I promise there’s another way.

Whether you train with me in person or we work together virtually, I’ll meet you where you are. No judgment, no shame, just real support and a plan that actually fits your life.

You can follow along with Jean’s journey and see what’s possible. And when you’re ready, I’d be honored to help you take that first step.