STACY J 

Sudbury, ON

My fitness journey began about a decade ago, during a time of significant life transition. It was then that my now-fiancé introduced me to weightlifting—a gesture that would ultimately reshape the course of my life. What started as a coping mechanism slowly evolved into a passion. The gym became more than a place to escape; it became my sanctuary, a space where I began rebuilding myself from the inside out.

A year or two into training, I met someone who would become a key influence in my evolution: a coach who introduced me to the world of structured nutrition and bikini competitions. Under their guidance, I stepped onto the stage for the first time—and the thrill was instant. I was hooked. The adrenaline, the discipline, the sheer transformation—I loved every part of it. Several shows followed, and with each one, I became more enamored with the sport, more connected to the version of myself that was fiercely focused, empowered, and fully alive.

Now, at 50 years young, I’m preparing for yet another competition. My last show was in 2020, and while the gap since then has been filled with life’s many demands, my commitment to fitness has never wavered. This time around, I’m approaching the prep differently. It’s no longer just about aesthetics or stage presence—it's about taking a more holistic approach. I’m carefully managing my hormones, dialing in my nutrition, and balancing strength training and cardio with far more intention. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and honoring my body with the wisdom I’ve gained over the years.

The past two years have been nothing short of a whirlwind. I transitioned into a new career as a medical assistant—an incredibly fulfilling, albeit demanding, path. Balancing a full-time profession in healthcare with the rigorous discipline required for competition prep has tested my limits, but it’s also revealed a strength in me that I hadn’t fully appreciated before. The challenge lies not in choosing between work and wellness, but in learning how to make both coexist meaningfully.

Another exciting element of this phase is the introduction of a new coach. We’re still navigating the early stages of our partnership, figuring out rhythms and approaches, but the collaboration has reinvigorated my sense of purpose. There’s something powerful about inviting fresh perspective while staying rooted in the journey you’ve already traveled.

At this point in my life, I want nothing more than to inspire women—especially those in their 40s, 50s, and beyond—to keep dreaming, striving, and achieving. Age doesn’t mean decline. It means refinement. Reaching 50 is not a cue to slow down; it’s an invitation to level up. This is the season for intentional living—for managing time and energy with precision, for prioritizing wellness, and for applying every ounce of life experience to navigate challenges with grace and grit.

Fitness has taught me discipline, resilience, and self-respect. It has shown me that goals are not reserved for the young, and that transformation is always possible—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve learned to adapt, not abandon. To evolve, not retreat. The second half of life can be the most powerful, impactful chapter yet—if we’re brave enough to write it with purpose.

And I plan to do just that.

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