WE ARE STRONG:

six Aussie women prove that age is no barrier

LOU KENNY Yoga teacher, 60

Melbourne mum of two Lou does yoga all day long – but not in a studio. A firm believer that fitness should be infused in daily life, she takes every opportunity to practise. On Instagram you’ll see her at the beach, in the park, on any structure that can support a pose. “I call it landscape yoga. I could spend an hour or more in a door frame and not get to the other side!” she says, laughing. It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child at age 30 that Lou began Iyengar yoga. “At that time of my life I was in a mess and [my first yoga teacher] said it would give me confidence. I couldn’t see how a physical practice could do that but it’s more than that. It really did give me strength and strength of character to make the changes that I needed to make in my life.” Thirty years later, Lou’s yoga is now propelling her rekindled modelling career, as clients adore the grace, calm and beautiful postures she can bring to photo shoots.

PRANEE PASCOE Powerlifter, 60

JEANNETTE GEVERS Powerlifter, 57

The allure of powerlifting for Pranee (left) and Jeannette is a strong body and strong friendships. First invited to powerlift aged 50, Pranee had won a bronze and two golds at the World Masters Powerlifting Championships by age 55. “I got into it because of friends and travel and now I like it because it makes me feel good,” she says. Powerlifting is weightlifting without overhead moves such as the clean and jerk. Pranee can deadlift 145kg and Jeannette, who was World Masters Powerlifting Champion eight times between age 40 and 54, can deadlift 167.5kg. “Balance is important for me,” says Pranee. “I train three times a week and make sure I eat well with enough protein and lots of greens. Age is nothing, it’s about what is strong, your mind.” Jeannette couldn’t agree more. For her it’s consistency, and the pay-off is wellbeing. “You feel healthy and strong, which makes life a lot easier,” she says.