Meet Elisabeth Andersen – wife, mother of three grown daughters, and proud grandmother to four grandkids. While many people might be slowing down by the time they reach “grandparent” status, Elisabeth is just getting started.

Her favorite way to stay active? A mix of swimming, biking, yoga, and—more recently—strength training.

“Movement makes me feel good,” she says. “And being outdoors for it is even better.”

It’s no surprise then that she’s a certified Paddle Board Yoga instructor and dreams of one day paddle boarding with manatees. “So I can do my best imitation of a floating potato,” she jokes.

Elisabeth didn’t grow up in a world where strength training was encouraged for women, so learning to lift heavy weights was a major shift—and one she’s embraced with open arms. “Women NEED to STRENGTH TRAIN,” she emphasizes.

“Even though I was active, it was cardio, and I lost A LOT of muscle, which made me slow, off balance, and afraid of falling. I’m proud I allowed myself to become a beginner yet again and learn a new sport.”

One of her proudest moments was stepping outside of her comfort zone when her daughter Erin invited her to train for a sprint triathlon. That experience sparked a new love for endurance events, and Elisabeth has her sights set on an Olympic-length triathlon next year—though a Grand Canyon backpacking trip with the same daughter might take top priority.

“Maybe both next year?” she says. “If I stick with strength training and have PT tune-ups, I know they will have me ready.”

Since coming to Natural Wellness Physiotherapy initially for pelvic floor therapy with Dr. Kiersten, Elisabeth has noticed a ripple effect of improvements: stronger core, better balance, less knee pain, and improved posture and confidence.

“PT is fixing everything that was going wrong,” she says. “Who knows, by the end of summer, maybe I’ll be able to nail the forearm stand on the paddle board… another goal I have.”

Elisabeth is also a vibrant part of her local wellness community, giving shout-outs to Grit and Grace Gym in Derby, Limitless Yoga Studio, and Flatwater Fitness and Fun. Whether she’s lifting weights, flowing through yoga, or gliding across the water on a paddle board, Elisabeth brings energy, humor, and inspiration to everything she does.

Her advice for others? Don’t wait.

“Don’t let age (and menopause) sneak up on you. You can change the trajectory of your health at any age—but you have to be willing to start.”

Oh, and her least favorite activity? Throwing javelin. Don’t ask. 😉

Congratulations, Elisabeth! You’re a true example of strength, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.