Deborah Moore is a dedicated and passionate 54-year-old CrossFit and macro/health habits coach who has made it her mission to empower women through her social media platform. With a focus on individuals aged 40 years and older, Deborah strives to inspire and guide women to age strong and cultivate healthy habits. Her expertise and commitment to promoting physical and mental well-being make her a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their health and fitness, regardless of age.
You are 54 years old, however, how old do you feel?
That’s a hard one to even answer! I feel like ME at this phase of my life (still parenting, building a business, getting ready to help one of my daughters to leave the nest etc). I’m not really sure how age is supposed to feel. All I know is that I’m enjoying having discovered more about myself, and am excited about continuing to do so.
What age did you start your fitness journey?
I have been active my whole adult life, starting most consistently with rowing at University of Bristol. This was when I embarked on consistent, structured and more competitive training programs. I moved into triathlon in the ‘90s and was blessed to experience some incredible races & moments, including crossing the finish line of the Ironman World Championships in Kona HI twice. I started my most recent fitness journey – CrossFit – age 50, and just last year (age 53) decided to try a relatively new sport called Hyrox!
What has been the biggest changes in your life since you started?
Unequivocally, it has been the impact on my self-confidence & the way I see my body.
Like many women, I chased “smaller & skinnier” for many years, decades in fact, and being part of a community (CrossFit), where strength in women is celebrated has been life changing. My mindset, my body image & my relationship with food has done a complete 180.
Deborah Moore
What is an example of a challenge that you have had to face while getting into your fitness journey?
I was 2 years into my CrossFit journey when I dislocated my right shoulder. It was the most painful thing that has happened to me (and I’ve had 3 children!), but the biggest struggle was the possibility that I might not be able to return to many of the CrossFit skills – it’s a very shoulder intensive sport. Thankfully, working with a 1:1 CrossFit coach who has a physio background did the trick, and not only did I get back to CrossFit, I even mastered tricky, shoulder-intensive skills post-dislocation that I hadn’t manage before!
What did you think of your current age when you were younger? Did you think you would be as athletic as you are?
I didn’t have a lot of positive active role models to go on when I was younger. My mother, or other women in their 50s were not very active, and, although very happy, seemed to have settled into a slow, mundane way of life in their middle aged years. I was honestly unsure of where I would be when I got to this age, but I also didn’t look too far forward, nor limit my future with predictions. I just focused on where I was at the time, and still, to this day, take everything 1 week at a time, managing any challenges if and when they come up.
Do you have a specific brand you prefer to use for your gym equipment or athletic gear?
I love Rogue Fitness gear for CrossFit or weightlifting items such as knee sleeves, wrist supports, weight belts, as well as actual gym equipment. For clothing, I generally wear a mix of things – Born Primitive is a CrossFit apparel brand that I like, but I also wear stuff I find on Amazon!
Is there something that you would like to try to learn how to do now?
I really would love to learn Spanish and have started learning how to play the drums. Fitness-wise, I’d LOVE to try Strongman events!
What is a goal of yours?
I’m growing my business which produces digital content teaching women how to navigate nutrition & midlife/menopause in general through establishing healthy habits, and one thing I’d love to do as part of that is to run Health Retreats in interesting (warm) locations!
How do you maintain your fitness routine during winter seasons or illness? We find that a lot of our community gets discouraged during these months to stay motivated.
As I tell my followers & clients, you can’t rely on motivation for your goals – you have to build the habit of showing up, and then it becomes automated. But here are a few tips that have helped me in the past:
- Find a workout partner (even online) – accountability is powerful
- Embark on a structured program (mine are coming!) – plenty can even be found for free on YouTube
- Set small, achievable goals that have a deadline each month
- Be kind to yourself during illness but set a timeline – I like to move a little every day unless completely bedridden (a walk, stretching etc), and as soon as I’m feeling the energy return, I try out my regular workouts, just with lighter weights or reduced volume
Do you have any advice you would like to give to someone who wants to get into fitness in their 50+ years, and is afraid they are past the point of starting?
You are never too old!
And if you need an incentive, remember that not being active can have devastating consequences in your later years. Just have a look at your own parents and their lack of independence & mobility as a stark reminder.
- Start simply, and don’t overthink it. Start with a walk daily. Then after a couple of weeks add a quick 20 min YouTube video of bodyweight strength moves twice a week, and build from there.
- Get in touch with a personal trainer, or a CrossFit gym that offers “Masters” classes (so many of them do).
- Check out Instagram for all the amazing over 50s who are out there lifting, hiking, running, doing pull ups, and started late in life e.g Train with Joan. Find your inspo sources!
Deborah Moore’s unwavering dedication to empowering women over 40 to age strong and embrace healthy habits is truly inspiring. Her expertise as a crossfit and macro/health habits coach, coupled with her genuine passion for helping others, makes her a beacon of motivation and knowledge in the health and fitness community. For those seeking guidance and encouragement on their journey to a healthier lifestyle, following Deborah’s Instagram account is a great way to access valuable tips, insights, and motivation. Join her community and embark on a transformative journey towards a stronger and healthier you. Follow her Instagram account to start your empowering health and fitness journey today!
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