Kim and Harry are proving that age is not a barrier to strength

A chartered physiotherapist working at Motion Clinic in Heavitree, formerly known as Heavitree Clinic, has been helping older people to powerlift, including his mother, who is now nearing a world record lift in her weight class. 

Passionate powerlifter Harry Gough moved to Tiverton from the Northwest of England in 2021, just in time for the third COVID lockdown, when he started training with his mother Kim in their garage.

“My mum just started training with me, and it turned out that she was rather good,” says Harry. 

“Within six months, she could deadlift 100 kilograms, which is not bad for somebody who only weighs 57 kilograms.”

Harry explained that around a year ago, they began looking for a way to combine his job as a physio with their hobby of weightlifting. 

They came up with something called “the bone class," otherwise known as Motion Clinic’s Osteoporosis Prevention Programme, which Harry runs the training for.

The programme is based on the scientific findings of a major 2018 study called LIFTMOR.

The research involved groups of people diagnosed with osteoporosis undergoing two different types of strength training.

The results showed that the group engaged in high-intensity training not only avoided fractures but also experienced a tenfold improvement in lumbar spine bone density.

In light of this landmark study, Harry has been giving talks to local women’s institutes and care homes to try and dispel the myths and share the facts.

He said: “Audiences are always very surprised to hear that the evidence is so clear for the fact that they should be doing resistance training. People can be really scared about it. Sometimes it's even difficult to convince other physiotherapists, doctors, or nurses that this is a good idea, and often this is because they’re unaware of the new research.”

Harry also shared that currently, there are only about 50 weightlifting athletes in his mum’s age and weight category across England. 

“People always say that Kim must be some genetic freak, but actually, age does not seem to be a barrier to gaining muscle and strength. She trains two to three hours pretty much every day, so I wouldn't say she is a genetic freak, but she certainly trains hard enough to make up any difference. 

“I think if more people got into powerlifting and weightlifting at an older age, you would find more people achieving what she has."

Kim said: “For me, being strong is empowering. It infiltrates many aspects of my life. To walk down the street, as a 66-year-old woman, and know I am strong takes away the fear of being an older person. I revel in defying the stereotypical view of old age. Knowing that I am increasing in strength and proving that age is not a barrier to this is extremely positive and life affirming. 

“I am very proud to be representing my country and can't wait to wear my GB kit. I have a very rare (1 in a million) inherited genetic condition, which mentally can be a huge burden to carry at times. Powerlifting enables me to lift this burden off my shoulders (literally and metaphorically) by keeping my mind and body healthy and my bones in the best of health. 

“I would like other older men and women to access strength training and, hopefully, experience the same physical and mental health benefits as me, and that they too will become strong and empowered. At the end of the day, age is just a number, and assumptions and prejudices are there to be challenged.”

You can watch a video of Kim deadlifting here.