Strong at 75 After a Hip Replacement: Julie's Story

You can absolutely get strong again after a hip replacement, even in your 70s. My mom, Julie, is proof: at 75, she calls her replaced hip one of her "better" joints, and she keeps up the walking and strength training that make up the weekly exercise seniors need.

Julie is my very first — and longest-standing — client, so for Mother's Day in 2025, I interviewed her! I truly won the lottery when it comes to mothers. She's been a constant advocate and cheerleader, and she's shown me how to embrace every stage of life to the fullest. She is truly an inspiration.

Here's my mom, in her own words:

Julie's Story, in Her Own Words

You were my first client back in 2016. Were you just being nice to be my "guinea pig," or did you really have goals you were hoping I could help you achieve?

"I wasn't being nice. I was so proud of you and so excited when you first started your practice. At that time, it was a win-win to be your guinea pig. You needed some practice-teaching time and I desperately needed some guidance in getting back to walking and building strength. At that time, I thought back to when you were a very busy high school senior and I was at a physical low in my life. After I started walking, you helped me learn to run and then encouraged me to run the Bolder Boulder. That seemed like an impossibility but you didn't give up encouraging me and I ran the entire way. So, when you started your business and I needed another jump start, I knew that you could help me better than myself."

Did you have any doubts or hesitations in the beginning? What helped you stick with it?

"I had no hesitations when we started training. Just excitement. And the fact that you cared and checked in with me helped me keep going. Since you started using the app, I love recording my reps on that and I love that you always comment. It is kind of like the smiley face on the top of a first grade paper."

How has consistent training impacted your life?

"I notice when I don't do a workout or walk. I don't sleep as well! I love the feeling of tired muscles after a good workout or a long walk. That is why I keep pushing to do 'just two more.' I would keep track of my walking miles even if it were not on the app, but recording those is a plus too. I appreciate that you adjust the workouts as needed when they get too easy or I am overdoing and have sore joints."

Is there a milestone or moment you're especially proud of?

"Running the Bolder Boulder way back when was a huge milestone. But I lapsed after we moved and I was busy with work. You helped me get started again and were very careful to monitor what I could and shouldn't do. I ran (only on the treadmill because the treadmill was boring) even though you cautioned against it. Because of that, I damaged my hip to the point that it needed to be replaced. After that, I was hesitant to get going again, but when I did, you assessed my needs and helped me start with what I could handle. Now, that hip is one of my 'better' joints, but I also know to be careful with the rest. Getting back after the replacement certainly was a milestone and with the strength training, I feel like I am pretty strong for a 75-year-old."

What would you tell someone your age who thinks it's "too late" to get stronger or healthier?

"It is never too late! In fact, if they haven't started they had better get going now. I don't know if building better habits will prolong life, in fact, that doesn't matter to me. But I know that being healthy and strong improves my life. The research about strength training and cognitive function alone is a huge reason to walk and do strength training."

What's your favorite exercise... and which one do you dread but know you need?

"I have two favorites. One is easy, it is the adductor hip hinge. It helps my adductors, hips, and knees when I walk, it is really easy and it feels good. I do it almost every day even when it is not part of my workout. The other favorite is the dumbbell floor press because it is an ego booster to do more reps or move to heavier weights. I also have two least favorites. One is the heel and toe walks, but they are really good for balance so I do them. I would 'forget' to do them if they were not listed in the routine. The other is the sit to stand from the low step. That one is so important because getting up from a chair is an important movement for seniors!"

Have you ever exaggerated the number of reps you reported on your app?

"I don't exaggerate the number of reps. Why do that? But I have hit the wrong number and added an 8 when it should have been a 0 and then not caught it before I finalized the session. And, I do watch the previous numbers and try to match or better them."

Thank You, Mom

Well, there you have it! My mom is positive, hard-working, and even honest about all her reps! Thank you, Mom, for being my original "guinea pig" and for sticking with me all these years. I'm so thankful that you're willing to put in the work to stay strong and healthy. You bless us all with your constant prayers and all the ways you help our family.

If Mom's story has you wondering whether it's too late to start exercising, it isn't. And if you'd like to see how your own legs measure up on that "so important" sit-to-stand, try the 30-second chair stand test.