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This 54-year-old master personal trainer proves that it's not too late to get in better shape 

Wendy Cho is an excellent example of how commitment, hard work, and a personalised approach can lead to success in the fitness industry, regardless of age or background

By Shazrina Shamsudin  - 

Credits: True Fitness SG
Credits: True Fitness SG
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The fitness scene can come across as intimidating especially when you’re treading on unfamiliar territory. Besides dealing with gym anxiety, some of us also start to feel a little more indifferent, scared or reluctant to exercise as we age. Younger individuals are more focused on weight training to improve their strength and physique, but as we grow older, most of us tend to shift our focus to other priorities, leaving us to neglect our physical health. 

However, individuals like Wendy Cho are going against the grain by pushing the boundaries in the fitness industry, and proving that age is merely just a number. At 54, the master personal trainer is paving the way for a new generation of female personal trainers, and she’s setting an example for women to pursue strength training, regardless of their age or experience.  

In her 20s, Wendy started out as a show presenter at the Singapore Zoo. But as she moved on, in search of something new, she kickstarted her fitness journey when her friend suggested that she enter the personal training industry. 

“My first year as a trainer was rough, as being a personal trainer was never on my bucket list. But after the first year, I found my feet and have not looked back since. I stayed in the field because things are always exciting and positively challenging, and before I knew it, 24 years had passed!” 
Wendy Cho, Master Fitness Trainer, True Fitness

As people age, maintaining functional fitness becomes increasingly important for maintaining independence and quality of life. And as a master personal trainer at True Fitness, Wendy emphasises the importance of functional fitness with her clients in their training programs, helping them achieve their fitness goals while also improving their overall health and well-being. After finding her niche in the ageing population and becoming an expert in rehabilitative movements, Wendy now helps clients who face medical issues such as cancer, heart conditions, and post-accident conditions. 

Wendy says, “This came about when one of my mentors told me that I should try a niche market such as therapy-based training. At the time, not many trainers were doing it. A light went off in my head, and here I am. I found (and still find) this exciting as every client is different, even if they have similar injuries or conditions. I am passionate about getting them back to optimal health and mobility levels in their daily lives.” 

Ahead, Wendy shares more about the struggles she faced as a master personal trainer, the misconceptions about fitness for seniors, as well as the importance of strength training for women. 

What are some of the struggles that you face as a master fitness trainer?

Credit: True Fitness SG
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"When I first started my role as a Master Fitness Trainer, which entails raising the standards of True Group’s fitness trainers, I struggled to find my right footing in both leading training and planning long-term developments of personal training at a group level. However, I adapted quickly as I found it rewarding to impart my knowledge and expertise to other trainers so that they can help their clients achieve their goals more effectively. It is both challenging and fulfilling as I keep myself up to date with the moving trends in fitness and apply that to my work to bring improved training methodologies and knowledge to my team."

What was one of your most significant achievements in your life?

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"I helped a client overcome a miscarriage and depression through exercise. She later went on to have twins! That experience stuck in my mind because she came to me in a very bad state. It took a year and a half, but I could see the gradual progress she was making physically and emotionally."

Why do you think it's essential for women to do these workouts as they age?

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"One huge misconception is that strength training causes women to bulk up. Nothing is further from the truth. Strength training helps to shape a woman’s physique, and helps to burn fat more efficiently.

Strength training is essential as women – compared to men – are more likely to develop osteoporosis in their later years. Strength training helps to keep this at bay. At the same time, during and after menopause, strength training helps to maintain good balance, posture and proprioception – one’s ability to sense movement, action and location. It also decreases a woman’s chance of developing cardiovascular issues in later years and keeps body composition in equilibrium."

What are some of the misconceptions about fitness for seniors?

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"A common misconception is that seniors do not really need to exercise as much because they are old and not as active. Over the years of training seniors who have different needs and abilities, I have found that the more they exercise and the more active they are, the better their quality of life. A fitness regime also helps them maintain better mental health, and keeps them involved in social circles.

Another misconception is that resistance training for seniors is a waste of time as they will “never build muscles”. Resistance training is a boon as it helps to develop strength and, more importantly, prevent osteoporosis. They may not bulk up, but they will be able to move well and move better."

Are older adults indifferent, scared, and reluctant to exercise?

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"Some are. It all depends on whom they speak to and socialise with. Their circles of influence do have an impact on them, whether negative or positive. Some are afraid as they have never exercised in such a focused fashion before, and some are indifferent because they feel that exercise would not make a difference in their twilight years."

Strength training is not easy, especially as you get older — what have you been doing to keep yourself in shape and what keeps you going?

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"I have cut out a lot of sugar from my diet. Although I am not choosy when it comes to food, I am aware that with age also comes a host of health issues. Thus, I have adjusted and removed certain items from my nutrition plan.

I enjoy weight training more than cardio. I maintain a regular exercise regime because I have seen family members suffer and pass on due to poor health – which perhaps could have been prevented through a more active lifestyle."

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fitnessfitness tipspersonal trainerWendywomen
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