Age Doesn’t Define Us, It Refines Us. A “SuperLifer” Story

A few months ago at Planet Fitness, I observed a middle-aged woman overseeing a young man, likely in his late twenties or early thirties, as he lay on a bench performing dumbbell chest flys. She was giving him instructions on technique and repetitions in a rather firm voice.

After the young man completed his set, she walked over, lifted a 25-pound dumbbell with almost effortless ease, returned to him, handed it over, and offered more guidance. A few minutes later, I observed her take him to the upright squat rack, lower the bar, lie on her back, and show the proper technique for floor chin-ups.

    “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”​

                                                                              George Burns

It was clear she knew her way around the gym and was enjoying herself. My mind immediately went to “I bet she has a great life story”.

Although I was sure I already knew the answer, I went over, introduced myself, and asked if she was a personal trainer. She said her name was Lesa Parsons and confirmed she was a personal trainer.

After just a few minutes of conversation, while still coaching her trainee, I discovered that she was not only a personal trainer but had been a national competitor, ranking top in bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions. I was right—she has an incredible life story.

 Superlifers adopt a holistic approach to life, aiming to optimize their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, regardless of what is happening to their bodies and minds.

I knew her story would inspire many of you, so I asked if she would let me write a “SuperLifer” post about her. She said, “Sure, if I can help anyone live a healthier lifestyle, I am all in.”

A few weeks later, while interviewing Lesa for this post, it didn’t take me long to realize that she is a very relatable person, she loves Jesus, and she believes our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and that our physical fitness influences every part of our being: mental, emotional, and especially spiritual.

Lesa, short for Calesa, was born in South Heaven, Michigan, and raised by a loving mom and dad in a middle-class, blue-collar family home with a sister and two brothers.

Lesa told me that although her family talked about a relationship with Jesus, it was more about outward appearances than a personal connection. She started attending church alone at a young age. She remembered how her mother dressed her when she was 5 years old and how she rode the church bus every Sunday. 

From an early age, Lesa’s athletic ability was evident. She participated in sports throughout middle and high school. However, as far back as she could remember, Lesa had planned to become a dentist. At age 17, she discovered her passion for exercise and began teaching “step” and “fitness” classes. 

It's wonderful to hear stories of people who have always known what they wanted to be and take all the right steps to reach their goals. But it’s also special when someone plans for a career and works hard at it, yet is mature enough to realize that God has a different plan for their life. I believe that even before we are born,

Lesa’s education transitioned from dentistry to earning a degree in business, while she also became a certified Master Fitness Instructor and a Nutrition Response Practitioner. 

Over the years, while working full-time in the administration of a construction company and raising three children, Lesa has competed in Coastal USA Female Bodybuilding, Ms. Georgia, and Ms. Florida bodybuilding competitions. Weighing 132 pounds, she held the women’s powerlifting title in Florida for four straight years, lifting as much as 380 pounds and benching 275 pounds.

And yet, despite her many achievements over the years, she is most proud of her three children, Shauna, Andrew, and Kevin, and the incredible adults they have become.

When I asked Lesa, “What are you most passionate about in this season of your life?” she responded without hesitation, “The ability to change people’s lives through the love of Christ, using the gifts that God has blessed me with in this industry.”

The secret to a longer, more fulfilling life is in embracing active aging.​

As we talked about her thoughts on aging and retiring, she said, “I’m embracing every moment of this season of my life,” but quickly made it clear that retirement isn’t in her plans, saying, “I have so much more to give.”

I asked her what her next major life event was. She explained that although divorce was a very tough time in her life, she is looking forward to finding the one true love that God has prepared for her.

As we approached the end of the interview, I asked, “If you could say one thing to all the folks out there, what would it be?” She responded, “God has continuously shown me nothing but gracious love and tender mercies all my life. And I want to remind everyone, no matter what your age, you are a masterpiece designed in God’s image, and you are worthy and called to make a difference in this world.”

 Growing older isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about recognizing that there is always more of yourself and the world to discover.

The one thing I am reminded of every time I post on a SuperLifer is how uniquely God equips us with gifts and abilities to fulfill His purpose for our lives and empowers us to accomplish things we never imagined possible.  

I hope that Lesa’s story will inspire you, regardless of your age, to use your unique abilities and gifts and live out the story that God has planned and prepared for you. 

If you’re considering Lesa (Parsons) as a trainer, eager to begin a healthier lifestyle, or have inquiries, feel free to reach out to Lesa at the Legacy Sports Center at the Sawnee Location or at the Alphaetta Location.

I’m enjoying my “last best bite," and I hope you are too. If not, there’s no better time to start than now.