Karen Hills’ transformation is nothing short of inspirational. From modest beginnings at the old Station Sports Centre in Mablethorpe—where her gym visits involved “just lying on the floor and trying to do a sit-up”—to preparing to compete in powerlifting qualifiers, Karen has used physical activity to completely reshape her life, physically and mentally.
Taking the First Step: Aquacise and Arthritis
Her journey truly took off when she began attending Aquacise classes in Louth to help manage arthritis. The low-impact exercise helped build her confidence and gave her a sense of routine. What followed, however, went far beyond what she imagined possible.
Karen has now lost 5 stone, improved her overall health, and discovered a new passion—strength training.
Discovering Strength in the Weights Room
At first, Karen didn’t even know what a barbell was. But with the encouragement of a fellow gym user, Steve, who offered guidance and support, she stepped into the weightlifting area—a space she once avoided.
That simple act of support turned into a mentorship. Karen now lifts heavy and lifts proud. Her confidence, she says, has “gone through the roof.”
Training Through Menopause: Adapting, Not Avoiding
Managing menopause symptoms alongside her training, Karen has remained honest and determined. On HRT, she’s learned to adapt her workouts around her hormone cycle.
“When I start my progestogen patch that week, I know I won’t lift as much,”
she says but rather than let this discourage her, it has empowered her and Steve to work together, showing that training can and should flex around women’s health needs.
Karen has gone from hiding at the back of the gym to owning her place in the weightlifting corner with pride. She recently achieved a dead lift personal best of 130kg, and is taking part in competitions in the region.
Her transformation isn’t just personal—it’s now inspirational.
Steve and myself are approached by people in the gym all the time that want to start lifting so we often stop our training sessions and get them lifting a light weight so they can build a passion
Karen has also recently qualified as a Gentle Aquacise instructor. She now uses her story to inspire others, showing that age, arthritis and menopause are not limitations – they’re part of the journey.