Sheila Agnew is proving that fitness and wellness have no age limit. At 74, she is a certified personal trainer who became licensed at 65 and has built a thriving platform dedicated to showing others how to live well at every stage of life. Her motto, “Start, Stick, and Stay,” is a simple but powerful mantra for anyone seeking to build healthy habits that last.
This fall Sheila expanded her mission with Ageless with Sheila, a new weekly digital series launching with fresh content every Monday. The series delivers practical workouts, motivational messages, and lifestyle insights designed to encourage audiences to start their journey, stick with it, and stay the course. While this series is a new chapter, it reflects her larger mission of reshaping the conversation around aging and wellness.
What inspired you to pursue certification as a personal trainer at 65, and how did that decision change your life?
I’ve been an advocate for health and fitness most of my adult life, but nine years ago I noticed a real gap in training programs for older adults. I was going to the gym and making lifestyle changes for myself, but God clearly had a bigger plan. A young trainer noticed my consistency and suggested I get certified because they needed more senior fitness trainers. I’m not sure he knew my age, but his suggestion resonated deeply. Shortly afterward, I moved forward and became certified, earning specializations in senior fitness, women’s fitness, and corrective exercise. Becoming a trainer at 65 was a divine decision, one that allowed me to turn my personal passion into a calling to inspire and motivate others on their own fitness journeys.
Your motto is “Start, Stick, and Stay.” Can you break down what each step means and why it is so powerful for building lasting habits?
Start Smart – Begin simply and at your level of fitness. Small steps, taken consistently, lead to gradual and sustainable progress. This step-by-step approach helps you stay grounded and committed to your journey.
Stick – As you begin to see results, sticking with the process becomes easier. Understanding that there is a process before there is progress strengthens your mental fitness, focus, and resilience. When you stick, your confidence grows.
Stay – This is where healthy choices become a true lifestyle. Even when you fall, you get back up because you understand your health is an investment in your quality of life and longevity. It’s never too late to Start Smart!
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about fitness and aging, and how do you challenge those myths through your work?
The biggest misconceptions are that people are “too old,” that it’s “too late,” or that a diagnosis or physical limitation means they can’t exercise. I believe everyone can do something. By offering modifications and creating safe, supportive environments, I help people overcome both physical limitations and the mindset that holds them back. Once you shift someone’s thinking—from fear to possibility—those outdated misconceptions begin to fall away. Movement is good for all bodies.
Launching Ageless with Sheila is a big milestone. What motivated you to create this digital series, and what can viewers expect from it?
Ageless with Sheila is a lifestyle platform that embraces the full spectrum of the aging experience. For years I’ve motivated and inspired adults through my business, workshops, speaking, writing, and education. This series is a natural extension of that work through the lens of wellness. We don’t have to conform to society’s expectations of how we should act, dress, look, or live as we age. Aging is forever, and it can be amazing. Through Ageless with Sheila, I share 35+ years of experience in health, fitness, and lifestyle balance to encourage viewers to embrace aging with confidence and joy.
How do you keep yourself motivated and consistent, especially on days when sticking to the plan feels hard?
I follow a routine I call WWWW: I Wake Up and thank God, Worship and read the Word, drink my Water, and Workout. I may not always do it in that order, but starting my day with positivity and intention keeps me grounded and motivated.
Social media has given rise to “ageless influencers.” How do you see your role in reshaping the conversation around wellness for older adults?
I’m thrilled to see the rise of ageless influencers—it inspires so many people to move past limiting beliefs about aging. I like to say I was “ageless before social media” because embracing the aging experience has always been part of my work. Social media gives older adults a platform to share everything from fitness routines and healthy meals to spirituality, fashion, relationships, and everyday life. I love connecting with like-minded people and learning from them as well. I even self-published my first book in 2006, All About the Vets: A Sharing of Life Experiences for Women of Color, long before social media was what it is today. Now I get to use these digital platforms to reach even more people with wellness information that matters.
What advice would you give to someone who feels it is “too late” to start their fitness journey?
I always share my story—and the stories of others who began their fitness journeys later in life. I recently spoke to a group of seniors and told them I am a fitness coach, commercial actor, author, and motivational speaker. All of those things began in my sixties, and now I’m 74. If I can do it, so can you. It is truly never too late.
Sheila Agnew continues to inspire countless people by proving that age is just a number and wellness is a lifelong journey. Ageless with Sheila invites everyone to embrace their health and vitality at every stage of life. Be sure to also connect with her on TikTok.
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