Resident Spotlight: A John Knox Village Resident Began Competitive Weightlifting in Her 70s
John Knox Village resident Diane Sisler and fitness instructor Jay Coleman recently joined Kerrigan Arnold from KCTV5 to share Diane’s incredible achievements and her inspiring journey toward strength, confidence, and renewed purpose.
For Diane Sisler, that support led her from a season of grief to competing in a weightlifting championship at 78 years old.
The John Knox Village fitness center became the setting where small, consistent progress began to rebuild strength and confidence.
Finding Community and a New Beginning
Diane has been a resident of John Knox Village for about four and a half years. Initially, she was drawn to the lifestyle and sense of ease the community offered.
“I moved here about four and a half years ago. I moved here because it was an easy lifestyle. I could get rid of my house. I didn’t have to do that anymore. There’s a whole bunch of people my age at John Knox Village, and it’s a nice social environment. It’s been a good time. It’s been a great move for me,” said Diane.
About a year and a half ago, Diane committed herself to a fitness journey at John Knox Village, one that would change her life.
A Turning Point
Before beginning her training, Diane faced physical challenges that affected her independence.
“I had reached the point where I could not walk up and down stairs independently,” said Diane. “It came to a head when I was going to my grandson’s soccer game, and I had to walk up and down the bleachers, and my son had to walk with me.”
“And my son and I figured it was time. He said I needed to go to the fitness center and get a personal trainer because I knew I wasn’t able to do it on my own, and I knew I wouldn’t stick with it either.”
That decision led her to Jay Coleman, a fitness instructor at John Knox Village.
A Partnership Built on Encouragement
Diane quickly formed a bond with Jay, who helped kickstart and sustain her wellness journey.
“Right from the beginning, I told Jay he was an answer to a prayer,” said Diane. “This has been a journey. Jay has been so encouraging and positive. He finds something I’m doing right, and we celebrate baby steps.”
Jay believes fitness should meet people where they are.
“Working with Diane has been great,” Jay said. “Fitness is all about challenging people to do more, but it’s almost as much about finding a fit for them. We’ve got the weights, the stairs, the cardio. We’ve got all different kinds of stuff. Getting people back in the gym, the most important thing is what they like to do. Not everyone likes to do weights. Not everyone likes to do cardio. But in this day and age, everybody needs to do a little bit of everything, especially seniors.”
Stepping Onto the Competition Platform
Jay participates in weightlifting competitions himself and encouraged Diane to give it a try. Diane accepted the challenge and exceeded expectations.
“Masters weightlifting, masters powerlifting, even masters bodybuilding are huge. It’s a way to test yourself,” said Jay. “Diane did it, and she was amazing.”
Training with Purpose at John Knox Village
Preparation was intentional and consistent. Diane trained with Jay two days a week at John Knox Village.
“We started with barbell stuff. We do the accessories. With Olympic weightlifting, a lot of it is technique,” Jay explained.
Diane added, “We worked on form before we added weights, so I was comfortable.”
What’s Next for Diane?
When asked what comes next, Diane didn’t hesitate.
Diane laughed, “There will be another competition.”
“One of my goals is to get stronger so that I can lift heavier in the next competition. The other thing I really want people to know is that if you can just get involved in health and fitness, you can begin aging backwards. You can begin doing things you think you’ve lost. I thought I lost a lot of motion. I had. But I regained it.”
“You can regain it so you can get down on the floor with your grandkids. You can do all things a lot safer. It’s an enjoyment of quality of life. It’s absolutely a new lease on life.”
Experience What’s Possible at John Knox Village
Stories like Diane’s reflect the opportunities available every day at John Knox Village, from wellness programs and fitness training to supportive staff and a community that encourages residents to keep moving forward.
To learn more about all that John Knox Village offers, visit jkv.org.
About John Knox Village
John Knox Village is a leader in senior living services in Lee’s Summit and the greater Kansas City region. The community boasts a diverse range of living options from freestanding homes and apartment homes to villas. With more than 700,000 square feet of common space across the beautiful campus, you’ll find more opportunities and experiences right outside your door.
If you’re exploring Life Plan Communities in Lee’s Summit or the Kansas City area, we’d love to show you all that John Knox Village has to offer. Contact us today, call (816) 251-8000 to schedule a visit, or register to attend one of our upcoming events.
