By Staff
Verlena Mooney-Newell is a trailblazer in the world of fitness, proving that health and movement have no age limit. As the founder of Fit to Live 365, she has dedicated her life to inspiring individuals to prioritize their well-being. From her early days as an athlete to her remarkable journey in bodybuilding and overcoming breast cancer, Verlena embodies resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to self-care. In this interview, she shares her insights on fitness, aging, and the power of movement.
What inspired you to embark on your fitness journey, and how did it lead to the creation of Fit to Live 365?
Looking back, fitness and movement have always been a part of my life. When I was six years old, my mom enrolled me and my two sisters in neighborhood dance classes. We learned tap, modern ballet, African, and even Spanish dancing. That was my first love as it related to movement. Around mid-grade school, I began playing football with my two older brothers. Watching pro football games on TV with my family was a common practice in our home, especially on Sundays. Seeing how excited the football players were, I decided that I wanted that too. It did not stop there. I then began racing against the kids in my neighborhood, both boys and girls. At that time, the boys were my only competition, and winning became my inspiration—especially beating the boys. I guess you could say that in my formative years, I was a “Tomboy.”
By the time I entered junior high school, I was a top athlete among my peers, competing in track and field, volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading. In high school, I lettered in three sports (volleyball, track and field, and cross-country). I was a three-time State of Texas track contender, competing in the 800 meters and 440-yard dash, capturing the track and field regional title three times. Upon graduation, I received several Division I college scholarships for volleyball and track.
After competing in track and graduating from Prairie View A&M University, I continued my love for fitness and movement. Weight training became my passion in the mid-’80s—a time when women did not lift weights. When I moved to Los Angeles in 1990, I felt like I was in fitness heaven! However, as my corporate life took off, my gym days continued but not as a career—rather, as a necessary part of my life and being.
Over the last six years, around the age of 59 or 60, I realized how important physical fitness and self-care were for me. I began to shift my purpose of working out from purely physical enjoyment to a mental health necessity. And this is when Fit to Live 365 was born.
At 60-plus, you’re proving that fitness has no age limit. What misconceptions do people have about aging and staying active?
First of all, being fit is a choice. Wanting to spend several days a week in the gym or carving out time for a fitness routine is a commitment. Many people over 60 assume it’s too much work, that it’s too late, or that fitness is only for the bold, beautiful, and wealthy. Some believe they don’t need it because their parents and grandparents didn’t work out, and they still get around—albeit slowly.
There is no age limit on being fit. Fitness goes beyond the physical; there is a mental component that people don’t understand. As we age, our bodies change, but what we don’t see are the changes in our brains. Movement helps both the body and mind. Physical fitness spurs endorphins that feed the brain and keep us moving.
Fitness doesn’t have to mean a gym. It can be walking outdoors, riding a bike, playing pickleball or tennis, or even table tennis. Strength training is also paramount. I recommend having a set of 3-10 pound weights for women and 10-50 pounds for men. A basic 30-45 minute strength training routine three times per week can make a difference.
How did training and competing in bodybuilding shape your perspective on discipline and resilience?
I have two different perspectives—one from my younger years and one from my adult life. In high school, it was all about me, my dreams, and my work ethic. My goal was to go to the Olympics in track, and though I didn’t achieve that, I did earn my college degree. College athletics taught me the importance of owning my craft, having confidence, and trusting the process.
As an adult, training for bodybuilding at 60-plus was a whole new challenge. I had a career, family responsibilities, and menopause-related health challenges. I had to be patient with myself and allow grace. Training meant lifting weights five days a week—sometimes as early as 5 AM—and following a strict diet. It was a rigorous journey, but one I was committed to because I wanted to see it through.
You’ve survived breast cancer and faced other life challenges. How has fitness played a role in your healing and recovery?
Fitness has always been my anchor. Just like a structured fitness program, I approached life’s challenges with a plan—starting with a positive mindset, faith, and consistency. Fitness has helped me stay calm, given me perspective, and allowed me to cultivate confidence and resilience.
What kept you motivated during your toughest moments, both physically and mentally?
My faith in Jesus Christ sustained me, but not without work. I engaged in physical therapy, sought mental health support, meditated, and continued my movement routines.
How do you help others push past their own fears and limitations, especially those who feel “too old” to start?
Helping someone overcome their fears starts with understanding their mindset. I encourage people to identify their fears, recognize the benefits of fitness, and start slowly to build confidence. Meeting them where they are is key.
What is your daily fitness routine like, and how has it evolved over the years?
- Strength training (2-3 days per week)
- Pilates mat and reformer (1-2 days per week)
- HIIT training (1-2 times per week)
What are some key principles of the Fit to Live 365 approach to health and wellness?
- Find 1-3 physical activities you enjoy
- Choose an activity that fits your budget
- Engage in activities with friends
- Set sustainable fitness goals
What advice would you give to someone over 50 who wants to start their fitness journey but feels intimidated?
I start by asking:
- What is your fitness goal?
- Is it long-term or short-term?
- Are you looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve flexibility?
- Have you done weight training or HIIT before?
I then encourage them to find a peer group, join a class, or train with me.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your journey?
I only have one body, and I want to move with confidence for as long as I live. Fitness has given me flexibility, stability, and resilience. I know that my lifelong commitment to exercise helped me survive breast cancer and other challenges.
What message do you want to leave for women, especially those over 60, about health, confidence, and resilience?
Our bodies have endured so much—motherhood, careers, menopause, and life’s stresses. We owe it to ourselves to feel better, look better, and take control of our health. Investing in fitness boosts confidence and connects us to a community of strong women. I’ve learned that by prioritizing my health, I am stronger and more resilient than I ever imagined.
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