Lifting Makes Me – Gunilla Blomberg

Gunnila Blomberg, owner of Eleiko, shares her inspirational story of how at 67 years old, she’s the strongest she’s ever been – and how lifting has become an essential part of living life to the fullest.

How did your interest in lifting begin?

Even though I’ve been surrounded by weights and bars for many years at Eleiko, I only started lifting about 6 years ago. I’ve been active my whole life, mostly doing aerobics, yoga and jogging, but never strength training. I also had some problems with back pain. One day, I came to a point in my life where everything changed. My husband passed away and left me and my children responsible for Eleiko. This was a very challenging time in my life.

At that time, my son Erik, CEO at Eleiko, came to me with a present – a package of personal training sessions with Micke, a personal trainer here in Halmstad. He taught me how to lift and showed me what lifting is really about. The back problem I had suffered from almost all my life just disappeared. For the past 6 years, I’ve trained with Micke almost every week – and I feel stronger and healthier than ever.

How has lifting helped you in your everyday life?

Lifting makes me able to live my life to the fullest and as a 67-year-old, I am probably the strongest I have ever been. My strength allows me to do what I want in my life, like mountain bike in the woods or by the ocean or play paddle tennis with my girlfriends. This year, I was also able to complete Vasaloppet. I never thought I could achieve that a few years ago.

My whole life is impacted by being strong. It makes my everyday life so much easier. I can carry my groceries up three flights of stairs by myself and have the strength and energy to play with and lift my grandchildren. That has always been my main goal with my training – to be able to keep living life to the fullest, every day.

How would you describe the feeling after a good training session?

I love feeling strong. I’ve never felt strong like this before in both body and mind, even though I’ve ran two marathons and been active throughout my life. Feeling strong is something that everyone can achieve – you just start at the level you’re at. It’s a wonderful feeling!

What is your strength staple?

My favorite equipment is the Eleiko XF Short Bar. I keep one under the bed for convenient access since it doesn’t take up much space. It’s also versatile enough for an efficient full body workout. To raise the bar above my head is just a fantastic feeling.