A 57-year-old personal trainer and owner of Cinch Transformation Studio in Melbourne, Australia, is breaking stereotypes about ageing. While Nikki Ellis is mistaken for someone in her early thirties or even late twenties, she attributes her age-defying looks to a holistic approach to health and fitness.

In an exclusive interview with news.au.com, Nikki stated that growing up with a father who was an athlete and a mother battling a chronic illness, Nikki developed a deep appreciation for the importance of maintaining one’s health. Despite being a diehard aerobics fan in the 1980s, she realized the toll excessive cardio took on her well-being, leading her to shift her focus to weight training and building strength.

“I’m getting ready to celebrate my 58th birthday this year,” she said.

“People are very shocked when I tell them how old I am. I met a lady this morning who nearly fell off her chair, and kept coming back to the same topic and checking I was 57, it was very sweet.”

Nikki’s daily routine involves teaching strength training and spin classes before sunrise, followed by strength training sessions 4-5 times a week and daily walks with her dogs to achieve her 10,000-step goal. While she doesn’t adhere to a specific diet, Nikki prioritizes muscle-centric workouts and emphasizes a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Her top tips for maintaining a youthful appearance are straightforward yet effective. Alongside weight training, she emphasizes staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet and abstaining from alcohol. Nikki religiously applies sunscreen throughout the day, wears large hats for sun protection, and stresses the significance of mental health through meditation, music and journaling.

Regular facials, proper skin care and staying hydrated are also part of her beauty regimen. She expressed to the news outlet her fondness for receiving regular facials, whether from a professional service or as part of her at-home skincare routine.

Nikki advises maintaining a sense of fun, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and connecting with nature for mental well-being.

Recognizing the potential intimidation older women may feel about entering the fitness world, Nikki encourages finding a comfortable environment and seeking out gyms with supportive communities and older role models. Her final tip for looking and feeling young is simple: “Be kind! Nothing makes you feel better than random acts of kindness.”