From struggling up a single flight of stairs to becoming a bodybuilding runner-up and marathon finisher — all after 40. Jazzmin Wan’s incredible journey proves it’s never too late to transform your life. Her story will inspire you to ditch the excuses and discover what your body is truly capable of, regardless of your age.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
At 39, Jazzmin Wan faced a moment that would define the rest of her life.
What should have been an easy hiking date turned into a rather humiliating struggle — she could not even climb a single flight of stairs without gasping for breath!
Watching elderly couples effortlessly pass her by while her partner supported each laboured step was the reality check she desperately needed.
“It was a disgrace for me to witness how much I have let myself go,” Jazzmin, a public relations manager and yoga instructor, recalls with a laugh.
This moment of brutal honesty became the catalyst for her remarkable transformation.
BREAKING THE GENERATION X FITNESS MYTH
Jazzmin’s story resonates with many Generation X women who weren’t raised with fitness culture.
“Many of us were not taught about health since young nor were we told how important it was to stay active. Nobody motivated us to exercise at all,” she explains, linking this cultural gap to Malaysia’s broader obesity challenges.
Her journey began in her late 20s in a European beach village where limited entertainment options led her to focus on home workouts.
“There were no legit gyms or studios available there, entertainment was limited,” she recalls. “What I did back then was putting my focus on fitness and kept challenging my body at home.”
Thinking back to those days, she says, “After 2 years doing interval training with the help of DVDs at home. I was in shape, then I noticed I needed more. Then I started to practicing Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.”
But life got in the way when she returned to Kuala Lumpur and its many distractions, and consistency became her biggest enemy.
A MIDLIFE CRISIS THAT BECAME A RENAISSANCE
By 38, during the COVID lockdown, Jazzmin hit rock bottom.
Despite teaching yoga, she was losing motivation to train, practice, or enjoy life.
The thoughts plaguing her mind were familiar to many approaching 40: “I am reaching 40. Why should I work so hard?”
That humiliating hike changed everything.
“Since then, I have decided once again. Bringing fitness into my life. This time, I am determined to see it through!” she stated.
Contrary to popular belief, Jazzmin discovered that turning 40 wasn’t the beginning of decline — it was her renaissance.
“I feel that I am more in tune with my body. In fact, I could do more than I did in my 20s,” she reveals.
Her post-40 achievements prove this isn’t just positive thinking:
- She placed as runner-up in the female division of the Mr. Penang bodybuilding competition
- She completed a full marathon within the cut-off time.
- She developed a deeper understanding of her body’s capabilities and limitations.
“In our 40s, we know what we can and cannot do. We are more sensible with our trainings, more awareness on the safety precautions,” she explains.
THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Jazzmin’s transformation isn’t physical — it’s mental.
Fitness saved her from her lowest point and transformed her from someone with “dark thoughts or self-doubts” to someone who feels that “as long as I am breathing, I will strive in becoming the better version of myself.”
The benefits extend far beyond aesthetics:
- Stable, calmer mood
- Consistent sleep (no more insomnia)
- Elimination of migraine attacks
- End of hormonal mood swings
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem
HER DAILY FITNESS PHILOSOPHY: SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE
Jazzmin’s approach is not complicated, just consistent.
Morning Ritual
- After her coffee, she commits to at least 3km of walking or running, regardless of other obligations.
- “I deliberately wake up early to take care of my body needs before anything!” she tells us.
Evening Routine
- Gym workouts followed by yoga stretches.
Weekly Structure
- Strength training, cardio, and flexibility 3 to 4 times per week.
- Sauna sessions and quality sleep for recovery.
Progress Tracking
- Jazzmin weighs herself once a week.
- “Though it not my favourite thing to do but it helps me to learn about my body, accountability, and awareness of my eating patterns,” she says.
- She also tracks her performance in her strength training, runs, and hikes to keep her motivated.
Consistency is key. “There is a saying, you don’t use it, you lose it!” Jazzmin reminds us.
JAZZMIN’S ESSENTIAL FITNESS TIPS FOR WOMEN OVER 40
Prioritize Strength Training
- “Strength training is a must, along with flexibility,” Jazzmin emphasizes.
- For those intimidated by weights, she recommends Pilates or yoga that incorporates muscle building.
Walking Is Your Best Friend
- For cardio, she champions walking as the most sustainable and effective exercise for this age group.
Show Up, even for 10 Minutes
- “Even from 10 minutes, it will be worthwhile,” she says.
- Her secret for unmotivated days? “I tell myself just go and do whatever for 10 minutes and decide. Usually, I stay much longer.”
Set Event Goals
- Jazzmin stays motivated by signing up for yoga events, marathons, hiking expeditions, and bodybuilding competitions.
- “Once signing up to these events, naturally I will get myself out of the house and train,” she says.
Nutrition: The 80% Rule
While acknowledging that diet is crucial (“We are what we eat”), Jazzmin keeps her nutrition approach practical:
- Aim for roughly 100 grams of protein daily
- Consume lots of greens
- Choose healthy carbs and reasonable fats
- Follow the Japanese “Hara Hachi bun me” principle: eat until 80% full
YES, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
“Even in my twenties, I often hear things like when you are in 30s, your metabolism will slow down and there is nothing you can do about it,” Jazzmin says. “Such negative myths have to be erased already.”
Her trainer’s wisdom resonates: “It’s not the body, it’s your mind. If your mind is strong enough and believes in what you want to be, you will.”
ARE YOU READY TO EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY?
Jazzmin’s message to women feeling intimidated about starting fitness later in life is clear and inspiring:
“Whether it’s 40, 60 years old or any types of body shapes or sizes, it’s never too late to start!”
She points to real examples: women over 60 competing in bodybuilding competitions and women in their 50s winning marathon speed challenges—many of whom didn’t start young.
Her final piece of advice is as follow: “There is no need to compare yourself with others. This is your own journey. Everyone is different!”
| If you wish to get in touch with Jazzmin, her Instagram is @jazz_yanyie (link opens in a new tab). |
| This article is part of our series on tips and advice for leading a healthy lifestyle. |
