I admit I’ve gotten to do some pretty amazing things in my life and well, meeting Dara Torres has to be up there in the rankings. She’s really quite the inspiration for all women, but especially women over 40. She’s a 5 time Olympian -12 time medalist, with her 5th time qualifying for the Olympics in 2008 at age 41, an amazing feat! And she’s a best selling author, motivational speaker and ambassador for AmLactin lotion.

I was first introduced to AmLactin lotion a few months ago and what makes AmLactin different from many other body lotions is that it contains alpha-hydroxy, which gently exfoliates the skin so the moisturizing properties in the lotion can work.  There are a few different formulas and my favorite is the Cerapeutic. It contains ceramides which is very moisturizing to the skin and this leaves skin feeling silky soft without a greasy or sticky feeling. Dara started using this lotion after her mother had used it for years and after she was constantly in the water with her training her skin was dry and irritated and this really helped her skin out – she said noticed an immediate difference.

This past Saturday, Dara was at the Lifetime Fitness near my home and was there to sign autographs and head up a spin class. That’s where I met up with Dara. I work out several times a week but I’ve never done a spin class, so to say I was a bit nervous and intimidated is an understatement! I mean me, doing a spin class with an Olympian was something I never would have had on my radar in this lifetime! Honestly, it was a lot of fun!  I was one of the few “virgin” spinners in the class and Dara came over and showed me the ins and outs of the bike and got me properly set up (that’s what she was doing in the top image).  And then the nearly 50 minute spin class started.

Oh, and did I happen to mention that she was on crutches with a broken shin bone?  Yes, I can’t make that stuff up. She was actually disappointed that she couldn’t do the standing portions of the spin class with us because of her broken leg. Did I mention I think she is pretty amazing?!

After class I asked Dara what advice she had for women over 40 about fitness. She said her #1 bit of advice is listen to your body.

“When we’re in our teens and early 20’s and we feel the aches and pains we typically can work through it without a problem, but when you’re in your 40’s or older and you start to feel aches and pains, your body is really telling you something and it’s time to step back and listen to what your body is telling you.  Don’t over do it, there’s no need to over do it.”

Great advice, Dara.  Here are a few more photos from the class. And later today I’ll have her spin mix of songs for you!