Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonny Osterhage.
Hi Bonny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have been a journalist in San Antonio for more than 25 years. I started as a fashion editor and lifestyle writer for a small, now out of print publication, and from there went on to work as a columnist, feature writer, special features editor, public relations writer, and ghost writer. As a busy mom of two boys, I primarily worked on a contract or freelance basis so that I could spend time at home. When my children got older, I entered corporate America as a copywriter for H-E-B. Around that same time, in my mid-40s, I rediscovered a love of fitness which led me to pursue outdoor endurance events including running, cycling, and triathlons. While still working at H-E-B, I decided to get my fitness certifications, and I began teaching classes in the gym at H-E-B headquarters after hours. I’ve always loved indoor cycling, so I began teaching cycle and strength classes at a local gym in my spare time, along with training a growing roster of clients. Pretty soon, there were not enough hours in the day to do all the things I loved, and I realized I needed to make some choices. I wasn’t sure where to begin, but a nasty fall on a bike that shattered my collarbone and left me immobile for 6 weeks gave me plenty of time to think. What I realized during that time was that I did not miss my 9-5 job. What I missed was helping people gain strength, confidence, and become the best versions of themselves through fitness. So, at the age of 47, I followed the advice I always give my riders and clients: I got uncomfortable. I left my secure, well-paying job to design a life that combined everything I loved. I went back to the world of freelance writing, this time with a focus on women’s magazines and fitness publications and topics. I added more clients to my schedule, and began training and teaching every day, landing at amp studios where I currently teach indoor cycle and strength classes multiple times per week to an amazing and inspiring community.
When I announced at 47 that I was leaving a coveted position to freelance and teach fitness classes, there were a few people who thought I’d lost my mind–some days I thought maybe they were right! But now, at 52, I am 100 percent certain that I made the right choice. I love what I do, am in the best shape of my life, continue to compete and place in local running and cycling events, and I even completed my first half-Ironman at a respectable time at the age of 49! My hope is that I can inspire other women to realize that it is never too late and you are never too old to try something new. My motto is that aging isn’t optional, but how you do it can be. You get one body to take you through life and it is up to you to take care of it.
Here is a link to a feature that can give you more insight about me–I was asked to share my story on Prime Women. https://primewomen.com/
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Mostly, yes. There were a couple of big bumps in the beginning such as getting used to not receiving a regular paycheck every week, as well as an initial partnership that proved to not be the best fit. But I believe that everything happens for a reason and even the bad experiences have something good to offer. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons from a couple of those early missteps that have served me well going forward including:
- Always, always, always trust your gut.
- Listen to the advice of your close friends and family–they are able to more clearly see things you may not see or choose to overlook.
- Never compromise your hustle, your values, or who you are for anyone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a journalist for 25 + years, and I am regularly featured in local publications including San Antonio Magazine, as well as digital magazines including Prime Women, and as a ghost blog writer for several corporations across the country. My work has also been published on Mind Body Green. I specialize primarily in lifestyle features with an emphasis on women over 40 and fitness. I am most proud of the fact that I was the guest editor for one of San Antonio Magazine’s first all-fitness issues and part of the team that helped put together the first SWEAT SA event. I am passionate about making fitness accessible to everyone! While it’s usually my SA LIVE host husband Mike Osterhage who gets all the air time, I served as the host of the Mayor’s Fitness Council’s Fit City program, and I often appear of KSAT for Fitness Friday segments, sharing tips and generally bugging my husband on set–lol!
I think what sets me apart is my age and fitness level. I’m in better shape at 52 than I was at 32. For some reason, people tend to think that once a woman hits 40, she’s past her prime. Society tells us that youth is our most valuable commodity. I want to change that narrative by reminding women that we are capable of changing our bodies and our habits at any age. I am proof of this. You are NOT too old and it is NOT too late. Although I’ve been active and “fit” most of my life, I was not “athletic” until my mid-40s. I think that helps me resonate with clients of all ages. I train women who are in their 20s and 30s and want to establish good habits early, and women who are my age and older who want to go into their later years feeling and looking their best. It’s rewarding to me to see them accomplish things they never thought possible. The 50s are the new 30s!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
I get a lot of questions about how to break into the freelance writing industry and get your work published. I also get a lot of questions about how to get fit after 50. The answer to both is the same: Hustle your ass off! There is no magic bullet or shortcut–it takes hard work, dedication, and patience. You always hear people say that you have to “know your why” for doing something. I think it’s more important to know your “what.” What do you want to achieve and, more importantly, what are you willing to do to get there? For me, I knew that I wanted a life that combined all my passions—writing, fitness, and my family. I knew I was going to have to give up a full-time 9-5 job to get it. I was going to have to make a few sacrifices in the beginning. For me though, those risks were less frightening than the idea of living with the “what ifs.” I would hate to think that I didn’t try something I was interested in because I was scared of failing or scared of what others would think or say. Whatever it is you want to do, you have to believe in yourself, and what you bring to the table. Tune out the doubters and the naysayers. It isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. As I always remind my riders—you get one shot at life. This is not the scrimmage, it’s the game. How hard do you want to play?
Contact Info:
- Website: b-fitsa.com amp-studio.com
- Instagram: @b.fit_sa & @ampstudiotexas
