A London entrepreneur who has undergone an incredible body transformation and now has the bone density of someone in their 30s is encouraging women in midlife and beyond to lift weights and embrace strength as the foundation of health.
Businesswoman and mother-of-two Heather Ann says she feels more empowered than ever after her stunning transformation. She now wants to spread the message that weight training is the single best form of exercise for women stepping into their “second act” of life.
Heather, originally from the US but now living in London, is co-founder of the premium tequila brand Ladydragón Craft Tequila. She believes fitness should be about balance, not restriction, and is determined to show women that lifting weights won’t turn them into bodybuilders — but it will change the way they age.
“I wanted to be stronger,” Heather said. “I’ve always been slim and dipped in and out of gyms, but when I moved from America to the UK, I noticed I’d lost physical strength. At the same time, the challenge of adapting to a new country – and helping my children adjust to a new life – demanded emotional and mental resilience. That shift made me see the gym differently: it wasn’t just about fitness anymore, it was about building the strength to carry myself through change.”
In September 2022, Heather started lifting weights at Ultimate Performance’s High Street Kensington gym. In January 2025, she began training with U.P. personal trainer Sergio Alexander Gouveia Macia, and since then has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Through weight training, a protein-rich diet, and daily movement, Heather has reduced her body fat to just 15.8%. Her progress even stunned a top fitness industry photographer with more than 30 years’ experience shooting cover models worldwide, who called it one of the best transformations he had ever seen.
Because thriving at midlife isn’t about shrinking or settling — it’s about getting stronger, sexier, and unapologetically alive.
Heather said:
“I wanted to achieve a lean, muscular build, but there is so much pressure on women not to be ‘too skinny’ or to seem obsessed in a negative way. That kind of pushback can even come from friends and family. Having a skilled trainer I trusted made all the difference. Sergio guided me in a way that kept me healthy, balanced, and focused on the right goals. As a mother, you spend your whole life giving, supporting, and cheering your family on. To suddenly have someone focused entirely on you – dedicated to helping you become the best version of yourself – it’s touching, moving, and life-changing. Sergio was that cheerleader for me, and that person can change everything. He has for me.”
Her two teenage children are now in awe of her strength, and Heather hopes other women will feel inspired to step onto the gym floor with confidence. ‘Gymtimidation’ – the fear of the gym – remains a barrier for many women who assume weight training is just for men. Heather insists it’s quite the opposite.
“Prior to coming to Ultimate Performance, I always felt awkward in the gym,” she said. “But now, I’m a gym bunny! Going to the gym is part of my identity. My confidence has grown so much, and I think all women embracing their second act should lift weights. Since I’ve been training, my bone density is virtually the same as someone in their 30s — which is amazing. Strong bones are crucial at this stage of life.”
“When you’ve been through so many changes, it’s so important to build muscle. In fact, whatever the question is, the answer is: build muscle! Heavy lifting, quality protein, and daily walking have changed everything for me – from energy and self-belief to resilience and physical strength.”
Heather believes this lifestyle is not only transformative physically but also emotionally.
“I firmly believe that being strong fundamentally changes the way we age. The more I’ve trained, the less my body aches, and even old injuries barely trouble me now. Weightlifting, rather than endless cardio, is the real game-changer when it comes to staying strong, fit, and healthy as we age. And I love that my kids think Mum is jacked!”
Above all, Heather wants women to know that fitness and joy can go hand in hand.
“Lift heavy, get your protein in, walk your steps – ideally 15,000 or more – and you don’t have to give up the things you enjoy,” she said. “I own a tequila brand — drinking is my career! If you give yourself the gift of three hours of training a week, you can make this second act of life even better than what came before. You’re wiser now – be stronger too, and nothing can stop you.”
For more information about the benefits of strength training for the over-40s, visit: 10 Golden Rules to Weight Training for Over 40s | Ultimate Performance Blog
