Roshni Devi: 70-year-old overcame arthritis by doing these exercises in the gym |
For most people, knee arthritis at 70 means painkillers, walking sticks, and cautious movements. But for Roshni Devi, it meant something different: the beginning of a new chapter. As per reports, when she was diagnosed with arthritis in both knees, her mobility was getting worse by the day. Standing became a task, walking felt like a punishment, and stairs were almost impossible. But something changed when she turned 68—and it wasn’t just her mindset.
With her son’s encouragement, she stepped inside a gym for the first time. Two years later, she now performs 60 kg deadlifts, 40 kg squats, and 100 kg leg presses daily. Her story is not about defying age—it’s about rediscovering life with every lift.
It all began with struggle, not strength
There’s a common belief that gym workouts are unsafe for seniors, especially those dealing with arthritis. But Roshni’s first few days at the gym had nothing to do with lifting weights. She started small—learning how to sit down properly, use bodyweight for simple squats, and build balance. At first, even stepping onto the treadmill was tough. But progress didn’t come overnight. How her body started responding made her stick with it—less stiffness, slightly better posture, and a growing sense of confidence.
This phase is often skipped in stories, but it was the most important part for Roshni.
The truth about heavy weights at 70
At 70, Roshni’s weightlifting numbers seem unbelievable. But here’s the fact: Muscles and bones don’t stop responding just because of age. Lifting weights, especially for the first time at 70, stimulates muscle growth and increases bone density. The stronger the muscles around the joints, the less pressure on the actual joint.
So when Roshni began lifting heavier, it wasn’t harming her knees—it was protecting them.
Consistency, not intensity, did the magic
Many assume that it’s the heavy weights that brought her transformation. But the truth? It was the consistency. Every single day, she showed up. Whether it was a light session or a strength day, her body learned the rhythm. Her trainers say she never misses a session—even on rainy days or low-energy mornings. This regularity built her resilience and rewired how her body responded to pain.
Her story proves something powerful: Discipline outlives discomfort.
Nicknamed ‘weightlifter mummy’: What keeps her going?
Those who watch her now often call her ‘Weightlifter Mummy’—a name she wears proudly. But what keeps her going isn’t vanity or record-breaking lifts. It’s the fact that she no longer wakes up with joint pain. She can walk without fear of falling, sit cross-legged again, and even play with her grandchildren. In her own words, “I feel younger than I did at 60.”
More than the weights, it’s her regained independence and dignity that matter most.
What doctors want others to learn from her journey
Exercise is not just safe, but essential for those with arthritis, provided it’s introduced carefully. He emphasises the need for medical guidance, proper supervision, and the right progression. For some, pain management is needed before starting a workout plan. But the goal is always the same—to reach a point where the body is strong enough to move without painkillers.
This isn’t about becoming a bodybuilder. It’s about reclaiming control over one’s body.
