Accidental Influencer: How Suzi Found Fitness, Fun, and Followers After 50
What if your third act of life could be your most joyful, most empowering, and most surprising chapter yet? That’s exactly what Suzi discovered when she stumbled into the world of fitness content creation in her 50s—and never looked back.
On this episode of Third Act Unscripted, we talk with Suzi Jalowsky about what it really takes to reinvent yourself midlife, what it feels like to face your fears of judgment, and how helping others find their strength became her new calling.
This isn’t a story of overnight success or perfectly polished plans. It’s a story about showing up as you are, taking a chance on something new, and realizing it’s never too late to start living a life that feels like yours.
From a TikTok Dare to a Midlife Fitness Movement
Suzi’s story began with a simple scroll through TikTok. Like many of us, she saw young women doing fitness challenges and thought, Why not me? On a whim, she tried one of the challenges herself, filmed it, and posted it. She wasn’t expecting much—but the video took off.
That spark of encouragement lit something inside her. Soon, she was consistently sharing fitness content, building a following of women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond who were craving relatable, no-nonsense fitness inspiration.
But TikTok felt like a safe playground. Instagram was where her friends and family hung out. And that, she admits, was intimidating.
The Fear of Being Seen by the People Who Know You
One of the most relatable parts of Suzi’s journey is how long it took her to show up on Instagram.
On TikTok, she didn’t know anyone personally. But Instagram? That’s where the people from her hometown, her high school friends, and her social circles would see her.
Like so many Gen Xers, Suzi grew up with the message to “tone it down” and “don’t draw too much attention to yourself.” Sharing videos of yourself working out? That felt wildly outside the comfort zone.
But eventually, she decided to post anyway.
And what happened?
People cheered her on. Friends from high school came out of the woodwork with messages of encouragement. At her high school reunion, people told her how inspired they were by what she was doing.
All that fear she had built up in her mind? It turned out to be just noise.
Consistency Over Perfection
Suzi didn’t get where she is because she knew all the algorithms or had a perfect social media strategy. She showed up consistently, two posts a day, every day, for a year.
She created content on the fly—sometimes jotting down ideas while waiting at the doctor’s office, sometimes experimenting with workouts she found online, and sometimes just sharing what was happening in her own life.
Her approach wasn’t about showing perfect form or using fancy equipment. It was about making movement feel doable and relatable, especially for women over 50.
In doing so, she built a real community: women who wanted to feel strong in their bodies again, who had been told by society that their best years were behind them—and who weren’t buying that narrative anymore.
Facing the Trolls, Finding the Supporters
Of course, putting yourself out there online comes with its challenges.
Suzi faced her fair share of rude comments—some from strangers who criticized her looks, others who questioned her abilities.
At first, those comments stung. But over time, she realized something important: those people weren’t her people.
What mattered were the countless women who cheered her on, defended her in the comments, and thanked her for showing what was possible later in life.
The support of her community helped her focus on what mattered: inspiring people to move their bodies, no matter where they were starting from.
Building a Business in Her Third Act
What started as a hobby eventually opened new doors. Today, Suzi has an agent who helps her land brand deals and partnerships. She’s collaborated with fitness brands, wellness products, and even built a one-on-one coaching program that helps women feel stronger and healthier.
Suzi’s coaching program brings together a personal trainer, a dietitian, and accountability support—all online. The women she works with have lost weight, gained energy, and most importantly, built confidence in their ability to take care of their bodies at any age.
For Suzi, the fulfillment doesn’t come from numbers on a scale or follower counts. It comes from watching women realize they are capable of feeling strong again.
Lessons in Midlife Reinvention
Suzi’s story is full of reminders for anyone navigating their own third act:
You don’t need to be an expert to start. Suzi describes herself as “just a lady working out.” She doesn’t have all the fancy certifications—but she shares from experience, and that’s enough.
You don’t need to know where it’s going. When asked what her plans are for the future, Suzi admits she’s just taking it one day at a time, seeing where it leads.
Boundaries are a gift of midlife. Now in her 50s, Suzi protects her peace. She does what brings her joy and lets go of what doesn’t.
Dreams can still evolve. These days, she dreams of one day having a piece of land where she and her daughter can foster dogs—giving them a safe, happy home.
Advice for Getting Started
If you’ve been wanting to move your body but haven’t known where to start, Suzi’s advice is simple:
Start walking. It’s easy, free, and therapeutic.
Start lifting weights. Even once a week. Build from there.
Be consistent. Results come from doing the small things, over and over.
And maybe the most important reminder?
➡ “It doesn’t matter where you start. Just start.”
The Bigger Picture: Purpose and Peace in the Third Act
In many ways, Suzi’s story isn’t just about fitness—it’s about finding purpose.
In this stage of life, many of us are asking deeper questions:
➤ What do I want this next chapter to feel like?
➤ How do I protect my peace and choose what really matters?
➤ What brings me joy—and how do I do more of that?
For Suzi, it’s working out, walking her dogs, helping other women feel strong, and creating a simple, peaceful life surrounded by what she loves.
And for you? It might look totally different. Maybe it’s starting an art hobby, building a coaching business, volunteering, or writing that book you’ve always dreamed about.
The key is giving yourself permission to try.
Key Takeaways:
✅ You’re never too old to try something new.
✅ Most people are too busy with their own lives to judge you.
✅ Start small and stay consistent—it compounds over time.
✅ Protect your peace in this chapter of life.
✅ You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.
Resources:
➡ Follow Suzi on Instagram: @suzi_J
Get One-On-One Coaching From Suzi
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