We had the good fortune of connecting with Gail Gensler and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gail, what do you want people to remember about you?
I hope to be remembered as someone who inspired others to change their personal narrative about aging and to embrace a healthy lifestyle at any age. Specifically, I want to leave a legacy of positive influence on women of all generations-younger women to not “fear the years” and women 40 and beyond to keep being vibrant and healthy regardless of age. I want women to know that society should never determine how we dress, what activities we enjoy, and certainly what workout we do. If I have inspired and motivated women from leading by example, I have made my positive contribution to the world. That’s a legacy I’d be thrilled to leave behind.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been proud of my accomplishments in my 33-year plus career in the automotive industry, but also knew that I wanted to explore my personal goals and vision. The automotive industry- being a male dominated industry- is not easy, but it has made me strong and resilient. I use my leadership skills to manage my team and my intellect to maneuver an ever-changing digital landscape. I have the inherent tenacity, intellect, and determination necessary to excel in this field, and have applied my business acumen in my side endeavor of being a pro aging fitness enthusiast.
I have been athletic my whole life. I was on many sports teams when I was younger-tennis, volleyball, and tetherball. I went to sleep away camp every summer and played sports all day. When I took my first boxing for fitness class in 1999, I was immediately “hooked.” Upon reflection, I realized that this workout resonated so greatly with me because it encompassed all the skills I had acquired in the aforementioned sports, primarily utilizing upper body strength.
Boxing is unique in that it not only requires athletic ability, but cognitive skills as well. I was fortunate to be a boxing gym owner in 2008-2009 when I was able to combine my business acumen and my passion for fitness. It was a joy to bring my favorite workout to so many people! Sadly, this was the time of the recession and I could not continue on with my endeavor. I lost a lot of money; I lost what I thought would be my career for the rest of my life.
Age has never been a thought for me when it comes to my performance in the gym. I am now 60 and still in beast mode while boxing, spinning, lifting and doing HIIT classes. At 58 I realized that I had clarity about my “WHY”, or my purpose. This is when my vision began to be crystal clear.
Although there are many women in my demographic who are part of the pro aging movement, I am the only one who uses my love of boxing to convey my message. I am THE example of a midlife woman who is healthy, vibrant, extremely active, and continues to enjoy her life and passions which include fashion, beauty, art, culture, and international travel. I’m proud to talk about my age, but am also completely transparent and authentic about the things I do to look the way I do- just ask me!
I have always been a great orator, but have discovered that I have a talent for writing and marketing myself and my personal brand. I am very proud of my website, which showcases my blogs and all the publications I have been featured in. I did this through leveraging relationships I have built through the years, and being bold by reaching out to brands and magazines that I want to be associated with. I AM my brand- here to inspire and motivate women to live their best life regardless of age! I lead by example, as I am a firm believer in “your actions speak so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.” I live my truths, speak my mind and don’t let anyone tell me that I can’t!
The last piece of my vision was to become a mature model, which I have done! I have pioneered the 45+ category of mature models with Nicole Shelley Models Inc. We are also embarking on a project to bring the modeling experience to every woman who has ever dreamed of this and who wants gorgeous photos of themselves for personal or professional purposes. I have only just gotten started…
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has become a cultural center in the last decade. I would suggest that my guest come for Art Basel in December. It’s my favorite time of the year in Miami, exploding with art and fashion. I would take my guest to all of the ancillary fairs in Wynwood and downtown Miami, and then back to look at the famed Wynwood Walls and Miami Design District. We would visit Bal Harbor Shops, Aventura Mall, and Brickell City Centre.
Of course, workouts would be included- boxing at TapOut fitness Miami and HIIT classes with Tony Thomas. We would visit PAMM, take in a show at the Arsht Center, and drive up to Palm Beach to visit the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Happy hour at River Oyster Bar in Brickell, dining at one of the many restaurants in Brickell City Centre, and at Phuk Yea on Biscayne Blvd.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents Jack and Shirley Gensler deserve a load of recognition for always being loving, supportive, and proud of me. My greatest mentor was the owner of the company I have worked for for the last 21 years, Mr. Ron Esserman. (All the above are post humous). My oldest brother Robert Gensler, who always encouraged me to explore the philosophy of life. My social media agent Francesca Perini, for guiding me and supporting me in my social media journey to bring my vision of being a pro aging fitness enthusiast to life.
Website: gailgensler.com
Instagram: gailgensler
Linkedin: gail gensler
Facebook: gail gensler
Image Credits
stellarmediaagency tatanzuleta nicoleshelleymodelsinc